This page covers upgrading an Asus router, running the stock/original firmware, to run the Asus Merlin enhanced firmware version.

You must have a Residential VPN account to use this service.

Step 1
Make sure your computer is connected to the 'StreamVia VPN' wifi network, or whatever you called your new VPN wifi network.


Step 2
Now we will download the Merlin firmware for your router, in browser window open the below:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuswrt-merlin/files/


Step 3
Select the folder that corresponds to your router model, it is important that you get this correct.

AC and AX are NOT the same


Step 4
Select the 'Release' folder

Step 5
Click the latest version, usually at the top, with the highest (latest version) number, to begin the download.

Step 6
The Merlin firmware for your router, will then download to your computer. Usually to your Downloads folder.

Go to your Downloads folder and extract/decompress the downloaded zip file, a new folder may be created, in the folder a file similar to 'RT-AC86U_386.3_2_cferom_ubi.w' will be shown (this is the Merlin firmware file)

Step 7
In a browser, open the below page - this will open the router configuration screen:

http://router.asus.com


Step 8
Login to the router, with the router username/password you created during setup.

Step 9
We will now update the router to run Merlin, the enhanced Asus firmware.

Advanced Settings → Administration → Firmware Upgrade


Step 10
Under 'Manual firmware update' click 'Upload'


Step 11
Select the Merlin firmware file, that you extracted in Step 6

Step 13
The Merlin firmware will then upload to the router and install.

Step 14
When the router restarts, your computer will probably connect back to your main/original wifi network.

Reconnect to the 'StreamVia VPN' wifi network, after the router has restarted.


Step 15
In a browser, again open the below page - this will open the router configuration screen:

http://router.asus.com


Step 16
Login to the router, with the router username/password you created during setup.

Step 17
If the update to Merlin was successful, at the top of the router configuration screen you will see 'Powered by Asuswrt-Merlin'

Step 18
This is the second part done!

Next, we need to configure the VPN.

Click Here for the steps to configure the VPN