Why Asuswrt-Merlin?

[sullydog 0]

Hi,

 

I am about to set up an OpenVPN connection on my RT-N66U and I am seeing that users tend to use this custom firmware, but I can't find an answer as to why.

 

I am currently running stock firmware 3.0.0.4.376_1071 and I ran a test where using the router's VPN Client, I was able to create an .ovpn to Alkaid using embedded certificates and it connected fine according to the router system log.

 

I actually couldn't connect to the internet after doing so, but I think that this is because I need to manually set up my DNS servers (one to 10.4.0.1 and one to another public DNS server for when I shut down my connection to Air).

 

Anyway, my question is, what is the benefit of installing the custom Merlin firmware if I am able to configure my stock firmware to connect to AirVPN (assuming that the DNS issue above is my only problem)?

 

Sorry for the simple question, but I can't seem to find a straight answer from my reading.

 

Thanks!

[bubbba 3]

Hi,

 

I am about to set up an OpenVPN connection on my RT-N66U and I am seeing that users tend to use this custom firmware, but I can't find an answer as to why.

 

I am currently running stock firmware 3.0.0.4.376_1071 and I ran a test where using the router's VPN Client, I was able to create an .ovpn to Alkaid using embedded certificates and it connected fine according to the router system log.

 

I actually couldn't connect to the internet after doing so, but I think that this is because I need to manually set up my DNS servers (one to 10.4.0.1 and one to another public DNS server for when I shut down my connection to Air).

 

Anyway, my question is, what is the benefit of installing the custom Merlin firmware if I am able to configure my stock firmware to connect to AirVPN (assuming that the DNS issue above is my only problem)?

 

Sorry for the simple question, but I can't seem to find a straight answer from my reading.

 

Thanks!

 

If your stock firmware is Open Source, and some manufacturers are going that route these days, there is no difference. If it is not Open Source that would be the reason to not use it. Some router manufacturers have placed back doors into their firmware. With open source vetting, this can be avoided.

[SlyFox 10]

I have the RT-N66U. Also have the Asus RT-N16. I have been using Toasatman tomato with airvpn for a long while now and it works outstanding. I would not use the stock firmware.

[pfSense_fan 181]

It has been a while since I have used it, but if memory serves me well, the reason the Merlin firmware is so desirable is because it can use hardware acceleration as where tomato etc cannot. On a LAN this means full wire speed with merlin firmware while tomato may only be able to do 200-300 Mb.

 

Last I read it also had been given some OpenVPN optimizations and achieved higher throughput through vpn then other firmwares. Tons of info on it over at the smallnetbuilder forum where RMerlin is active.

[Wolf666 17]

Take a look to Kong's builds: http://desipro.de/ddwrt/K3-AC/Changelog or at DD-WRT forum: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=1