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
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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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1) the LED is constantly blinking red
2) I have to connect my old router to this device's LAN. If I connect to WAN, the wifi crashes immediately and I can't connect to internet even via ethernet
Does anyone see the same issue?
Everything anyone says about WiFi is YMMV as HVAC ductwork brick walls plaster etc will affect it all.
When I used only one of these it was not better speed and distance coverage than my 1 TPlink Archer 21 router. That router covered everything in my small 2 story wood house fine. Only my yard patio has speed in low 14-8mps not that I noticed unless I tested.
2 nodes can help with dead spots in your house if you happen to have a good spot to place it. Use WiFiMan to compare and then keep moving the 2nd WiFi not to find it he best compromise spot.
I happen to have wired behind my main TV so can place main parent node/router there. Roku is wired few other things for TV there. Then wired back to my office where printer desktop etc. I only have minimal stuff on WiFi. My sec cameras NVR are POE wired. So my situation isn't like most.
I have zero need for mesh but at this price bought to play with and maybe confirm not junk and give to brother with crap WiFi. The 3rd one I got only because was $15 and I can eventually play with alternate firmware as it's been a decade since I used
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No complaints for $15 and an upgrade. I do wonder if the real play is throwing DD WRT or open wrt on it but I'm not sure if that'll actually improve anything.
Tldr: if you have a really old router and want something newer this is a great buy.
FWIW, I have Express Forwarding and Node Steering enabled and don't have any issues with the smart plugs plus about 30 devices on the network on my Linksys MR9000. I expect a better performance from LN1301 as it has 2 GB RAM and a quad core processor where as MR9000 has ONLY 512 MB RAM.
Also someone mentioned you have to pay return shipping to return this to Woot? I have Amazon Prime but I would like to able to return them free should they not work out. I guess I'll have to look into that a little further.
Yes, mesh works with stock + OpenWRT.
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Yes, mesh works with stock + OpenWRT.
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