What Merlin addons use ?

[ducky124]

It really doesn’t matter what anyone else is using. Everyone has different needs. You just need to figure out what additional features you’re looking for, then see if there’s a script that supports them. Otherwise, you can go through the descriptions of the available scripts and see which ones might actually be useful to you.

 

[gabox]

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your comments.

I understand that we have different needs and different infrastructure, and I understand that browsing the catalog is enough to understand what each add-on is about. But what I was looking for in this post, in addition to your kind contributions, was to look beyond the functionality of each of these add-ons and learn more about their day-to-day functionality and a starting point for using them in the future. Best,

 

[Viktor Jaep]

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your comments.

I understand that we have different needs and different infrastructure, and I understand that browsing the catalog is enough to understand what each add-on is about. But what I was looking for in this post, in addition to your kind contributions, was to look beyond the functionality of each of these add-ons and learn more about their day-to-day functionality and a starting point for using them in the future. Best,

If you are trying to solve a use-case that you have, don't hesitate to post your question, and the community will definitely provide some great advice how to resolve it, and with what add-on (if any).

 

[aru]

Everyone’s home network setup, internet speed, number of devices, and usage habits are different, so someone else’s experience may not fully apply, and blindly following it could cause problems. Receiving a large amount of practical advice, use cases, and operational tips at once may leave a beginner unsure of what is “essential,” “optional,” or “risky.” Too much information can easily lead to confusion, making it hard to know where to start.

Recommended Learning Path for Beginners (Very Important)​

If you follow this order, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of problems and avoid most common mistakes.

---

Step 1 (Essential | Stability First)​

• Flash ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware
• Do not install any add-ons or scripts yet
• Let the router run stable for 1–2 weeks
  
  • Make sure Wi-Fi, internet access, and device connections are all working properly
  • Get familiar with how Merlin differs from the stock ASUS firmware

The only goal at this stage is stability.

---

Step 2 (Safe | Low-Risk Exploration)​

• Install amtm (the add-on management tool)
• Only install low-risk add-ons, such as:
  
  • Update notification add-ons (firmware / script update alerts)
  • Fun, non-intrusive game add-ons

This stage helps you:

• Learn how to install and remove add-ons safely
• Avoid affecting core networking functionality

---

Step 3 (Advanced | Install Only With a Clear Need)​

• Refer to the official add-on catalog:
  https://www.snbforums.com/threads/asuswrt-merlin-addon-software-catalog.82059/
• Install add-ons only when you clearly understand why you need them
• Install one add-on at a time
• After installation, observe for several days:
  
  • Internet speed changes
  • Connection drops or abnormal behavior
  • Unusual CPU or RAM usage

Guiding principle: controlled, reversible, and observable changes

---

Key Takeaway for Beginners​

Merlin’s strength comes from knowing what you install —
not from installing everything available.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Everyone’s home network setup, internet speed, number of devices, and usage habits are different, so someone else’s experience may not fully apply, and blindly following it could cause problems. Receiving a large amount of practical advice, use cases, and operational tips at once may leave a beginner unsure of what is “essential,” “optional,” or “risky.” Too much information can easily lead to confusion, making it hard to know where to start.

Recommended Learning Path for Beginners (Very Important)​

If you follow this order, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of problems and avoid most common mistakes.

---

Step 1 (Essential | Stability First)​

• Flash ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware
• Do not install any add-ons or scripts yet
• Let the router run stable for 1–2 weeks
  • Make sure Wi-Fi, internet access, and device connections are all working properly
  • Get familiar with how Merlin differs from the stock ASUS firmware

The only goal at this stage is stability.

---

Step 2 (Safe | Low-Risk Exploration)​

• Install amtm (the add-on management tool)
• Only install low-risk add-ons, such as:
  • Update notification add-ons (firmware / script update alerts)
  • Fun, non-intrusive game add-ons

This stage helps you:

• Learn how to install and remove add-ons safely
• Avoid affecting core networking functionality

---

Step 3 (Advanced | Install Only With a Clear Need)​

• Refer to the official add-on catalog:
  https://www.snbforums.com/threads/asuswrt-merlin-addon-software-catalog.82059/
• Install add-ons only when you clearly understand why you need them
• Install one add-on at a time
• After installation, observe for several days:
  • Internet speed changes
  • Connection drops or abnormal behavior
  • Unusual CPU or RAM usage

Guiding principle: controlled, reversible, and observable changes

---

Key Takeaway for Beginners​

Just a point of clarification isn't AMTM preinstalled in Merlin's firmware now?

 

[Ripshod]

Just a point of clarification isn't AMTM preinstalled in Merlin's firmware now?

AI copy/paste.

 

[Tech9]

AI copy/paste.

Too gentle about AI BS invasion. Then another AI will read SNB Forums and create BS v2.

 

[bennor]

But what I was looking for in this post, in addition to your kind contributions, was to look beyond the functionality of each of these add-ons and learn more about their day-to-day functionality and a starting point for using them in the future. Best,

For addon scripts you may want to flip your question around. What issue are you having that you are trying to solve? Is there a specific feature or function you would like or need that the router does not currently provide for your use case?

Generally an addon script was created to address a specific purpose, or specific issue, or enhance an existing router feature or function. Most people will typically only install a specific addon script because they want a specific feature or function that the specific script provides, above the standard router features, to address a specific issue or problem they have in their own local configuration, environment or use case. If you want to know about a script's "day to day" function then read each of the scripts specific threads where users discuss the script itself and any issues or problems they have with it. Most of the addon scripts are set and forget. They run in the background and do not need day to day maintenance or access by a human operator.

 

[JGrana]

You’re on this forum and asking good questions. I would say you have some level of technical experience.
IMHO, here is a good starting point.
If what you intend is a pretty much set and forget system (vast majority of WiFi users), simply install Asuswrt-merlin and enjoy stability. Once in a while, login to the router and see if there are any firmware updates - needed mostly for the various security patches.

If you do want to “explore” more features/functions I would recommend you use the built in AMTM, plug in an SSD drive and install Entware. Once done, I would recommend the following 2 addons -
1) scmerlin - a good way to restart services you might need to restart and monitor deeper programs running, memory/storage usage.
2) BACKUPMON - If you plan on adding other addons, maybe do some scripting on your own, tinker - this addon with save you (usually from yourself). It has bailed me out more than once as I “tinker”.
I would let the router run a few days - hopefully stable and allow BACKUPMON to create a few backups.

Then, as the say, the world is your oyster! Lots of useful and practical addons that enhance some router functions (i.e ntpMerlin, YazDHCP, spdMerlin to name a few), some add major functions (Diversion, Scribe, Unbound, etc.).

As others have said, it’s really what you want to “add” in terms of additional features.
Follow the links in the Addon Software Catalog and explore!

 

[gabox]

You’re on this forum and asking good questions. I would say you have some level of technical experience.
IMHO, here is a good starting point.
If what you intend is a pretty much set and forget system (vast majority of WiFi users), simply install Asuswrt-merlin and enjoy stability. Once in a while, login to the router and see if there are any firmware updates - needed mostly for the various security patches.

If you do want to “explore” more features/functions I would recommend you use the built in AMTM, plug in an SSD drive and install Entware. Once done, I would recommend the following 2 addons -
1) scmerlin - a good way to restart services you might need to restart and monitor deeper programs running, memory/storage usage.
2) BACKUPMON - If you plan on adding other addons, maybe do some scripting on your own, tinker - this addon with save you (usually from yourself). It has bailed me out more than once as I “tinker”.
I would let the router run a few days - hopefully stable and allow BACKUPMON to create a few backups.

Then, as the say, the world is your oyster! Lots of useful and practical addons that enhance some router functions (i.e ntpMerlin, YazDHCP, spdMerlin to name a few), some add major functions (Diversion, Scribe, Unbound, etc.).

As others have said, it’s really what you want to “add” in terms of additional features.
Follow the links in the Addon Software Catalog and explore!

Exactly as you described, that was the idea behind this post. It's true, I've been in the networking field for quite some time, but I'm always learning and trying to contribute to the group. Your answer is very clear and provides content to my question, not just a link. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

 

[Ripshod]

To add to what I said earlier, be ready because when things do go wrong the effect's seriousness seems to be exponentially related to the number of addons installed. I'm currently battling to try and get my router stable right now, the second time this year.

 

[Viktor Jaep]

To add to what I said earlier, be ready because when things do go wrong the effect's seriousness seems to be exponentially related to the number of addons installed. I'm currently battling to try and get my router stable right now, the second time this year.

As @Tech9 warned, installing RTRHTR v1.2 as an alternative heat source on your router during these cold winter months could have lasting side effects. Dnsmasq getting tainted through overheating is just one of the first signs.

 

[Ripshod]

As @Tech9 warned, installing RTRHTR v1.2 as an alternative heat source on your router during these cold winter months could have lasting side effects. Dnsmasq getting tainted through overheating is just one of the first signs.

Never tried that. Maybe my router is too cold......

 

[Clark Griswald]

Maybe my router is too cold......

I'm old and I've been around these parts for a very long time, and I have never read that before.

 

[roscoe211]

Unbound
Diversion
Skynet
NTPMerlin
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/s...t-forwarder-and-more.95137/page-4#post-977912