Step 7: Upload RT-AC66U firmware using Asus CFE Miniweb Server

• After booting, the router IP address is changed back to 192.168.0.1.
• I can only assumed that the router default IP address was inherited from DLink CFE Miniweb Server.
• Change PC IP address back to 192.168.0.3
• On your browser, type 192.168.0.1 and you should see the web page below.



• Next, click on "Restore default NVRAM values" to erase nvram contents.



• Browse for  RT-AC66U_B1_3.0.0.4_385_20630-ged5e4c3.trx firware file



• Click Upload button and let the RT-AC66U firmware be loaded to the router. Please be patient, it will take some time (maybe about 3-5 minutes).
• Finally, you will see the following message. Click Continue link to reboot the router.



• Congratulations you succeeded in migrating your DIR-868L router to Asus AiMesh firmware.
• Don’t forget to set your PC IP address back to automatic.
• You should see welcome page of RT-AC66U B1.



• Now you should be able to do the necessary router configurations. See sample below.



• Good luck with migration to Asus AiMesh. :thumbsup:

• My work is done.

ASUS Router App:

• Recently, I installed the ASUS Router app in my android phone. The app is awesome.
• Similar in comparison to other routers brand such as TP-Link or DLink in terms of functionality but definitely more features and better looking.
• The app will think the converted DIR-868L is a genuine RT-AC66U B1 router.
• A recommended download. 









P/S:
• I saw in the internet people migrating to AsusWrt-Merlin firmware.
• Technically it could be done.
• I don't have any spare DIR-868L router anymore to try this.
• Maybe someone with a spare DIR-868L could have a try and let us know the outcome?

Updated 16th January 2021

Thank you very much for the guide. I have successfully convert my DLINK DIR-868L into Asus RT-AC66U B1.

Now I am looking for any TP-Link or D-Link WiFi 6 Router that can convert to AsusWRT too. Do you have any recommendation?

Managed to convert to using AC68U merlin firmware.

Connected as Access Point but funny thing now is that every time after reboot or power loss, it will startup with WiFi Disabled. Have to manually toggle it on and then it works until next reboot.

Any ideas why?

Did you flash to Asuswrt then only flash to Merlin?
Try the process again.

I flashed to Merlin firmware, few advanced features available
Can see real time temperature, CPU is idling at 77C
Reboot schedule is great too, set to reboot router once a week to flush the RAM

Some people have tried Tenda Ac18 and Huawei ws880, flashed to xwrt.
However those can only run on legacy firmware 380.xx
Flash at your own risk

Having the same problem on both latest stock Asus AC68u and Merlin AC68u firmware too.

Thank you gary_cheah85 for sharing your experience with the Merlin firmware.

Yes. The CPU temperature reading is a useful bonus.

BTW. There is a reboot schedule function in the ASUS RT-AC66U B1 firmware too.

It's under Administration menu. Below is a shapshot for my main router. I set it to reboot at 6:45 AM everyday.



Regards.

Dear All,

Just would like to share my successful firmware migration from Asus to Merlin firmware last night.  :hyper:

I manually updated the AiMesh node first. Followed by main router. It is best to manually reboot both once you completed your migration.



It's Asuswrt-Merlin RT-AC68U 386.1_2 firmware. Release date 12 Feb 2021. I think it is similar to current ASUS firmware.

You can download it here. https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuswrt-me...-AC68U/Release/



Bonus. Temperature readings inside the Administration menu.



So far, performance wise comparable to stock ASUS firmware, maybe a bit better.

Let's see how stable it is compared to stock ASUS firmware.

Regards,

Updated 3 March 2021.

i follow your step to migrate to asus 66 firmware ..but after done ...the lan connection max 100mbps and 2.4g wifi at 30mbps ...

Same situation here and i did some digging and found the solution.2.4GHz wifi Channel bandwidth 20MHz and Control Channel 6. If not working try change to channel 1 or 11 depends on wifi interference around you.

Same situation here and i did some digging and found the solution.2.4GHz wifi Channel bandwidth 20MHz and Control Channel 6. If not working try change to channel 1 or 11 depends on wifi interference around you.

Good morning All,

Anyone looking to buy DIR-868L router can try at Carousell Malaysia. ( No. I am not getting any commission from Carousell ).

https://www.carousell.com.my/search/DIR-868L?



DIR-868L is currently a bit expensive at Lazada or Shopee.

Maybe they know people are looking for DIR-868L to create an inexpensive AiMesh cluster using ASUS firmware. 

More choices in Carousell Singapore https://www.carousell.sg/q/electronics-7/dlink-router-868l/?

But then need to cross border and shipping cost.

Regards