Recommended gigabit 802.11n routers that work with DD-WRT

I've read this question, and checked out the supported devices list, but am looking specifically for a gigabit 802.11n router that is easy to find and fully supported by DD-WRT.

It seems like some of the Linksys WRT300N-series are a good idea, but I'm not sure which of these are easily available and fully supported.

If you think 802.11n is a waste of time, that's also an acceptable answer. Just let me know why. In that case, I'm perfectly happy to go with the standard Linksys WRT54GL.

Jason Sundram

Posted 2009-08-22T11:08:56.320

Reputation: 2 946

2I'd like to see this get updated now that N is a standard. – Jeff Martin – 2010-04-12T06:15:49.093

This may be a good starting point: http://www.gazaro.com/deals?q=dd-wrt

– hyperslug – 2010-08-22T13:33:21.010

Answers

It seems like N is still up and coming. Possible candidates, all Linksys:

WRT350N seems decent but a few people have had to buy a RAM heatsink to stick on the processor to prevent overheating
WRT600N looks good but I think it's discontinued
WRT150N is seems to have the least issues and is stable but I think it's discontinued. This is perhaps the cheapest N router I could find. $60?
WRT610N is a work in progress. The DD-WRT team is picking one apart right now to stabilize the firmware.

Finally, here's a chart just to show you what the stock firmware/hardware is capable of: http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/component/option,com_chart/Itemid,189/. If throughput is important, remember that DD-WRT does not increase speed, just adds a lot more functionality.

hyperslug

Posted 2009-08-22T11:08:56.320

Reputation: 12 882

1Netgear WNR3500L now supported, USD 95 @ newegg. 64MB RAM, 8MB flash -> supports DD-WRT Mega! Also a USB port (Mega install should automatically support this) – hyperslug – 2010-04-19T02:40:19.410

I'll keep this list updated w/ links and more info as I find it. – hyperslug – 2009-08-22T12:16:22.063

Buffalo WHR-G300N, USD 42 @ newegg, http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/WHR-G300N

– hyperslug – 2009-09-01T15:22:19.340

AirLink 101 AR670W 150Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN/Firewall 4-Port Router , USD 30 @ buy.com, http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=210801876&listingid=38482777

– hyperslug – 2009-09-18T21:43:30.203

Up and coming -> Netgear WNDR3700 USD 160. http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=350430&sid=b147dac60442b6c644ac6baae9c960a1

– hyperslug – 2009-09-30T18:39:34.733

Netgear WNDR3300, USD 81 @ amazon. http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=27684&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

– hyperslug – 2009-09-30T18:48:47.430

Up and coming -> Asus RT-N16. http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=59240&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=719fccc3428fb5bcfd1156dfbc7d3056 High expectations for this one, due in part to the high compatibility of Asus routers with open source firmware (WL-500Gp, WL-520Gu,Gc)

– hyperslug – 2009-10-12T08:10:25.637

Development on the RT-N16 continues and is showing to be fairly stable, http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=61570&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=120. At USD 100 @ newegg, it is none too cheap, but one of the few (only?) N routers that supports the DD-WRT Mega install.

– hyperslug – 2009-12-16T04:44:06.770

I realize this question was asked quite a while ago...

I've had very good luck with a pair of WRT320N routers running DD-WRT. Got them refurbished & I've been punishing both of them ever since I brought them home & loaded them with DD-WRT.

There is a very good thread regarding DD-WRT & the WRT320N, if you go this route be sure to read it.

Also, I've noticed significant speed increases due to the 802.11n and the gigabit switch. Sorry, I haven't done any quantitative measurements.

Dan7119

Posted 2009-08-22T11:08:56.320

Reputation: 223

There's a complete list of dd-wrt supported 802.11n devices here:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices_802.11n

Jeff Atwood

Posted 2009-08-22T11:08:56.320

Reputation: 22 108

Although I do think N is a waste of time the WRT54GL suffers from mediocre throughput (max 30 Mbit wan-lan). If you got a 100Mbit Internet connection you need newer gear.

I decided to go with the linksys wrt320n. It isn't supported by dd-wrt yet, but I think support will be here soon.

The reason I picked it is because it got a gigabit ethernet switch and around 100Mbit wan-lan throughput. Also the fact that I expect dd-wrt to work on it real soon now is important :)

The latest US firmware is supposedly quite good, but EU firmware is behind and there is a bug in the old (and current EU) versions that forces you to disable upnp, or your throughput will tank in a day or two.

Joel Borggrén-Franck

Posted 2009-08-22T11:08:56.320

Reputation: 111

The Linksys WRT350Nv1 (which I think is the US model) is supported, but the v2 (sold in EU and Australia) is not, as I found out when I bought one a few years ago. OpenWRT support for v2 is just about there, read this thread for more details. It's pretty old now, so you might have trouble finding it though.

TRS-80

Posted 2009-08-22T11:08:56.320

Reputation: 2 923

wrt320n is now supported and seems to be a good choice.

serbaut

Posted 2009-08-22T11:08:56.320

Reputation: 211