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    DD-WRT worth the risk (WNDR3400)?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Aeyix, Aug 31, 2013.

  1. Aeyix

    Aeyix Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm currently using a Netgear WNDR3400 and was contemplating installing DD-WRT on it. I've read the forums and watched some vids but not sure if it is worth it. I saw a lot of options in the firmware that I don't understand. I kind of want to use it (particularly because it is different), but I don't want to stumble into something that will end up being too confusing to configure. I'm curious though if I could get better performance on it by using DD-WRT.

    Right now, I'm blocked by one wall to my router and about 25ft. I let my roommate and friends use the 2.4GHz band because at most they are only accessing internet. Although my older laptop running whatever OS I'm toying with at the time (currently Debian) and my phone need to use the 2.4GHz band, which at close proximity the speeds range to about 90-100% of what I should be getting. However, as soon as I am in my room, the speeds drop to about 60% of max. Now on the 5GHz band (I run on a lower channel because it penetrates the wall very well unlike the higher channels) I get 100% of expected speed all the time with the exception that my laptop's wifi card reports around 150-250mbps as compared to always having a full 300mbps in the main room where the router is (the 5GHz band is for my newer laptop, Xbox, and tablet).
     
    Aeyix, Aug 31, 2013
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  2. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    DD-WRT won't improve anything in terms of range or speed. It could possibly do that if you had a router with a firmware that is completely useless but that's not the case with TP-Link.

    Also is there even a point to do this? As long as you get full Internet speed and don't transfer files via Wi-Fi within your local network it doesn't matter if theoretical connection speed is 300mbps or 150mbps. So if it's not limiting you- leave it be.

    If it is- you're most likely looking at buying a different router. Increasing transmit power via DD-WRT doesn't do much (if anything) ti improve range.

    Also read this.
     
    downloads, Aug 31, 2013
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