asuswrt-merlin
Enhanced version of Asus's router firmware (Asuswrt) (legacy code base)
Asuswrt-Merlin is a patched firmware for Asus home routers that adds bug fixes while keeping the original Asus experience, this repo is the legacy 380.xx branch, no longer actively developed.
Asuswrt-Merlin is a modified version of the firmware that ships on Asus home routers. Firmware is the built-in software that runs a device at a low level, and this project takes Asus's own official firmware and adds bug fixes along with a small number of usability improvements.
The focus is on staying close to the original Asus experience rather than overhauling it. This distinguishes it from other third-party router firmware projects like Tomato or DD-WRT, which replace the factory software more completely. Asuswrt-Merlin is aimed at people who are broadly happy with how their Asus router works but want a few rough edges smoothed out.
Important note: this particular repository is the legacy 380.xx branch and is no longer under active development. All new work has moved to a separate repository called asuswrt-merlin.ng, which is the current generation codebase. If you are looking to install or follow the project today, the newer repository is where activity is happening.
Firmware downloads are available from the project's official website at asuswrt-merlin.net. A wiki in the repository lists the specific Asus router models that are supported. The issue tracker on this legacy repository has been closed by the maintainer.
Where it fits
- Flash an older Asus router with a patched firmware build to get bug fixes not yet in the official Asus release.
- Download a specific legacy firmware version from GitHub Releases for troubleshooting or downgrading.
- Study how the 380.xx Asus firmware was patched to understand the diff between stock and community-maintained firmware.