# Should I use VilaNet OpenWrt or VilaNet Merlin?

Use OpenWrt on a compatible OpenWrt router and Merlin on a compatible ASUSWRT-Merlin router. Do not flash different firmware only to follow a generic guide; verify the exact model and create a backup first.

## Quick decision

| Your router today | Recommended path | Fit score |
|---|---|---:|
| It already runs supported OpenWrt 24.10 or later | [VilaNet OpenWrt](/en/routers/openwrt/) | 94/100 |
| It already has the Koolshare `rogsoft` Software Center on supported HND firmware | [VilaNet Merlin](/en/routers/merlin/) | 82/100 |
| It runs stock vendor firmware or an unlisted firmware family | Use VilaNet on each device instead | 91/100 |
| You would need to flash unfamiliar firmware only for VilaNet | Do not proceed from this guide | 18/100 |

OpenWrt has the broader documented package and recovery path. Merlin is useful
for the narrower supported Koolshare HND environment, but physical-router proof
is still pending and the package must not be generalized to every ASUS router.

## Before choosing

1. Record the router model, CPU architecture and exact firmware version.
2. Export the router's configuration backup.
3. Confirm that another device can reach the router locally if internet routing
   stops.
4. Confirm that the appropriate guide explicitly supports the installed
   firmware family.
5. Keep a copy of the current working package and recovery instructions before
   installing or updating VilaNet.

## Choose OpenWrt when

- the router already runs supported OpenWrt or the documented iStoreOS path;
- the package architecture is available for the router;
- you can use LuCI and, when necessary, an SSH terminal; and
- you can test browsing and DNS from a separate LAN device.

Start with [Install VilaNet on OpenWrt](/en/routers/openwrt/). Do not substitute packages
from another architecture or use the retired legacy installer.

## Choose Merlin when

- the router already exposes **Koolshare Software Center / 软件中心**;
- the package family is `hnd` and meets the guide's compatibility checks; and
- you accept that installation, routing and rollback still need final physical
  verification on the exact router.

Start with [Install VilaNet on Koolshare Merlin](/en/routers/merlin/). Generic
ASUSWRT-Merlin without the supported Koolshare environment is not enough.

## Success check

Before installation, you should know the exact guide, package, backup and local
recovery path you will use. If any of those remain uncertain, use the official
VilaNet app directly on the phone, computer or TV instead of changing router
firmware.

Screenshots remain pending because the correct choice depends on the real
router administration surface. A generic or reconstructed router image would
be misleading.