What is custom firmware OpenWRT?
OpenWRT is very popular custom Firmware (now LEDE project is also a part of it). Enthusiasts all over the world contribute to development of the custom firmware, so you can upgrade your router’s stock Firmware to have many more features and there is a chance that this will be more stable. Also you can have the same setup and features on any router that you have. The only problem that the old routers are getting discontinued pretty quickly. If you want up to date Firmware for your old Routers, better use DD-WRT Custom Firmware, that is more updated also for the old hardware.
*** Flashing your Firmware voids manufacturer’s warranty and can BRICK your router!
How to download OpenWRT for your particular Router?
First of all, you need to find if your router is supported:
. Goto “OpenWRT” site
. “Downloads” on the left pane
. Find link to “Table of Hardware”
. In the “Brand” field, write the brand of the router and [Enter]
. In the “Model” field, write the model and [Enter]
*** On the same page on the top there are tips on how to search the database
. Find the version of your specific router in the table
*** If you have stock firmware then you need to download “Firmware OpenWrt Install URL”. The one that has “factory” in its name, like
*** If you have already OpenWRT installed on your router and you want to upgrade to a newer version, then you can download from “Firmware OpenWrt Upgrade URL”. The file that doesn’t contain “factory” in its name, like
*** At the end of the row you will see “View/Edit data” link, so you can open it in a new tab. After that you can find there some information about the router and on the bottom you can find “Installation method(s)” and “Recovery method(s)”. Not always the method that is described there is the best, so you may want to find more information in Google about flashing your specific router.
*** If you need older versions that supported on your hardware, then you can check “OpenWRT version archives“:
When you open that page, you will see all the version names and if you want to know particular numbers you need to click on the name and in the next step you will see the number version.
OpenWRT – Entering Web Interface
. You may enter your router’s GUI to upgrade the ROM, or use the methods that are described in OpenWRT’s database.
. After you flash, goto
. Most likely that the username will be “root” and no password(!) => [Login]
. Configure your password in the Settings
Take steps to safeguard your privacy and the security of your devices
Generally speaking, the most interaction people have with their router is the occasional turn-it-on-and-off-again when a slowdown occurs. This benign neglect, however, could be putting their data and even their bank accounts at risk. It’s important to regularly update router firmware to keep the security features up to date.
“All of your information is going to be passing through that router,” says Craig Young, a researcher with the digital security company Tripwire. “So if it’s compromised, it can really impact your privacy and the security of your devices.”
Young has some serious router-hacking cred, having identified and responsibly disclosed dozens of vulnerabilities in products from manufacturers such as Amazon, Apple, and Google.
He says router owners face several threats from hackers.
In October, for example, a pair of university researchers discovered a vulnerability that could allow attackers to access usernames, passwords, credit card details, emails, and more flowing through an encrypted WiFi network.
Routers can also be taken over for criminal activities such as illegal downloads and attacks on websites. In 2016, the Remaiten Worm, or KTN-Remastered, spread to numerous Linux-based routers by connecting to random IP addresses and trying out commonly used log-in credentials. Once it gained entry to routers, they were used in distributed denial of service (or DDoS) attacks on commercial websites.
The Problem With Firmware Updates
Router manufacturers typically roll out software updates throughout the year to address such vulnerabilities. In fact, Tejas Shah, Netgear’s chief information officer, says his company released nearly 200 fixes for its line of routers in 2017 alone.
Not long ago, for instance, Netgear fixed a bug that threatened to make administrative permissions available to hackers, according to Shah.
But there’s a major catch. Consumers typically have to find, download, and install router updates themselves. And even computer experts rarely do that. A 2014 study (PDF) conducted by Tripwire found that fewer than half of IT professionals had recently updated the router firmware in their homes. Surprisingly, only 32 percent even knew how to do it.
That means that most home routers never get important security updates.
Instructions on how to update routers vary by brand, but for most models you need to log in to your router through a browser using the device’s IP address. Here are links on how to update popular routers from Apple, Asus, D-Link, Linksys, and Netgear. Young’s advice is to check for updates at least once per quarter.
You should also see if there’s a way to get security notices via email from your router’s manufacturer. The best way is to complete the product registration process, during which you’ll be given the option to receive notifications when new software is available. Yes, that’s definitely a chore, but it could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
When was the last time you updated your router?
Tell us in the comments section below.
Routers That Do It for You
There is, however, an alternative—you can replace your router. A number of models now on the market—including the Linksys AC2600 atop our ratings—remedy the situation with automatic updates. Shah says that from 2017 onward, Netgear routers have had the automatic update function built in. Eero, Google Wifi, and Luma also take care of updates without the user being involved. “When it comes to security, if you have static software running a device, chances are the device will be insecure,” Eero CEO and co-founder Nick Weaver says.
That feature could become increasingly important as the number of internet-connected devices on home networks increases—along with the data they collect. According to Gartner, a technology research and advisory firm, nearly 20 billion internet-connected devices will be online by 2020—nearly 2.5 times more units than last year.
In response to the growing threats, router manufacturers have begun partnering with security firms to offer malware protection and other services through their products. During the annual Consumer Electronics Show in January, D-Link and Netgear announced new relationships with McAfee and Bitdefender.
Passwords & Firmware 101
Online privacy and security are huge issues facing a lot of people today. On the “Consumer 101” TV show, Consumer Reports expert Maria Rerecich explains why it’s not just phones and computers that people should be concerned about.
Chris Hoffman is Editor-in-Chief of How-To Geek. He’s written about technology for over a decade and was a PCWorld columnist for two years. Chris has written for The New York Times, been interviewed as a technology expert on TV stations like Miami’s NBC 6, and had his work covered by news outlets like the BBC. Since 2011, Chris has written over 2,000 articles that have been read nearly one billion times—and that’s just here at How-To Geek. Read more.
Keeping your home router updated is a crucial part of staying secure. Shellshock affected a number of routers, and we’ve also seen routers hacked and turned into botnets. Home router security is notoriously poor.
You should ensure your router is getting security updates, too. Depending on your router, you may have to do this by hand, set up automatic updates — or not do anything at all.
Your Router’s Firmware is an OS, and it’s Particularly At Risk
Your router runs a “firmware,” which is essentially its operating system. Quite a few routers are actually built on top of Linux, and that means security vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel or related software — like the Shellshock bug in the Bash shell — could affect your router. Problems can also occur due to poor router firmware design in general, such as the backdoors that have been discovered in routers produced by Linksys, Netgear, and other massive companies.
Home routers are particularly vulnerable because they’re exposed directly to the Internet. Every other device you own is shielded behind the router, and isn’t publicly addressable. Your router essentially functions as a firewall, shielding your other devices from inbound connections by keeping them all to itself. But, by design, your router is the one point in your home network that’s exposed directly to the Internet. As any attacker could contact your router, it’s crucial your router is secure.
Manufacturers release new versions of the software for your router, just as they do for the software on your computer, phone, tablet, game console, and other devices. Depending on your router, you may have to install these yourself.
How to Install Firmware Updates
To install firmware updates, you’ll need to access your router’s web interface in a web browser. You’ll often be able to find the firmware-updating information under “Firmware Upgrade,” “Software,” “System Update,” “Router Upgrade,” or a similarly named option.
On home routers provided by your Internet service provider, there’s a good chance your router is set to receive automatic firmware updates provided by your ISP. I’ve personally noticed this in every ISP-provided router I’ve ever gotten my hands on. As on my current Comcast Xfinity router, there’s no way to updgrade it yourself. On the positive side, this means your router will update automatically and you won’t need to do anything about this yourself.
Modern routers often offer automatic updates, and you’ll want to leave this option enabled — or enable it if it isn’t already. For example, “Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers” offer automatic router firmware updates, which are enabled by default as part of the first-time setup process. Linksys also provides instructions for enabling automatic updates later.
Older routers may just offer a page where you can upload a firmware file, as on this older Netgear router below. You’ll have to check the version of the firmware installed on your router — possibly from a separate “Status” page — and then visit the router manufacturer’s official website, find the “Support” or “Downloads” page for your specific model of router, and check for and download the latest firmware updates manually.
You can speed up the search for your router’s firmware-upgrading options by performing a web search for your specific model of router and “firmware update” to find instructions. But you should get a pretty good idea of what your router requires after browsing through its web interface.
Third-Party Router Firmwares
Third-party router firmwares — like DD-WRT or OpenWrt — are an alternative to your router’s manufacturer-provided firmware. These are essentially an alternative, community-created operating system that will run on your router. They only support certain models of router, so it’s always a good idea to buy a router that supports your favorite custom router firmware if you plan on using it.
We’re not really trying to sell you on installing a custom router firmware here. Most people won’t want to bother with a third-party firmware, as it’s really just for geeks who like hacking and tweaking. However, it’s a good option if you are a geek who likes using that stuff.
If you use a third-party firmware, you’ll still want to install the latest updates for it — so check what your third-party router firmware offers for security updates. This generally just means installing the latest version of the firmware when it’s released, and that often won’t happen automatically. You’ll want to keep tabs on this yourself.
Router security updates aren’t something to panic about, but they are sometime to bear in mind. Ensure your router is automatically updating its firmware, if possible. If it’s not, be sure to check for the occasional update. If your router has years-old firmware updates you haven’t installed yet — as many routers surely do — you’ll want to install the latest one as soon as possible.
You can use alternative firmware to increase the transmission power of your router and ensure a longer range.
You’re constantly frustrated while surfing over a wireless network because your Wi-Fi range is simply too low. Signals are weak, and connections either constantly break off or can’t be established in the first place. You’ve tried tweaking all possible settings and changing the router’s position, but it just won’t satisfy your needs. What do you do? Get a new router with longer antennae, or add multiple access points, which would burn holes into your wallet?
You can choose to replace the router’s firmware (its operating system and configuration options) with a third-party, unsupported version. One open source option is called DD-WRT. It’s free and you can use it to increase transmission power and thus, the range of certain Wi-Fi routers over and above their default available values. DD WRT can help increase your router’s capabilities and revive an old failing router by infusing it with additional uses.
Apart from the option of boosting the transmission power, the extendable DD-WRT Linux firmware system offers a host of cool functions, such as running servers and clients for various functions, control via SSH commands, file transfer protocols (FTP) and SMB hosting, and also the option of switching on your home PC using its Wake-on-LAN feature (WoL) from the Internet and then accessing files on it from wherever you are. Moreover, you have a server and client for OpenVPN on board, which you can use to configure a virtual, encrypted link between multiple computers on the Internet.
In this workshop, the router we’ll be using is a Linksys WRT54GL with hardware revision 1.1. The WRT54GL is an 802.11 b/g router and cannot match up to the high range of modern routers, which use the new N standard. The radio network barely manages a 30-meter range when used indoors. Its default signal strength amounts to roughly -74 dBm. At times, the Wi-Fi signal is still detectable at 40 meters with -80 dBm, but surfing becomes impossible. Although the embedded (original) firmware from Linksys offers numerous setting options, the transmission power cannot be increased.
Important note: If you download an inappropriate firmware version or make a mistake during the installation, the router may quickly and irreparably be damaged. It is very important that you look precisely for your router’s model number on the ‘ website in the ‘Router Database’ section, inclusive of the correct hardware revision. There are precise installation instructions for every supported model on the ‘ website, which you’ll need to follow without errors. Even if the firmware upgrade works, the increase in transmission power will increase operating temperatures, which can affect the life of the router. Added tweaking of the router might be required to help cool it. Also note that the firmware replacement procedure is irreversible and will certainly void any warranty. Do this at your own risk.
Step 1: The firmware
Go to the website ‘ click on the ‘Router Database’ and look for ‘WRT54GL’ (in your case, look for the model number of your router). Download the file ‘dd-wrt.v24_mini_generic.bin’ and save it on the desktop.
Step 2: Disconnecting
Before installing the new firmware, detach all LAN cables from the router, except for the LAN cable of the PC that has the firmware file that you have just downloaded. Also disconnect any devices connected via Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Hard reset
You will now need to hard-reset the router using the physical reset button located on its rear panel. You might require a pin as the reset switch is usually hidden inside the chassis and only a tiny hole is provided to reach it. Check your instruction manual if you cannot locate the reset button. You will need to keep the reset button pressed for at least 90 seconds for the complete hard-reset. Now carefully read these instructions before actually starting the procedure: pull out the power connector after the first 30 seconds, wait for another 30 seconds and re-connect the power again. After another 30 seconds, release the reset button. If you have made any mistakes during this procedure, repeat the whole step.
Step 4: Flashing
Now that you have completely reset the router, it is time to start configuring the router. To do this, you will need to open your web browser and enter the address ‘ and press [Enter]. Note: Certain routers have a different default IP address. Make sure you have your user manual at your disposal. Once inside, go to the firmware section and select ‘Upgrade’. Browse and select the downloaded firmware file from your desktop (in our case it is the ‘dd-wrt.v24_mini_generic.bin’ file). Click on the upgrade button. Once the process completes, restart the router.
Step 5: Configuring
You are almost there. Before you start the DD-WRT configuration, you will need to repeat the hard-reset procedure described in Step 4. Once completely done, enter the configuration page of the router using the above IP address in the web browser. Firstly, assign a username and a strong secure password for the router before you proceed into any other configuration steps. Then safeguard your network with a WPA2 key under ‘Wireless’ so nobody can intrude into your router at this time as your network is presently in an open state and can be easily hacked.
Step 6: Tweaking
Now you can connect all the LAN cables again. Configure your router as per your requirements. You can increase the specified value in the ‘TX Power’ field under ‘Wireless | Advanced Settings’ from around 71 mW to a higher value in small steps. Up to 100 mW is allowed by default, even though you can boost it to more than 200 mW with further tweaking. But be careful; increasing this value will force your router’s components to run at higher power levels, thus producing more heat, which could damage them permanently. Hence, increase these values gradually and stop when they are just about enough to serve your needs. If you increase the power more than you need, you also run the risk of boosting the Wi-Fi range enough for others in the vicinity to hook on to it. Trust us; you don’t want that to happen.
Now that you have successfully upgraded your router with the DD WRT firmware, you have opened up a treasure chest of settings and features that were previously hidden. Browse through the features and enable any that you might want.
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Can your internet router be used as a small webserver?
Few people understand why some routers cost $15 and some hundreds of dollars.
There are hardware differences and. software differences.
Using a custom firmware (if supported by the router) can give you options/features available on much more expensive hardware.
Such a firmware is TomatoUSB. It’s an open source firmware for Broadcom-based routers.
The first step is to see if your router is supported by Tomato, so please check Shibby Tomato Builds. If it is, get the newest version and flash it on the administration interface.
Usually, there are some flavors: AIO (All in One) or VPN (few features, smaller size, perfect for most users).
If it cannot be flashed through Web interface (like Asus RT-N53), you must use the emergency procedure (see router documentation) to upload the custom firmware to the router.
After you install and set up all the usual settings on Tomato (WIFI, LAN etc.), you can go further, and with some work, you can install many programs, for example a webserver with PHP support or Transmission Torrent client (the router must have USB ports).
Different routers have different flash memory sizes. Inside the flash reside the firmware and settings. Depending on the flash size and firmware size (VPN or AIO), some unused space might still remain, so you can create a JFFS partition to install software. This is critical for routers without USB or if you do not want to use a USB drive. If you do want to use a USB drive, read here how to create a partition, and after you create it, continue this tutorial from #3.
So. let’s install some software.
Go to Administration – JFFS – Enable – Format Erase
In the text box paste:
2. Go to Administration – Admin Access and modify the default port settings for router administration (ex: 8082).
Now you can access the admin interface on another port
4. Install Optware package manager:
This will take some time, depending on your internet speed and router processing power.
5. Install nano (text editor), lighttpd (webserver), and php
Here is how to install Tomato firmware on your cheap Wi-Fi router to attain functionality of a high cost router.
What if you could simply enhance your router’s functionalities just by some software alteration. well, Few people understand why some routers cost $15 and some hundreds of dollars.
There are hardware differences and… software differences.
Using a custom firmware (if supported by the router) can give you options/features available on much more expensive hardware.
Such a firmware is Tomato USB. Its an open source firmware for Broadcomm based routers.
The first step is to see if your router is supported by Tomato, so please check Shibby Tomato Builds. If it is, get the newest version and flash it on the administration interface.
Usually, there are some flavors: AIO (All in One) or VPN (few features, smaller size, perfect for most users).
If it cannot be flashed through Web interface (like Asus RT-N53), you must use the emergency procedure (see router documentation) to upload the custom firmware to the router.
After you install and set up all the usual settings on Tomato (WIFI, LAN etc.), you can go further, and with some work, you can install many programs, for example a webserver with PHP support or Transmission Torrent client (the router must have USB ports).
Different routers have different flash memory sizes. Inside the flash reside the firmware and settings. Depending on the flash size and firmware size (VPN or AIO), some unused space might still remain, so you can create a JFFS partition to install software. This is critical for routers without USB or if you do not want to use a USB drive. If you do want to use a USB drive, read here how to create a partition, and after you create it, continue this tutorial from Step 3.
Okay lets start.
Step 1: Create a JFFS partition.
Go to Administration – JFFS – Enable – Format Erase
In the text box paste:
Wait a few minutes, and if you do not get any message, reboot the router.
Step 2:
Go to Administration – Admin Access and modify the default port settings for router administration (ex: 8082).
This will allow you to access your router on specified port.
Step 3:
3. Access the router on SSH using Putty (Windows) or Terminal (Mac).
On Mac, the command is:
Username must be root and the password of the admin user.
Step 4:
Install Optware package manager by using the following code.
wget -O – | tr -d ‘\r’ > /tmp/optware-install.sh
chmod 755 optware-install.sh
Note that it may take time depending on your internet speed and your router’s processing power.
Step 5:
Install nano (text editor), lighttpd (webserver), and PHP
ipkg install nano
ipkg install lighttpd
ipkg install php-fcgi
Step 6: Edit the lighttpd configuration file.
Modify the default running port of the webserver (default is 8081).
Save everything and close nano.
Step 7:
Restart the webserver.
Now you can put files and scripts in /opt/share/www/
If you want your webserver to be accessible from WAN, you need to add those lines to the Firewall script (Administration – Scripts – Firewall):
iptables -t filter -A INPUT -p tcp –dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -t filter -A INPUT -p tcp –dport 443 -j ACCEPT
Its done! now enjoy the features on your budget router. Do post your queries or suggestions in the comments.
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For most users a good wireless router is the one that you set up in a few easy steps and forget about it as long as it gets you online. Any decent consumer-grade wireless router will do the job well enough most of the time, while more inquisitive folks can still tweak around a few configuration options to make sure things are running smoothly.
But beyond the stock features that came with your router, there are many things that the hardware you bought might be capable of; it just happens that the manufacturer decided not to include them for a variety of reasons that go from keeping things simple, to the fact that they sell more expensive models to people who need those features.
Luckily for you, people have been working on ways to get the fancy stuff running on your average $60-$100 device. After a relatively simple upgrade to a free third-party firmware, you’ll be able boost your wireless signal, prioritize what programs get your precious bandwidth, and do lots of other stuff usually reserved for pro-grade wireless routers.
Below you’ll find a selection of the most popular options out there, along with some basic information and strong points. Since the installation procedure will vary by device, we can’t practically include instructions for all supported hardware, but we’ll point you in the right direction, so you can see if your router is supported and follow the installation notes.
We should note that installing a custom firmware will likely void your warranty and if anything goes wrong there’s also a chance you might brick the device. With that said, if you’re feeling adventurous (and if you are reading TechSpot we have to assume you are open to this sort of things), proceed at your own risk.
DD-WRT
DD-WRT is by far the most popular and widely tested of the bunch. This Linux-based firmware currently supports more than 200 different devices and is so well developed and documented, that it comes pre-installed with routers manufactured by Buffalo Technology and a few others. DD-WRT has a crazy amount of features, too many to list here, but some highlights include support for IPv6, advanced QoS for bandwidth allocation, radio output power adjustment (to boost your Wi-Fi signal), bandwidth monitoring, a variety of Wi-Fi hotspot services and a lot more.
You can check if your router is supported by visiting the Supported Device List in the DD-WRT wiki, and also make use of their Router Database, which will help you find particular instructions for your model and revision.
Tomato
Tomato is a small, lean and simple replacement firmware for Linksys WRT54G/GL/GS, Buffalo WHR-G54S/WHR-HP-G54 and other Broadcom-based routers. It does almost everything DD-WRT can, but with a simplified web interface that makes heavy use of AJAX and also features a pretty nifty SVG-based graphical bandwidth monitor. Other features include advanced Quality of Service rules, Wi-Fi signal boosting, access restrictions, and wireless client mode.
Tomato is also not available on as many routers as DD-WRT. Check their homepage to see if your router model and revision is listed. Also check the Frequently Asked Questions and the included readme before installing.
OpenWRT
OpenWRT is a customizable firmware mainly installed on embedded devices and aimed mostly toward advanced users. It primarily uses a command-line interface, but also features optional web-based GUI interfaces via separate packages such as LuCI or X-Wrt, allowing easier access to a wide range of features. One that stands out is its fully writeable file system, which allows for installation of updates without rebuilding and flashing a complete firmware image.
The OpenWRT project also provides regular bug fixes and updates, even for devices no longer supported by their manufacturers. A list of compatible routers is available here along installation instructions for each model.
Gargoyle
Gargoyle was originally available as a third web interface for OpenWRT but it’s now being released as a full firmware image for routers such as the Linksys WRT54G series and the Fonera. Among its features are dynamic DNS, quality of service, access restrictions, bandwidth quota management, bandwidth monitoring tools, and an AJAX-based GUI.
Gargoyle’s developer says the firmware’s primary focus is to provide a polished interface for advanced features that is at least as easy to configure as any existing firmware. A list of compatible devices is available here — it supports a bunch of Broadcom and Atheros based routers — and installation instructions can be found on this page.
There are several other options that might satisfy more specific needs. For example, Chilifire is a good alternative if you want to run a hotspot, as it allows you to offer for-pay or free Internet access points from your consumer router.
If you’ve been thinking about installing a custom firmware for a while but haven’t made the jump yet, we recommend you choose from one of the projects above to get you started. First find what’s the available support for your exact router model and revision and take it from there. For your reference, there’s also a comprehensive list of wireless router firmware projects in Wikipedia.
If you’ve used any of the above mentioned firmware projects or perhaps tried another great alternative we didn’t cover let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Choosing a custom firmware for your router can be daunting. There are several options that you’ll hear recommended all over the Internet, and the documentation on the actual process of installing the firmware tends to be sparse. Throw in the terms and acronyms that get tossed around, and before long you’re happy to stick with your router’s stock firmware.
It doesn’t need to be that difficult. Each of the three major open-source firmwares – DD-WRT, Tomato, and OpenWRT – has its own strengths and weaknesses that make it ideal for one situation or another. You’ll need to consider which features you need for your network and whether your router is even supported by the firmware. Those should be the most important factors you take into account when choosing.
DD-WRT
DD-WRT is easily the biggest player when it comes to open-source router firmware. They’ve been around for long enough to establish themselves, and they support more routers than anyone else. There are even people selling routers with DD-WRT already flashed on them. It’s pretty safe to say that flashing DD-WRT on most routers is a good idea.
DD-WRT is a complete toolkit. It comes with nearly everything you could want in a router as well as a whole lot more that you’ll probably never even look at. That’s simultaneously one of DD-WRT’s biggest strengths and weaknesses. For people looking for maximum control, DD-WRT’s plethora of options is a welcome breath of fresh air. If you’re looking for simple and direct, though, you’re going to have a hard time navigating DD-WRT.
DD-WRT supports more routers than anyone else. As a result, they also have the largest community, so finding support for DD-WRT tends to be easier than other custom router firmware. Even routers that aren’t officially supported tend to get community builds that are actively supported in the DD-WRT forums.
Strengths
- Supports tons of routers
- Huge community
- Built-in OpenVPN support
- QoS support
- Robust array of options
Weaknesses
- Can be overwhelming for new users
- Can be hard to find new versions for some routers
Tomato
Tomato is easily the most streamlined and user-friendly of the firmware on this list. Tomato’s been around for a while, and it’s earned a reputation for being a direct and no-nonsense firmware that gets you the features you want and need without a ton of extra junk. It’s also earned a reputation for speeding up routers.
More recently, the AdvancedTomato project has taken the classic Tomato firmware by Shibby and created a sleek and modern GUI that allows real-time monitoring of vital stats through animated graphs. The AdvancedTomato interface is one of its best selling points, making network management simpler and providing a more visually pleasing experience.
Tomato doesn’t support as many routers as its competitors, and up until the AdvancedTomato project, development was a bit scattered. If your router is supported, it might be exactly the option you’re looking for, but you’ll certainly need to check first.
Strengths
- Modern interface
- Fast speeds
- Minimal footprint
- Built-in OpenVPN
- Real-time monitoring
Weaknesses
- Smaller community
- Limited router support
OpenWRT
OpenWRT is the oldest open-source router project. It’s the precursor to both DD-WRT and Tomato, and it’s earned its reputation as a powerful choice with a ton of options. OpenWRT, as it is now, is actually a merger of the classic OpenWRT and LEDE.
OpenWRT might be the best option for free software enthusiasts. It’s the only one on this list that doesn’t include non-free binary blobs. While all three of these firmwares are based on Linux, OpenWRT is the most like a traditional distribution.
That openness comes at a cost, though. There are plenty of routers that OpenWRT simply can’t fully support because they require non-free drivers to run. The project’s hardware table contains more than a few entries with partial support and no functional Wi-Fi thanks to this.
OpenWRT offers even more fine-grained control than DD-WRT, but that also comes at the price of simplicity. This firmware requires some knowledge to use properly and quite a bit more to make it worthwhile. OpenWRT is best for more technical people who know exactly what they want.
Strengths
- Tons of options
- Built-in OpenVPN
- QoS Support
- Ability to dig into lower levels
Weaknesses
- Not as user-friendly
- More time to get running
- Supports fewer routers
Closing Thoughts
Whichever one of these you choose, you’re more than likely to see a noticeable improvement over your router’s stock firmware. You’ll also get the added functions, like OpenVPN client support, that will enable you to do more with your network. As an added bonus, all of these tend to be more secure than manufacturer firmware and receive more regular updates, should you choose to install them. Of course, when installing custom firmware, be sure to follow the instructions from the developers carefully to reduce the risk of damaging your router.
Nick is a freelance tech. journalist, Linux enthusiast, and a long time PC gamer.
Whenever you decide to sign a deal with a certain ISP (Internet Service Provider), they’re going to send you a router and a modem. That is definitely very nice of them, but unfortunately, some people enjoy this offer so much, that they just stick with it without wondering if they have a better alternative or not. The truth is that you actually could have many more advantages if you do change the router provided by your ISP. In this article, we’ll list the five main reasons why you should not use your ISP’s router.
Lower Cost
As we already established, most internet providers will give you a router once you sign a deal with them. But what people tend to overlook, is the fact that they actually charge you monthly for that router. Of course, it’s just a few dollars, but if you just buy a router of your own, you could make up the cost in less than a year. And if you buy a modem too, it might take a while more, but eventually, it will be worth it.
The initial savings brought on by the lower rental cost will accumulate over time, but you might wind up paying more with your valuable time. Many commercial routers sent out to new customers are far from the highest quality model available and may put you through the paces of suffering in downtime, connection instability and other recurring issues. If the loss of time isn’t bad enough, you may find yourself out even more money over time if rental prices fluctuate after you’ve locked into a rental agreement.
Parental Controls
For those of you out there who are parents, this benefit might interest you. With the advanced technology that we have today, buying a modern router means that you have more control over what your kids are doing on the internet. You don’t want your kids to be exposed to sensitive, violent content, and if you just settle for the router from your ISP, you definitely won’t be able to control these things the way you want to.
Increased parental control and better administrative access to your router in general go hand in hand with installing third-party firmware for your router if it is available. Not every router has a custom firmware set available, but those that do often have increased security, better quality-of-life options and an extended shelf life thanks to support going beyond the natural life of the router manufacturer’s planned obsolescence.
The Wi-Fi
When you settle for the router provided by your ISP, you are never sure about the performance of that router, and how the internet connection is going to work while using it. When you invest in a router of your own, you actually get to choose one that you know that can offer you a great performance. This is a great thing to do, especially if you’re paying for something like unlimited wireless broadband, because you want to get the most out of it.
Different Wi-Fi standards allow for different access speeds through your wireless connection. In a worst-case scenario, your ISP might set you up with a router that isn’t prepared to handle the highest end of your internet’s advertised speeds. In essence you may be left paying for internet speeds you cannot fully utilise. If you live in a crowded urban area where multiple wireless signals clash, you may further benefit from purchasing your own router that supports dual-band traffic that can take advantage of lesser-used frequencies to ensure your wireless signal isn’t lost amidst other traffic.
Wi-Fi Guest Access
This is a great benefit that you could take advantage of, especially if you have a lot of people coming over to your place all the time. What you can do, is to create a guest network (if you get yourself the right router, of course) and all your guests are going to need in order to get online, is a simple password. If you go for this option, you’ll be able to keep your password all to yourself, without having to type it in other people’s devices. A router that comes from your ISP is less likely to offer this kind of option.
Guest networks offer an additional layer of security in that your guests aren’t likely to accidentally spread infections across your home network if they happen to use a device that has been targeted by malware or other viruses. Keeping devices separate is a vital part of network security that many home admins fail to account for and stopping an infection from ever accessing your home network is far easier than troubleshooting problems after you’ve been afflicted.
Bandwidth Prioritization
If you know there are certain apps or certain devices that you use more frequently than others, you should definitely prioritize them on your bandwidth. For example, if you know that the main thing that you do online is watch Netflix, you should prioritize it on your bandwidth, and that way you’ll never have to wait for another video to load. Of course, you need the right router that allows you to one such thing.
Most ISPs definitely won’t give you a router that allows you to benefit from all of the things mentioned above. And even if they do give you a very good, capable router, you are still paying rent for it. So at the end of the day, you’re still winning if you get yourself one of your own.
Furthering proper use of your bandwidth means finding a router that correctly deploys Quality of Service (QoS) and Wireless Multimedia Extension, which has since been renamed Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM). Together, these two options help route bandwidth through your network efficiently in a way that keeps your connection free from potential bottlenecks created by large chunks of traffic choking your bandwidth. Unfortunately, older models of routers had very serious issues reconciling these two features and may outright damage your internet speeds without tweaking or disabling them entirely. Newer routers handle these services much more efficiently.
