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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But, I would stick with stock for mesh as it's pretty solid and much better than OpenWRT, imho. If I were you, I would at least play around with stock for a week or two and check it before diving it into OpenWRT as the stock wifi drivers are significantly better than OpenWRT. This is from my anecdotal experience with Linksys MR8300/MR9000 series on OpenWRT.
But, I would stick with stock for mesh as it's pretty solid and much better than OpenWRT, imho. If I were you, I would at least play around with stock for a week or two and check it before diving it into OpenWRT as the stock wifi drivers are significantly better than OpenWRT. This is from my anecdotal experience with Linksys MR8300/MR9000 series on OpenWRT.
But, I would stick with stock for mesh as it's pretty solid and much better than OpenWRT, imho. If I were you, I would at least play around with stock for a week or two and check it before diving it into OpenWRT as the stock wifi drivers are significantly better than OpenWRT. This is from my anecdotal experience with Linksys MR8300/MR9000 series on OpenWRT.
If you think a 2 GB RAM+ 1 GB Flash + Tri-band + OpenWRT and DD-WRT support as garbage, then you bet your bottom dollar it is!
Did I mention that it's ONLY $20? NVM, it's not for you. 😜
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I thought you have a tool that tells you at what width a particular device is connected.
EDIT: This is a good read for anyone who needs a primer on the bands and width, channel bonding, etc.
https://www.cbtnuggets.
I thought you have a tool that tells you at what width a particular device is connected.
sudo iw dev wlp2s0 link
replace wlp2s0 with your device name.
sudo iw dev wlp2s0 link
replace wlp2s0 with your device name.
Btw, if you change the channel width to 40 MHz, do you see it reflect in the "iw" output?
Btw, if you change the channel width to 40 MHz, do you see it reflect in the "iw" output?
Btw, "netsh wlan show interfaces" gives good info but doesn't list the channel width. I will keep digging...
Network type : Infrastructure
Radio type : 802.11ac
Authentication : WPA2-Personal
Cipher : CCMP
Connection mode : Auto Connect
Band : 5 GHz
Channel : 153
Receive rate (Mbps) : 866.7
Transmit rate (Mbps) : 866.7
Signal : 99%
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I've had this device for a couple of days and it has worked decently for my 30-odd devices that connect to it in a medium intensity use environment covering a 2-storey 3000 sq. ft. dwelling. The linksys software (both PC and Android app) leave a lot to be desired. Having said that, for $20 it does what it needs to do.
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