Open Source Router To Replace WRT54GL?

jeremyz writes "With the inclusion of 802.11n in more and more Wi-Fi devices, the WRT54GL is losing its usefulness, even though it's still the de-facto standard for open source, Linux-running wireless routers. I've been looking around for a 802.11n router to replace the WRT54GL, but haven't really found anything besides the Netgear's WNR3500L. At first look, the WNR3500L looked great, but after some further investigation, I found that Netgear hasn't released all of the source, as they should have to comply with the GPL. Are there any good 802.11n routers to replace my aging WRT54GL?"

Comments

Here you go

[Anonymous Coward]

DDWRT Supported Devices

CTRL+F

"b/g/n"

Conversation over.

Re:Here you go

[Baloo Uriza]

Not quite. DDWRT's also got some proprietary issues. I think you meant OpenWRT, from the same people who brought you Debian.

Re:Here you go

[KonoWatakushi]

The complaint about documentation is spot on. Following the documentation link for the latest release on the main page leads you to a page with an empty "Installation" section. The download link leads to a directory containing the various architecture specific image files, with no information on how to choose the correct one. At that point, most prospective users probably probably throw up their hands and go elsewhere, which is a shame.

However, OpenWRT itself is a nice system, and if the developers want to concentrate on the system, I can't blame them. For interested users, start with the Wiki. Some digging for various documentation may be required, but most of the important stuff is there somewhere. If you have given the search an honest effort, the forums will likely be a lot more receptive to your questions.

ASUS RT-N16

[TheDawgter]

The ASUS RT-N16 is the best consumer product I've found for dd-wrt so far. 128Mb RAM and 480mHz processor, 802.11n and 2 usb ports.

I'm very happy with my asus wl-500w

[Some1too]

I'm very happy with the unit for the following reasons:

1) crack it open and you can remove the wireless card and replace it with your own.

2) will run with openwrt

3) I'm shocked at the amount of abuse mine took. The wireless card had been glued to the router board using some kind of foam. I think the combination of the glue used and the heat from the device made it stick together strongly. I ended up using a pair of scissors to pry them apart and I thought for certain I had ruined either the card of the router board. Much to my surprise when I unbent the clips for the card it started working fine (I was prepared to trash the router in order to try and get the card out).

4) I've flashed the unit several times between the stock and various other images. The thing always comes back from the dead if you take your time and understand what you're doing. I guess it's firmware has some issue in how it addresses the interfaces which causes a conflict when trying to run something like FON (or so I'm told. Not certain how this applies if you're running openwrt). I bought mine a few years ago now when the N standard wasn't on a lot of hardware at the time. I haven't tested it's functionality in that regard.

I'm planning on buying a decent Atheros based card for it and use it in Sept. Hope this was helpful in some way.

Cheers, S.

Here's Three with USB

[sciurus0]

The ASUS RT-N16, Linksys WRT610N, and Netgear WNR3500L look promising. They're all supported by dd-wrt and in theory could work with openwrt. The Asus is some nice hardware for $90.

Re:NO gig-e low # ports and pci bus for most of th

[icebraining]

Real 100mbps do require gigabit. If a router is rated for 100mbps, that's its theoretical limit. It won't actually support constant 100mbps.

I don't think I've heard of a consumer connection that does over 100mbps let alone 1000mbps. Hell, even the new VDSL2+ that was reported a few days ago maxed out at around 250mbps.

Not everyone is from the US, you insentivide clod. We have fiber to home up to 1Gbps.
200mbps + 116 HD channels + Phone w/ unlimited calls = 100E/month.

ASUS RT-N16

[200_success]

The ASUS RT-N16 is an awesome router that is supported by DD-WRT and has been reported to work with Tomato. The stock firmware is pretty good too. It has some impressive specifications:

• 802.11 b / g / draft-N at 2.4 GHz
• 128 MB RAM
• 32 MB flash
• Broadcom4718A
• 2 USB ports

You should be able to find one for about $100.

Re:NO gig-e low # ports and pci bus for most of th

[Algan]

Cablevision's Optimum Ultra is rated at 101mbps. And they recommend a Gig-e router to get close to the rated speed. Docsis 3 standard is good for up to 171/343 mbps depending on the number of allocated channels so it's conceivable that most cable providers will be able to pass the 100 mbps barrier in the near future. So if one buys a router these days, it's a good idea to future proof it and get one that has gig-e ports.