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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I currently have a 2900sqft house (basement included) and I'm currently running an Archer C4000 tri-band router, with approximately 35-40 devices (smart light switches, Alexas, phones, laptops, etc.) linked.
The router is on the main floor and we constantly run into weak signals on the 2nd floor so I figured I need a mesh system. Can I grab 2 of these and add them to my existing router or would I need to ditch it and rely on say 3 of these instead?
I'm used to flashing and all that tech stuff from years ago so I can figure my way through this, but how reliable will these be once all set up? I don't want an angry wife and kids if WiFi is spotty. Any guide to properly get something set up is much appreciated.
https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/v...p?t=337154
mesh should work no problem. Just follow the hidden instructions on how to add the nodes
I installed testuser7's build here:
https://github.com/testuser7/open...ax-2540ea6
using the instructions he posted in the PR here:
https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/pull/16070
Flashing each device takes about 10 minutes, once you know the steps.
Works great. No problems at all. Last night, I was able set up an 802.11s mesh across the two devices and string it across my house.
I just ordered two more from Amazon at $20
In the Linksys app, I don't have account just login using router pwd the channels scan might have helped me.
That old TPlink is dated so this or other router should be improvement in WiFi speed but not coverage with only WiFiMan app from ubiquti is free and handy to compare speed etc
If you get 2 or 3 to use as mesh. Having each node focus on just the floor or few rooms the. Hand-off to next node.
I have been moving 2nd node around and see trade off, max speed whole 1st 2nd floor but then yard speed same as when I didn't have mesh. Move and yard max speed but some spots inside house are only 150-200mps etc
I only using two right now very small 2 story wood frame house in congested wifi surburb. I'm testing to help make sure these work before I give to brother or buddy with junk ATT or FIOS non mesh extender.
If you want headache free and less power usage just try to get newer TPlink. Even with apparent their recent firmware spying issues they have been reliable price performance with the right deal.
If these prices keep up it can become be like early WiFi days with Linksys the most common wifi pollution AP name.
Many non technical people buying and not realizing the 2 nodes not even successfully connected just sitting as a not working AP. Wasn't easy to get Node working but not that it is I've been able to move around, WiFi backhaul or wired. Seem fine
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I installed testuser7's build here:
https://github.com/testuser7/open...ax-2540ea6
using the instructions he posted in the PR here:
https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/pull/16070
Flashing each device takes about 10 minutes, once you know the steps.
Works great. No problems at all. Last night, I was able set up an 802.11s mesh across the two devices and string it across my house.
I just ordered two more from Amazon at $20
edit: idk why the thumbs down, but I'm not a reseller, just a nerd who likes good deals - I'd probably just gift them to my parents and in-laws, configuration and everything
I installed testuser7's build here:
https://github.com/testuser7/open...ax-2540ea6
using the instructions he posted in the PR here:
https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/pull/16070
Flashing each device takes about 10 minutes, once you know the steps.
Works great. No problems at all. Last night, I was able set up an 802.11s mesh across the two devices and string it across my house.
I just ordered two more from Amazon at $20
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My eventual goal is to run OpenWRT and move AdGuard from my Raspberry Pi Zero to the router, but I'm not super interested in beta testing the OpenWRT builds right now since the stock Linksys firmware, while basic, is working fine.
I picked up one last week for $15 from Woot to use as my OpenWRT test unit, but am thinking about getting another at $20 so I can replace my parents' and in-law's existing routers with these running OpenWRT and AGH.
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