The RT-AX82U V2 is built on the ASUS WiFi 6 ecosystem and features the following standard performance hardware:
Category
Specification Details
IPy4, IPv6, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), WiFi 5 (802.11ac), WiFi 4 (802.11n), 802.11a/b/g
Network Standards
Total AX5400 concurrent Bandwidth speeds up to 5400 Mbps
5 GHz Up to 4804 Mbps (4x4 Speed stream config, 160MHz channels)
Mhno
2.4 GHz Up to 574 Mbps (2x2 Speed stream config)
Processor 1.5 GHz Tri-Core Processor
Memory 256 MB Flash ROM / 512 MB RAM
1x RJ45 Gigabit WAN4 x RJ45 Gigabit LAN (including 1x Dedicated Gaming Port)1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
Physical I/O Ports
Antennas 4 x External Fixed Antennas
Encryption WPA3-Personal, WPA2- Type Personal, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise
Memory 256 MB Flash ROM/ 512 MB RAM
Physical 1/O RJ45 Gigabit WAN4 x Ports RJ45 Gigabit LAN (including 1x Dedicated Gaming Port)1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
Antennas 4 x External Fixed Antennas
Encryption WPA3-Personal, WPA2- Type Personal, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise
Key Gaming Mobile Game Mode via Features app, Adaptive QoS, Aura RGB Front Panel
Mesh Compatible with ASUS Support
Eric Sauvageau, the developer who goes by the online alias "RMerlin". The firmware you are referring to is Asuswrt-Merlin. which is the most widely celebrated third-party custom firmware for ASUS routers.
Unlike alternative distributions like DD- WRT or OpenWrt--which completely overwrite and replace the stock operating system with a brand new interface--Asuswrt-Merlin takes a completely different approach.
What is Asuswrt-Merlin?
It is an enhanced "fork" of the official ASUS firmware. Eric ("RMerlin") takes the actual source code released by ASUS and applies optimizations. security enhancements,and advanced features directly on top of it.
When you install it, the router interface looks and feels exactly like the original ASUS menu, but a massive bank of hidden power-user tools is unlocked underneath.
Key Advantages of This Firmware
Performance & Stability: It keeps the proprietary Broadcom hardware drivers intact. This means you do not lose features like hardware NAT
acceleration, AiMesh functionalitv,
Performance & Stability: It keeps the proprietary Broadcom hardware drivers intact. This means you do not ose features like hardware NAT acceleration, AiMesh functionality, or the Aura RGB lighting controls built for the RT-AX82U.
Built-in VPN Enhancement (OpenVPN & WireGuard): Merlin features a massive upgrade to VPN ntegration. You can set up "VPN Director," allowing you to route specific devices (like a smart TV or console) through a VPN while keeping the rest of your household on your regular local internet
Advanced Scripts & Software Add-ons: It allows vou to run user- made scripts. The most famous is Diversion (a router-level ad blocker
so if you want control this is the router for you