Yes and no, there is a way back for many devices, they allow you during boot to flash an new image using tftp. Check the documentations for example for openwrt and how to flash it.
One reason to use aftermarket firmware is to improve security. Stock firmware is not updated after hardware production stops. With OpenWrt I can do simple firmware updates every 3 or so months which keeps them up to date with security fixes.
Tomato was the only software that made configuring a router a pleasure rather than a pain. It's interface was also the fastest, by far, of all the router software. It was also very easy to find settings in its menu system. One feature I really loved about it, and it was the first software I had ever seen that allowed this, was allowing you to set the same IP address for different interfaces on your computer. So I could set one IP address for both the wired and wireless ports on my laptop. I always had all of my IP addresses for each of my devices assigned to specific IP addresses so that I could always find them and remember them without any problems. I could also see if there were any new devices because the auto assigned addresses were in a different range. Having fixed IPs for each of my devices also made setting up passthrough ports much easier.
I agree, on my first router I installed tomato, on my second router dd-wrt because I heard it was more advanced, but actually I wish I'd gone with tomato again. I'm lazy "set it and forget it" type of person, tomato ajax gui is excellent and I didn't miss any features dd-wrt supposedly has over it. My next 2.5/10 gb router will definitely be tomato.
@@GreySectoidi love XCOM. freshtomato turned off the radios every time I reboot it, it's been a problem, I've only used tomato since I've used firmware but it's not painless, the DNS and the AdBlock stopped working too. Using AC1900
I have ddwrt on my R6250 and it's staggeringly better than the stock firmware. Faster throughput, much more capability, actual isolation and actual security for guest network, complete control of DNS server settings I absolutely love it
OpenWRT is probably the best firmware if I want to turn a compatible router into a SSID-VLAN Access Point, other firmwares can do this but not as flexible that OpenWRT can do.
If you don't need advanced features then don't use custom firmware. I myself use DD-WRT on couple of routers for a long-range wifi link bridge and in-router VPN client with an optional VPN bypass secondary subnet.
I wanted a future proof router to stream 4k so I spent $300 and got best in class at the time, which was a first for me. I always buy middle of the pack. I never go all out but I wanted to forget about my router for... basically forever. So I went ham and spent 5x more than I'd ever spent on a router and got the very best model from a trusted brand. The most expensive consumer WiFi router that Fry's carried at the time (2017-2018ish) and this thing is a BEAST even by today's standards: 1.8Ghz Quad-Core CPU+3 offload processors, 512MB RAM, 256MB Flash, Heavy-duty aluminum heatsink, shielded high airflow chassis with folding antennas, AC4000 (750+1625+1625) MU-MIMO, Tri-band, Simulatanious 3x3AC Gigabit wireless router: That's right, 3x Tx/Rx via three discrete (1x 2.4Ghz, 2x 5Ghz) Wi-Fi radios, 9 high-power amplifiers, 6 external adjustable antennas, supports 802.11a/g/ac/b/n, MU-MIMO/seamless roaming, advanced beam forming+, airtime fairness, auto firmware update, Smart Connect band steering, WPS, Smart Wi-Fi Cloud Management, 2xUSB 3.0 ports (FAT, NTSF, and HSF+), Gigabit WAN port, 4x Gigabit LAN port, 128 AES link encryption, 64/128 WEP, WPA2 Personal, WPA2 Enterprise, SPI+DoS protection, browser based setup, device management & parental controls, remote monitoring and configuration via Android & iOS app. Sounds pretty sweet, huh? Too bad it's the Linksys EA9300 and the manufacturer immediately stopped updating and supporting it. I went from WRT54G dead ringer to just...dead. I've never went from brand loyal to brand averse quicker than I did with Linksys/Cisco.
Great job. Questions from options i read about on "snb forums". Could you 1) show how to vet the correct file size and where/how to install "Johns fork" (on Source Forge), or script that has Tx power options? Lots of people want to have control of transmission power and beacon rate to make our Routers lasts longer because we don't need full power and reduce radiation. ( I bought "JRS eco-100" firmware from a Danish man last year that's been acting. I recently learned its actually Merlin firmware and after researching, I think its either got an added script or its "Johns Fork", that adds those options. 2) explain ssh console putty if scripts are needed to add those power controls? 3) tell if open vpn is trustworthy to use (a key feature of Merlin Apparently), or if self hosting is possible?
I bought a Netgear R7000 that came with DD-WRT, and it works fine. Better than my ISP's router. But would FreshTomato be better, since it mainly supports Broadcom-based routers like Netgears?
If you want to have a better UI, then that's the way to go, but if you're used to DD-WRT, then I guess that's better because of the broader features it has.
I found out on a TP Link Archer C7 v4 router, that OpenWRT slowed down my Internet connection. With the stock TP Link firmware I got 680MBPS with OpenWRT I got 250MBPS. I switched back to stock firmware
I think the reason is hardware NAT isn't enabled by default in OpenWrt. You can enable it by ticking software flow offloading and then hardware flow offloading (it will appear after ticking software flow offloading first) in luci network > firewall. Note that not all chipsets have this implemented yet.
Behfor Please Do a Video or Complete Run Down on the Merlin-WRT for Asus RT-AC68U I'm planning to install the same so would like to know the features. Does the Merlin-WRT firmware support using one USB port for file sharing HDD and one USB port for Printer Sharing? Would be great to know! Thanks! The timing of your video is impeccable like you're reading my mind!
@@Behfor Thanks for the Quick Reply! That would be Awesome Brother! Either one video or multiple videos in parts breaking the features down! I'll watch ALL OF THEM, trust me, will be using VPN through the router so please do let us know everything! Also whether 2 USB ports on the router, Can One be Used for Printer🖨and another port for External HDD encrypted File Sharing like a Mini Server?! Would be helpful to know that! My Printer Has Fax facility, Can it Take The Internet Connection Use that as Fax?! Would Be Great to Know How to Do This Securely! Emails are making International Criminal Courts and Intel Depts Try to Play Tricks with My Cases! Also A Video On How to Send Fax via Internet If Possible, if one's Printer Already Has AIO Print Copy Scan Fax Facilities On It Will Be Good to Know! Mine is an Epson L655 printer. Just in case you need to know. Have Hoardes of EVIDENCE to Send Out Hence Being Slow and Steady Till Appropriate Information received! Thanks and Sorry for the Long Messages Bro! Enjoyed Your Videos From Day One! Liked and subscribed! Like I said Really Surprised that I was doing the modems Rearranging Cleaning Setting Up And Your Video Arrives! What A Blessing! Now Hurry on and get to it! Lol😂🤣Cheers👍🏼
Hi, I'm not very familiar with this router, however, you go to the 3rd party firmware (such as ddwrt or tomato) website and check the supported page to see if your router is supported or not. If it is not, then unfortunately you cannot Install a 3rd party firmware. Good luck.
Hi there . Basically I need help to extend my wifi range . I have two modems one from TENDA D303 which is my old modem and other which is main modem company fitted with Optical from NOKIA . Kindly help as I don’t see any option as wifi extender in TENDA modem though it does shows “access point and bridging etc” .
Hi, one way would be to use the secondary router as an access point ( which as you said, you router allows you to use it as an access point). You'll just need to connect it with an ethernet cable to the primary router.
@@Behfor wanted to connect them without Lan cable . Nokia modem is connected to optical fibre and provides 100mbps but the range isn’t reachable to my room . So I thought to connect Nokia(dual band) with my other modem(tenda d303 dsl/3G) . Is it possible ?
I have Huawei CPE pro 5G 112-370 and facing some issues with 5G network and I want to change the the preferred network to 4G only. But I don’t have the option to change it, it comes auto as default and cannot change it. Can updating these firmware would help?
Hi, if you want to use the LAN cable to connect the secondary router to the primary router, then you can use the secondary router as an Access Point. Check out this video please ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MNyJmUJqVis.html Thanks!
I am considering buying Asus RT-AC66U - I wonder if i should stick with the current firmware or not? I want to use OpenVPN and be able to kill switch in the event that my VPN goes down. is that possible in the factory firmware?
When I reused the SSIDs and passwords I had on my stock configuration, it just worked without changing anything else. But some configurations were much more of a pain than stock firmware (TP-Link Archer C7): configuring DHCP static leases to match the IP addresses I had before, and having a Guest Network isolated from the rest of my network. These were a bit more of a pain. A cool benefit is I could use a range of 5 GHz WiFi channels I couldn't before (100-144). There's only one other person on there in my neighborhood, and we have enough room to have our own 80 GHz bands without anyone else's interference. The other channels I did have access to had dozens of people. The other benefit I noticed so far is I got WPA3-Personal security set up when my stock only went up to WPA2. I know this comment is three years old, but somebody might have the same question. Did you end up flashing one in the three years since your comment?
OpenWRT does, but i don't know much about it, since i'm not interested, any of my gadgets can't into wpa3. Sorry for late reply, maybe you already know it
of course the best is open wrt because it supports the most models of routers and supports them for the longest time :) To this day, you can install the latest version on the cheapest routers on the market that cost $ 15 and are 10 or 15 years old :) Which is very good :)
I have ASUS RT AC3200 - the latest firmware in the month of MAY and July 2020 cause my router to become unstable and a VERY SLOW and FREQUENT DISCONNECTION! And ASUS wants ME to send the Router back to them at my expense as well for repair cost.. HELL NO! I DOWNGRADE MY FIRMWARE, FIRMWARE FROM MARCH 2020. And my ROUTER IS BACK AND GOES BACK TO NORMAL!! ASUS wants to ROB YOU LEGALLY!!! I won't buy anything from ASUS now! RobberS!
I'm trying to update the original and old stock firmware on my asus RT-AC68U to the newest version. I'm on the firmware update tab and have tried with the auto "check" button and the File Upload button methods. But even though both appears to be loading with the % increasing to 100% during the 3 minutes I'm told it will take, when it finishes there is indeed NO change in the Firmware Version. Anyone? Anyone? I'd consider switching to Merlin, since it works for Behfor, but I don't want to create a "brick", and I figure it might just never actually update as well.
Interesting... I’m having problems now with my 2.4 Already did all kind of trouble shooting with ASUS and actually got worse. They told me now to go back and reset the router to default settings now but I’m Hesitating on it . I might just reboot my main router and my other two nodes which are the same you have the RT-AC68U. It’s a strange the one RT connected by wire works fine but my other RT that’s on Wi-Fi it does not. If I disconnect the Wired RT it doesn’t work either so I left it connected. I’ve been watching a lot of videos for a little while now can you cover a lot of Asus router does my actually help me I will try when I have some time hopefully fix my problem thank you keep up the good work
What firmware are you on? There was a video showing that RTAC68U had a security backdoor problem hence there was a firmware update for the router. I think the other option you have is going the merlin route and check if your problems get resolved.
@@yurisantos5099 You're welcome. Okay I'll check today night and get back to you, if there's better speed, connection stability etc. Awaiting video from Behfor and others for a long time on Merlin-WRT feature set or list. Hope your issue gets resolved with the update. Cheers.
MICKYLEAKS_MGR LEGAL PRESIDENT AND CJ INDIA yeah guys.. a little up date. I reset the router that I’m having problems with I logged back in, did a manual update of Asus WRT merlin software on it and then I set it as an Aimesh node. everything seemed to go good internet was working while plugged in to main router then I disconnected it and placed it Where it was before , it reconnected to the main router but then it went off-line again after some time comes on again and then off.... At this point I don’t know if something Wrong with my main router but the Internet on main router seems fine. Maybe I’ll have to reset Everything and start fresh. It’s just a pain because I have a lot of device I have to reconnect to the Wi-Fi all over again, so I’ve been hesitating on resetting everything and start it all over again. 😫😩
@@yurisantos5099 Okay See the Video which shows about Asus to Asus Mesh Network. They mentioned certain issues with Router settings or staying connected due to router issues. Could you Try Maybe Checking the Channel Settings or DHCP settings it's been a while since I saw that video so not able to put my finger quite down on what the settings were. Just as a heads up Though If Your ISP has already Messed with Your connection That Means They'll Cause Wilful disconnects, internet access failed etc. In that Scenario You Have NO OPTION, but to contact ISP ask to reset speed at Source Then After confirming Getting Correct Speeds Then Having Your Settings Written Down Not Photos etc, reset the routers enter the Settings Manually Use Different SSID with a _nomap after the SSID Name and give tough long passwords with Mac Filter to Deny Use a proper Encrypted VPN Router if You Have One then Give the entry of Device IDs etc to Use the Net If Laptop or Computer Use a Different Ethernet Dongle etc then you'll find miraculously there's access to internet! Even mobile you can use wired your videos etc won't keep changing pixel settings or retry error etc. It's really very hard these days to get to use the Internet as intended or most importantly what we paid for! Check your Settings once more before resetting entire stuff, keep us posted if any difference! Are you sure there's no electrical interference device between both routers or too many walls out of line of sight of router? I won't be using for mesh as stated hence waiting on video from Behfor or might just update the firmware do the settings I'm aware of them crosscheck with his video! I know what a headache to reset do the settings from scratch especially many devices to enter on each router etc, but then if you want to be absolutely sure and have no disconnections please check the factors I said, and if Solves the Issue Well and Good, if Not Bite the Bullet Go For Fresh Settings with the Precautions I said right From the Start! Some routers Have Mac Spoofing Some Don't. Maybe Down the Line You Can Try Something Like That so Your Device IDs are Not Hacked and Spoofed By Hackers etc Piggybacking on Your Connection etc! Thanks for the Update.👍
This is from Merlin changelog page: "384.13 (31-July-2019) - NEW: AiMesh Router and node support. Note that automatic live update of Merlin-based nodes is not supported, you will have to manually update any Merlin-based nodes when a new firmware is available. Asus-based nodes (which is recommended) will be able to make use of the automatic live update." Cheers.
i have a Mofi 4500 4gxeLTE V2 SIM 4 with a usb port but i cant find any info ANYWHERE on HOW to setup the router to recieve connection through the usb port. EVEN the user manual says it is possible to do so, but then it gives no info on HOW to do so. I want to use the unlimited data from my phone acting as the modem, then use easytether, then usb tether to the mofi. is it possible to do this with the stock mofi firmware or would it need a different firmware?
Can anyone help me? I'm trying to turn my BT homehub 4 into a wifi repeater but I need a firmware change to do it. Which do I use and where can I find it?
Is there anyway to install either of these third party software that enables AiMesh to none officially supported routers? I'm trying to make my RT-AC1200G+ into an AiMesh Node to connect to my RT-AC2900/RT-AC86U
i tried both openwrt and DD-WRT on my cheap TP-Link to become Wifi-extender (the stock firmware creates a new LAN that unable to communicate to the main LAN) both of them will require research on the internet, but you will be able to pick up the DD-WRT settings quicker than OpenWRT i recommend playing around with DD-WRT before move on to the OpenWRT
Can anyone help. I just did the firmware on my cheap E1200 linksys and for the life of me I can't get it to connect. It shows in the site survey the network I am connecting too but it will not give me an IP address. Always says it fails. I have put everything in just like several videos I have watched. I click join even in the Site Survey and it says I joined as a client but stiull nothing changes. I can connect to the router that has the DD-wrt but it always says no network access. I set it up as a repeater bridge. Put in all security info. I followed the videos to a T. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
@Littleton So far I changed a few settings by disabling just about everything I could and it seems to be working much better. I did that last night before your first comment.
Tomato is not dying. Freshtomato is the current up-to-date tomato project and receives regular updates. Just installed the latest build from 12/19/2020 release on my old Linksys WRT54GL and works great. Even QOS works with this router on freshtomato. The last version of dd-wrt with working QOS for my old router was an old 2015 release. All new dd-wrt releases has broken QOS for this Linksys as well as others. Thanks to freshtomato firmware, I have an up-to-date firmware and can use this old router again!
