Do you rely on the internet to work or enjoy playing web-based games? You can increase the security and revolutionize the way you use the internet by purchasing a DD-WRT router. This is a Firmware or operating system that unlocks the hidden features of a cheap router.
The problem with conventional routers is that they are slow especially when many people are using the net simultaneously. This inspired IT experts to come up with an open-source firmware which could eliminate this problem. DD-WRT routers are reliable, fast and free.
Most routers that are available in normal stores do not have this firmware pre-installed. The popularity of this operating system has made some manufacturers start designing their broadband routers with DD-WRT. You can either choose to buy a router that has the DD-WRT version from particular providers or install the firmware yourself.
Installing DD-WRT needs some technical expertise to avoid damaging your device. Prevent yourself from such issues by choosing a router that has the DD-WRT pre-installed. This forms our discussion today. We will discuss the best DD-WRT routers in the market to help you select the ideal one for your needs. We will also guide you on the critical aspects you should keep in mind when choosing a router.
WIFI forms the backbone of our digital world. Every person who relies on the internet for one reason or the other should, therefore, get a WIFI router that fulfills their needs. DD-WRT routers not only give you better performance but they also last longer than conventional types.
A WIFI router takes the internet connection from your device and transforms the signal into a wireless one. The router allows you to access the internet from any device that is within the signal’s range. Your device must be WIFI enabled for the connection to work.
Buying DD-WRT routers can be challenging due to the numerous brands out there. You cannot go to an electronic store and pick the first router you see. DD-WRT routers have different features and specifications, and therefore there is a need to research to avoid getting one that does not fulfill your needs. The following criteria should help you pick the best DD-WRT router.
Speed
Though we all want a fast router, the speeds of DD-WRT routers are not the same. This operating system does not increase the speed of a router but rather offers optimum speeds. You should, therefore, try to find a router that has a high-speed rating.
Range
The range of a wireless router is also a significant consideration. This refers to the maximum distance a router can broadcast its signal. Choose a router that can transmit the WIFI signal over a wide range without any difficulties. The DD-WRT ensures that a router can reach a good range.
Cost
Routers also differ in their prices. You may find cheap routers that have limited features and even expensive ones that provide more capabilities. Try to explore different routers as you compare their prices against the features they offer. This will help you choose that that can deliver value for your money. You should also have a budget before you go shopping for the best router so that you weigh how much you can spend on it. Do not choose the cheapest one or the most expensive out there.
Purpose
Your needs should also guide you on getting the best DD-WRT router. The brands are not designed the same, and some of them may not be suitable for all. Some routers are suited for gamers while others are ideal for working environments. Identify your specific purpose and know the specific features that will help you achieve your needs.
Get a quality home networking device that offers excellent performance on 5GHz band. This is one of the best routers that is suitable for home users. It allows you to create an updated wireless network for purposes such as gaming and streaming.
It contains impressive features, and it is reasonably priced. Netgear smart Wi-Fi router makes use of Genie software and offers strong throughput. The router supports DD-WRT firmware and has an OpenVPN server.
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Design
The angled Netgear nighthawk looks like a small version of the R8000. It comes with three detachable antennas at the back part. They make use of the beam-forming technology to boost its signal. The antennas grab a strong signal to enhance the performance of the router.
Due to the design of this router, you can let it sit on one of your shelves in the house or mount it on the wall. It is unfortunate that Netgear Nighthawk has a large in-wall AC adapter meaning it occupies a lot of space.
The router comes with a plastic chassis which feels sturdy and solid. It is easy to set up. On the bottom part, there is a label that contains the preset WIFI network, its password, and name. All the clients using the WIFI can see the name of the network. You can set up the router by plugging it into a source of the internet as you use the available network cable then turn it on.
The front part features LEDs will show you when the router is connected to the web. Some of the lights also indicate the activity of the Ethernet ports. You can also tell when the WI-FI transmissions are on and if the WPS is activated or not. It also features a reset button which you use to control the settings.
You will notice 40gigabit Ethernet ports at the back of the router. The USB ports are designed for memory keys, printers as well as hard drives. By plugging in a drive, the contents are immediately shared across the entire network meaning everyone connected can view the contents. If you don’t want this to happen, feel free to customize the share folders for privacy purposes.
Genie software
This software provides apps for different devices such as Macs, iOS, PCs, and Android. The screen gives you a clear overview, and you can tell how many people are connected to it. You can use the genie app to stream your digital content using a mobile device like an iPad. For this to happen the mobile device must be within the network that the router powers. The app will not work if your device is connected to a different WIFI network.
Hardware
Netgear Nighthawk is a router that offers impressive speed of 600Mbps on 2.4 HZ band. It makes use of the Broadcom WIFI chip and TurboQam technology. It contains good hardware components such as the dual-core CPU and a flash memory which acts as the storage space.
Built-in VPN server
Netgear router also contains other features such as two guest networks and other settings that you can customize including parental controls. The Quality of Service (QoS) feature lets you manage both downstream and upstream. QoS allows you to prioritize the net for you to enjoy real-time applications such as video chat, online gaming of HD streaming.
Pros
- Contains removable antennas
- It is affordable
- Genie software
- Stellar performance
- Uses beamforming technology
Cons
- Limited range
- The in-wall AC adapter is large
- The router is bulky
Verdict
Netgear Nighthawk 8700 provides great WIFI experience to internet users. The features of this router improve its capabilities. It offers high speed making it a reliable router to use at home. It has a sharp design, impressive QoS, and reliable throughput. Though some people complain about the limited range of this router, it offers full VPN capability.
Do you love streaming live movies or gaming? You should consider purchasing this router. It is fast and has a broad WIFI coverage. Though it is not the cheapest router in the market, it offers numerous features which increase versatility. Its stable performance appeals to a lot of networks admins. Since the price of this router is high, you should go through the specifications and features to ensure that they match your needs.
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Design
This is one of the large routers that come with a brash design. It contains 8 bulky antennas which form part of the body. The 8 antennas make it easy for the router to beam the network around an entire building. You can adjust them to face different directions when you want to boost the network coverage.
The design gives you the freedom to mount it on a wall or hide it inside a shelf. Even when kept away, the strength of its tri-band networks should still reach all devices. The LAN port allows you to connect up to 4 devices that are compatible with Ethernet. It also features 2.0 and 3.0 USB ports which provide room for hard drives. You can also share USB sticks across the network.
Wireless bands
Unlike most routers that contain two bands, Asus gaming router comes with three wireless bands. One of them is the 2.4 GHz band which delivers 1000 Mbps while the other two are 5GHz bands providing 2167 Mbps. The manufacturer equips this router with three bands to enable it to support both old and new devices. The increase in demand for 5GHz capable devices is what makes the manufacturer of this router provide two of these bands to increase its reliability. The second band focuses on gaming as well as media streaming.
Adaptive QoS
The Quality of Service (QoS) lets you give priority to gaming activities. It improves your gaming bandwidth and allows you to play low latency game from any room in your home. It also makes use of NitroQAM technology which increases the WIFI speed for every user to enjoy smooth streaming.
MU-MIMO
Asus Wi-Fi router is also equipped with this revolutionary technology that provides every compatible device with its own Wi-Fi connection. This means different devices can be connected simultaneously without the risk of slowing the network down.
Advanced parental controls
The internet is a source of every type of information. This router included parental controls to prevent young ones from accessing adult content. The feature hinders users from visiting inappropriate websites. You can also put a time limit that each device should access the net.
Set-up
Installing this router is a straight-forward process. First, you have to plug it in and connect your laptop to the open Asus network. The connection opens your browser and directs you to the internet setup wizard. Follow the steps provided for you to configure the router.
Make use of the manual mode if you would like to remove or add some features. The quick internet setup wizard creates different wireless networks and applies the necessary security measures. You will not have problems trying to understand the user-interface since all the necessary information about your network is available.
Pros
- Has a brilliant software interface
- Excellent performance
- Wide WIFI coverage
- The bands increase its speed
- Robust security system
Cons
- It is costly
- It is not designed for everyone
- Slow USB 3.0 performance
Verdict
Asus Tri-band WIFI routers have features that are media and game oriented. The extra bands and Wi-Fi connection speeds come in handy for gamers playing and streaming games at home. The strength of the Wi-Fi signal is impressive, and the two 5GHZ bands reduce congestion. You can easily set up the room and handle network traffic.
The big unit is a tough and durable router that provides you with advanced network performance. Most users like it due to its speed, security, and stability. Linksys makes use of wireless AC technology which provides a steady throughput.
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Design
It contains four rubber legs that help you mount the unit on a wall. At the back of the unit, you will notice some holes which boost ventilation to keep the router cool. The four legs leave a wide gap to enhance air flow and prevent it from overheating.
Linksys Wi-Fi router also features external aerials which have metal fittings to provide a reliable signal. You can set them in different directions to boost the performance of the router. The beamforming mechanism can direct the signal at a specific angle where is it is urgently needed. The front part of this device contains a set of lights that orient you to how it works.
You can use the reset button at the back to control the router. It also features LAN ports that allow you to connect your modem and USB ports to accommodate devices such as a printer and share the network.
Dual band
This Wi-Fi router contains the 2.4 GHz band which is capable of delivering 400MBPs. The 5GHz bands offer 867Mbps making the router ideal for occasional use with smart home devices. The two antennas on this router enhance the dual-band wireless connections. They improve the range and minimize interference.
Dual core processor
The router comes with 1.3 GHz CPU which can support simultaneous connections. You can connect at least four devices to the router and use them at the same time. The CPU makes it easy for you to stream HD video and play games online since it supports concurrent connections.
Advanced security
Thanks to the inclusion of different security features, unauthorized parties cannot access your data. Linksys Wi-Fi router includes WPA2 encryption and the SPI firewall to boost security. If you don’t want your children to access pornographic sites on the internet, make use of the parental controls provided.
The router also contains guest network features for you to come up with independent network access for your guests. All these secure your files and keep your devices safe.
Customizable tools
Feel free to manage and customize your WIFI using a user-friendly app. The router offers such customization tools to help you prioritize your compatible devices and access data from your home. You only need to connect your router to an Android or iOS device then download the smart Wi-Fi app. You can use a single mobile device to control your Home Wi-Fi even when you are away.
Pros
- Beamforming technology enhances coverage
- Impressive speeds at a close range
- It comes with a sturdy case
- Has four-gigabit ports
Cons
- Large garish design
- Does not perform well at an extended range
- It is hard to install
Verdict
Unlike other routers, Linksys provides a great Wi-Fi range and an easy to use interface. You can make daily adjustments according to your preference. The dual processor enables you to connect the router from a phone, computer or even tablet.
One of the factors that WIFI users consider when looking for routers is the ease of use.This model not only looks good but also has an easy to use interface. It comes in a black diamond design that makes it look classy.
You can use it to stream, browse and even play online games. It only takes you few seconds to complete the set-up and start enjoying the diverse functions. 5th generation Wi-Fi powers this router. The Broadcom chipset provides the router with fast gigabit wireless speeds. The manufacturers upgrade the bandwidth to help you enjoy the fast Wi-Fi from the comfort of your home.
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AiRadar
Asus is equipped with AiRadar which strengthens the wireless connectivity. It makes use of beamforming technology which extends the coverage, enhances stability and increases data speed. It also offers high power application and exclusive fine tuning.
Aicloud
The online cloud service enables you to share and access your files from home to your office. It transforms your home network into your personal cloud. Make use of Aicloud apple or android apps to stream or sync files.
Dual-band connectivity
The router delivers both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands which give great speed. For instance, the 5GHz bands can deliver 867Mbps which is faster compared to other models. The dual band allows you to have a stable connection for you to perform simple tasks such as downloading files. They make it easy for different devices to stream and also support demanding applications.
AsusWRT
The dashboard provides this router with powerful functions and makes it easy to manage. You can monitor and regulate different network applications smoothly. This comes in handy when you are using the router in an office. The single graphic interface is easy to use. You can also customize the settings according to your needs. For instance, it allows you to establish guest accounts or customize the parental settings.
USB 3.0 port
The router can transfer speeds much faster courtesy of the inclusion of the USB 3.0 port. This router exceeds the expectations of many users due to the ability to connect numerous devices at once. The port saves you time and helps you accomplish a lot since you can connect USB drives, printers, and 3G dongles at a go.
Set-up
You can easily set up this router and connect it to different devices such as your PC or smartphone. Start by connecting the router with a WIFI-enabled device then open your browser. It then directs you to a set-up page where you have to enter a password from the internet provider. Unlike other routers, this model makes use of a smart auto-detection design which prevents you from a lengthy installation process.
Pros
- 3G/4G wireless sharing
- Ipv6 support
- Delivers high performance
- Easy set-up
- You can monitor and control the network
Cons
Verdict
Customers who use this model understand the reason behind the cost. It may be expensive, but it gives you value for your money. It provides you with excellent router security and fast connection speeds. The router can easily detect harmful websites and prevent access to such sites. The 4G capability and its signal strength are also impressive features that we cannot overlook.
Not many consumer-class routers provide eight LAN ports and link aggression, but this model does. The link aggression enables you to enjoy fast speed since it supports about 2Gbps. The router comes with three powerful antennas that give you strong signals to perform different functions. It is not only easy to set up, but it also gives you numerous options. You can configure everything using the wizard or do it manually.
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NitroQAM technology
The mechanism delivers up to 3167 Mbps Wi-Fi speed. It enables different users to enjoy low-latency online gaming and smooth streaming.
MU-MIMO technology
Each compatible device gets its own Wi-Fi connection. The technology enables different devices to be connected to the router at the same time. None of the users can complain of a slow network when they are connected to this router.
Quality of service (QoS)
You can see the amount of bandwidth each device is consuming thanks to this application. If a user is spending excess time on non-essential applications, it is possible for you to restrict the bandwidth amount on the device without interfering with the other devices. Adaptive QoS allows you to prioritize your gaming activities. When you are playing under the solo mode, you can assign full bandwidth to your device.
LAN ports
Unlike most routers which have three or four LAN ports, this model offers 8 of them making is unique and compelling. It means that you can connect even eight devices that are compatible with Ethernet at the same time. The router has dedicated ports for devices such as set-top boxes, game consoles, smart TVs and well as media players. The ports provide room for many users.
AiProtection
Trend Micro powers this router with AiProtection to boost security and safety. It features parental controls, vulnerability detection as well as malicious site blocking. You don’t have to get concerned about your children accessing inappropriate sites in your absence. It also prevents your device from viruses and hinders access to unauthorized parties.
ASUSWRT user interface
The router builds this feature from the ground to make it intuitive and increase efficiency. The user interface allows you to handle network traffic, update the firmware as well detect any connection issues easily.
Pros
- Provides room for a lot of users
- Delivers and impressive range
- Comes with highly powered antennas
- It is safe and secure
- It has convenient Ethernet ports
Cons
- Some users report that it tends to get hot
- Large footprint
- The firmware requires frequent updating
Verdict
This router enables you to stream movies live or play games online without any limitations. You can even use it to work from home. It offers an impressive capability since it allows the wireless signal to cover an extended range.
You can start using it by following simple set-up instructions. The numerous settings and user-friendly interface makes it a reliable router. Take note that the performance of the router can sometimes depend on environmental factors.
Conclusion
The best DD-WRT router depends on your needs. What might be good for you may not be very useful for another person. Let our buying guide and reviews help you to narrow down your search so that you can choose an ideal router. All the above routers are highly rated, and they provide customers with a smooth streaming experience.
This post was written by FBL Admin and was first posted to Free Browsing Link
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