ASUS RT-AC86U AsusWrt-Merlin Firmware 384.4 Beta 3 Download

Posted at November 5, 2024 by PCI-DB Team

Install Driver Automatically

Device Name	ASUS RT-AC86U AsusWrt-Merlin Firmware 384.4 Beta 3
Category	Router Switch Access Point
Manufacturer	ASUS
File Size	66.6 MB
Supported OS	OS Independent

ASUS RT-AC86U AsusWrt-Merlin Firmware 384.4 Beta 3 Description

The AsusWrt-Merlin firmware was developed with the primary goal of boosting the original ASUS firmware, fix bugs and also add new improvements. This package includes a customized firmware targeted at ASUS routers that brings various changes without modifying the interface of the original firmware.

General changes in the 384/NG branch vs 380.xx:

- Clear your browser cache after flashing your first 384 build.
- It's generally recommended to do a factory default reset when coming from 380 to 384/NG.
- HDD spindown settings moved to the System settings page
- SSL certificate management moved to the DDNS page for models that support Let's Encrypt
- Nvram settings now have maximum lengths enforced, to protect against buffer overruns. This means that some very long lists of settings might no longer be possible on 384.xx.

384.4 Changes:

- NEW: Merged with GPL 384_20379 (with some binary components from 382_50010 and 384_20308 depending on models)
- NEW: Added support for the RT-AC5300.
- NEW: Added support for the RT-AC87U.
- NEW: Added IPSEC support to the RT-AC86U.
- NEW: Support the new Entware 64-bit repo on the RT-AC86U. To switch to the new repository, re-run the entware-setup.sh script. You will need to reinstall your apps (your old config files are backed up on your USB disk).
- CHANGED: Tightened security around some config files.
- CHANGED: Allow guest networks settings for AP isolation and SSID broadcast to be set separately from their parent interface (John Bacho)
- CHANGED: Samba protocol support can now be set to SMBv1, SMBv2, or SMBv1 + SMBv2 (the new default). This will result in a performance drop on all models but the RT-AC86U, but will be more secure. Ideally, people should change it to SMBv2 only, and then reboot all their client devices to start using only the new protocol.
- CHANGED: Re-added some of the logging sd-idle used to do in 380.xx.
- CHANGED: Switched to the new Entware repo for armv7 models. To upgrade, run the following commands TWICE: opkg update; opkg upgrade
- FIXED: Resetting an OpenVPN client to default settings might revert back after a reboot.
- FIXED: log flood from lldpd about "unable to send packet on real device" (moved to debug level)
- FIXED: Potential racing condition that could lead to two instances of miniupnpd running at boot time.
- FIXED: Single-char hostnames were rejected by DHCP static leasees page.
- FIXED: AiCloud could sometime generate a new SSL certificate that would overwrite the one stored in jffs. Now, AiCloud can also use the same one uploaded by the user for the main webui, or the Let's Encrypt one.
- REMOVED: Telnet server. Please use SSH for console-based management.
- REMOVED: Disabled SNMP support on the RT-AC86U (incompatible)
- REMOVED: Merlin NAT loopback mode (was increasingly problematic as the firmware firewall handling became more complex)

Installation Notes:

- This custom firmware can be applied like any regular update.
- You should not need to reset to factory defaults.
- You can revert back to an original ASUS firmware at any time.
- Do not load a saved copy of your settings. 

About Router Firmware:

Before you consider downloading this firmware, go to the system information page of the router and make sure that the currently installed version isn't either newer or matching this release.

Due to the large variety of router models and different methods for upgrading the device, it is highly recommended that you read and, above all, understand the installation steps before you apply the new firmware, even if you are a power user.

In theory, these steps shouldn't be much of a hassle for anyone, because manufacturers try to make them as easy as possible, even if they don't always succeed. Basically, you must upload the new firmware to the router through its administration page and allow it to upgrade.

If you install a new version, you can expect increased security levels, different vulnerability issues to be resolved, improved overall performance and transfer speeds, enhanced compatibility with other devices, added support for newly developed technologies, as well as several other changes.

If you're looking for certain safety measures, remember that it would be best if you perform the upload using an Ethernet cable rather than a wireless connection, which can be interrupted easily. Also, make sure you don't power off the router or use its buttons during the installation, if you wish avoid any malfunctions.

If this firmware meets your current needs, get the desired version and apply it to your router unit; if not, check with our website as often as possible so that you don't miss the update that will improve your device.

  It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.

Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.

Related ASUS Drivers