Which Firmware For AiMesh AC Nodes

[Ken Firch]

I've read various opinions on which firmware to run on AiMesh nodes, from it doesn't matter too much, to run as close to the same version as your router. I also heard that running the Asus firmware instead of Merlin is suggested, which is what I'm doing now. I'm sure many others may be rotating their AC models to nodes as we upgrade to AX routers, and retiring the oldest of the bunch to avoid over saturation.
The 386.9 Alpha looks very promising, and exactly what I'm looking for in my nodes: reliability and good range. I'll likely upgrade my nodes to it when released.

But, does it really matter if you run ASUS or Merlin on the AiMesh AC nodes? Fortunately my nodes are wired, so maybe answer is different for a wireless backhaul mode.

Thanks

 

[glens]

The centralized (lack of) control isn't worth the lack of control. Better use of the spectrum is only allowed when individually controlling the nodes as APs, IMO.

Either way, though, there's little-to-none function beyond a switch with a radio so whichever firmware has the best radio functionality, if there's a difference to be had, would be in order.