Click here [dd-wrt.com] for a guide on installing DD-WRT
Download the latest DD-WRT builds from here [dd-wrt.com]
If you are not interested in using custom firmware yet, these routers support mesh with the stock firmware, but the USB port is disabled.
The stock firmware is relatively new, but is speculated to not receive many, if any, updates, so it may be best to wait until custom firmware support is merged and more mature before messing with installing custom firmware.
How to enable mesh:
- Setup your Main router completely.
- Plug your child node using the wan port to the main router lan port, wait for a solid purple light on the child node before proceeding.
- Log into your main router web admin.
- Click on CA at the bottom right.
- Click on Connectivity and CA Router setup.
- Click on both Add Wired and Add Wireless nodes buttons. Wait for the Add wireless button to re-enable.
- Click Done adding Child Nodes and then Apply.
- Now the child node light should start flashing purple and turn into a mesh mode when it turns blue.
- Disconnect Ethernet and wait for blue light again.
- Move node to desired location.
How to set up as access point:
- Disable DHCP (optional).
- Set the device to Bridge Mode under Connectivity tab.
- Connect cable from your router to a LAN port.
- Get some nail polish and a round sticker to cover the annoying flashing right light.
- Click the 'CA' at the bottom of the page to see the detailed configurations of wifi.
to unbrick and flash new firmware
run flashimg
run flashimg2
rename stock firmware to tortuga.img
Top Comments
Mind you that I only have 100Mbps Spectrum internet but I do stream/direct play 4k videos from a Plex media server to several Amazon Firestick 4k devices without issue. Overall IMO you would be hard pressed to find such relatively decent hardware for so cheap; especially a Mesh network.
It wasn't all smooth at first mind you. I kept getting disconnects; especially with the streaming IP cameras. But I discovered by disabling Express Forwarding all my streaming issues went away. (CA>Connectivity>Administration>Express Forwarding)
I'm guessing that Cisco's/Linksys' proprietary Express Forwarding routing protocol was causing havoc with the IP cams streaming capabilities. Also, disabling Node Steering seemed to make things more stable as well; mesh nodes no longer disconnect from the router when Node Steering is disabled. (CA>Wi-Fi Settings>Advanced>Node Steering)
Of course, user experience can vary so feel free to experiment. if the routers are giving you problems, try turning these features off and see if it works
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Also the code only gave you $5 off the first unit if you were buying multiples, any additional units were still $20.
I don't care about the router functionality (not giving up my tp-links). I bought it to play with and have an extra router on hand from when I get the inevitable call from one of my kids that something is wrong with their internet. Cheaper to have an inexpensive back up on hand than to run to best buy to pick something up, been there a few times.
TY!
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I have a nighthawk ac2600 (stable as a rock for me on stock firmware) but considering upgrading to this Linksys LN1301 and add one for a mesh to ensure it covers what I need.
Looks like Linksys LN1301 is triband vs dual mode, 4 core processor vs dual core and able to set up easy mesh for cheap.
Am I missing anything or any thoughts from the router guru folks
TY!
dd-wrt/openwrt may bring back USB support.
it took a few days to ship and then via UPS ground across the country so a full 9 days
but it is a very heavy solid object and survives shipping easily I think
using dd-wrt with it because it is super easy to flash right from stock firmware unlike openwrt takes several manual steps
But I am really hoping that FreshTomato does a build for it, that is my favorite firmware https://freshtomato.org/
they say broadcom only but it's more than that and they do have ARM and AX builds so maybe oneday?
https://freshtomato.org/downloads/
it took a few days to ship and then via UPS ground across the country so a full 9 days
but it is a very heavy solid object and survives shipping easily I think
using dd-wrt with it because it is super easy to flash right from stock firmware unlike openwrt takes several manual steps
But I am really hoping that FreshTomato does a build for it, that is my favorite firmware https://freshtomato.org/
they say broadcom only but it's more than that and they do have ARM and AX builds so maybe oneday?
https://freshtomato.org/downloads/
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