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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Here are my test runs throughout the house
wired connection (down / up):
wireless connection (down / up):
Here are my test runs throughout the house
wired connection (down / up):
wireless connection (down / up):
Wireless speeds will always be slower than wired plus there are many factors that contribute to wifi slowdowns. Try changing the wireless channels until you find one that works best in your area. Also leave the bandwidth on "Auto" for best performance. If your test client is wireless ac/ax & 5ghz capable, you should be getting full speeds (500+) in your case without issues on this hardware.
I was also using the T-Mobile AC1900, which was running Merlin. However, before the LN1301 I ordered arrived, I decided to flash the AC1900 with FreshTomato. I've used Tomato for many years and only switched to Merlin when I got the T-Mobile AC1900. Now that I'm using FreshTomato again, I like it so much that I don't want to retire the AC1900. I set up the LN1301 as a wireless AP, and so far, it's been performing really well, with a much stronger 5GHz signal and slightly better 2.4GHz coverage. I even ordered another one to create a mesh network, though it's not really necessary since a single LN1301 covers my 2700 sqft home just fine.
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- Do I need to reverse my ac1900 back to manufacturer's setting or just flash tomato over merlin?
- Where can I download the tomato file?
Thanks
- Do I need to reverse my ac1900 back to manufacturer's setting or just flash tomato over merlin?
- Where can I download the tomato file?
Thanks
The one I used to flash T-Mobile AC1900 (RT-68U) was downloaded from here:
https://freshtomato.org/downloads...24/2024.3/
The file name: freshtomato-RT-AC68U-K26ARM-2024.3-VPN-64K.zip
A USB port on a router allows you to connect external storage devices like flash drives or hard drives, essentially turning your router into a network-attached storage (NAS) server, enabling easy data sharing across your network, as well as providing a central location for backups and media access; you can also use the USB port to connect a printer, making it accessible to all devices on the network without needing a dedicated print server, and in some cases, even power specific devices like wireless cameras directly from the router's USB port, simplifying setup and reducing cable clutter.
Windows 11 pretty much has the function built into its core system.
https://www.dignited.co
https://www.hellotech.c
https://windowsreport.c
Maybe I'll learn something, didn't think much about that USB on these. Could use one for storage and printing maybe. Network talk goes right over my old head.
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3 or 2?
1 node per floor and do I need 1 extra as router or can it be done with just 2?
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