what's the current guidance with using merlinwrt 3006 on mesh nodes?

[128bit]

when using merlinwrt 3006, is it preferred to use merlin's 3006 for the aimesh nodes?

previously discussions seemed to lean toward using stock fw on the nodes but after reading "dong's" latest thoughts on asuswrt 5.0, i get the sense that he favors using merlinwrt on the nodes as well.

 

[bbunge]

when using merlinwrt 3006, is it preferred to use merlin's 3006 for the aimesh nodes?

previously discussions seemed to lean toward using stock fw on the nodes but after reading "dong's" latest thoughts on asuswrt 5.0, i get the sense that he favors using merlinwrt on the nodes as well.

Merlin firmware is not needed on AiMesh nodes. Asus firmware works well for nodes.
However, there can be a case where Merlin firmware is used on nodes. For example: if you need to use a newer version of Samba to support a USB storage device connected to a node. Still, a NAS is a better choice for storage.

 

[mellifluous]

This is from Merlin's documentation
"While Merlin-based nodes seem to work fine so far, there is generally little benefit in running it on a node, so it's generally recommended to leave your nodes on the stock Asus firmware."

 

[128bit]

However, there can be a case where Merlin firmware is used on nodes. For example: if you need to use a newer version of Samba to support a USB storage device connected to a node. Still, a NAS is a better choice for storage.

interesting. i've read a piece on nas vs usb. for my home use, i've had a 2g ssd plugged directly into the 3.0 port. it's been solid for several years now over 3 different routers. my av equipment grabs media just fine with no glitches. with the pc's though, there are occasions when i have to run the troubleshooter before i can access the drive but that's it.

 

[JoeHz]

Before i acquired a NAS i had a couple of old drives plugged into the usb via an enclosure as shared storage and noticed memory usage went up a fair bit, proportionate with the amount of attached storage.

It was enough that even after getting the NAS and retiring those old drives, i actually began to care about the amount of memory the router shipped with for when I bought the next one. My new rule is that any router attached usb storage belongs to the router alone and not the humans

 

[ducky124]

Running Merlin firmware on mesh nodes offers limited practical benefits, as the primary router handles most of the routing, network management, and advanced features. The mesh nodes mainly function as wireless access points or range extenders, relaying data to and from the main router. Therefore, they don’t typically take advantage of the advanced customization and features that Merlin provides, such as enhanced QoS, firewall options, or scripting capabilities.


However, I’ve personally found it convenient to install Merlin across all devices in a mesh system, including the nodes, for consistency and ease of management. Firmware updates for Merlin are generally released simultaneously for compatible models, which simplifies the update process and ensures that all units are running the latest stable and secure software. Keeping all devices on the same firmware ecosystem can also help avoid potential compatibility issues and makes troubleshooting more straightforward.

 

[bbunge]

While I haven’t personally tested this, everything I’ve read indicates that USB ports on AiMesh nodes are typically non-functional for network services. In an AiMesh setup, only the primary router handles USB-based features such as file sharing (SMB/FTP), media server (DLNA), or Download Master. The mesh nodes operate in a limited role and do not expose their USB ports for these services. As a result, if you want to use USB functionality on your network, the drive needs to be connected directly to the main AiMesh router.

Not true. I have used a 2TB USB3 drive in an AX86U AiMesh node and the Samba and DLNA worked very well. Both Asus and Merlin firmware.

 

[ducky124]

Not true. I have used a 2TB USB3 drive in an AX86U AiMesh node and the Samba and DLNA worked very well. Both Asus and Merlin firmware.

After going back and actually trying it, I find you are correct. With firmware version 3.0.0.4.386.xxxxx and later, ASUS enabled USB applications on AiMesh nodes for select routers — but they didn’t make this very clear in all documentation or update all models the same way.

 

[Tech9]

I’ve personally found

Sure.

Thanks. We don't need this "knowledge".

 

[bennor]

After going back and actually trying it, I find you are correct. With firmware version 3.0.0.4.386.xxxxx and later, ASUS enabled USB applications on AiMesh nodes for select routers — but they didn’t make this very clear in all documentation or update all models the same way.

You may want to go back and correct your earlier post so people new to the thread don't get confused.

USB hard drives are supported when connected to AiMesh nodes in my testing with a RT-AX86U Pro (main router) running Asus-Merlin 3006.102.4 firmware and a RT-AC68U (Node1) running stock Asus 3.0.0.4.386_51733 firmware, and a second RT-AC68U (Node2) running Asus-Merlin 3004.386.14_2. In the AiMesh > Management section for each of the nodes there is a USB Application option that when clicked opens a new dialog window with options for Server Center, Time Machine, Download Master. When the Network Places (Samba) option under Server Center is selected a dialog window opens where one can configure the Samba Share information.

Some comments. For what ever reason the Samba Share configuration pages on stock Asus firmware on Node 1 was not the same as the options on Samba Share configuration page on Node 2 running Asus-Merlin firmware. Further, for what ever reason my Windows 11 24H2 PC would only display Node2 (the Asus-Merlin firmware node) initially in the Windows File Explorer Network Neighborhood. Node1 running stock Asus firmware wouldn't show up until I physically accessed it (aka \\Node1) via the Widows File Explorer address bar. Some example images showing the various pages for the AiMesh nodes indicating that USB drives are enabled and configurable on the nodes themselves.

 

[SoFluffy]

Just a guess here.. I have my main router’s WINS server set to True and the SMB shares on that main router and my mesh node are discoverable.

As for Merlin on nodes - I agree with the sentiment that manageability is easier when using the same FW if all mesh nodes are the same hardware. If not, you should have a reason to run Merlin on the nodes.

My RT-AX86U node (wired backhaul) runs Merlin allowing me to run Syncthing, Trojan, Nginx, SMB, and even a Plex server. I figure those four 1.8Ghz cores and gig of RAM are just sitting there wasted, so why not? I don’t expect miracles and it’s not the most performant, but it accomplishes my needs above my (low) expectations. The uptime and reliability are better than my Raspberry Pis.