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If anyone is looking for a cheap up-to-date replacement that runs OpenWRT, I recently replaced my WRT54GL with a TP-Link Archer C7, and I've been quite happily

If anyone is looking for a cheap up-to-date replacement that runs OpenWRT, I recently replaced my WRT54GL with a TP-Link Archer C7, and I've been quite happily running OpenWRT on it for the past few months. Note that you have to do a bit of hackery to install OpenWRT, since the stock firmware refuses to install unsigned updates through the web interface: https://pappp.net/?p=1525 https://pappp.net/?p=1525

kw71 10y ago
I don't know how my find compares to yours but I amassed a fleet of used Netgear WNDR3800's, and replaced their old stock OpenWRT with modern version. Compared to the linksys boxes, they have GigE, better radios (speed and range) more memory and a more powerful CPU. I might use the USB ports in the future for a disk or some serial thing I want to provide connectivity for.
- rcthompson 10y ago
  The C7 has 802.11ac support. I don't have any devices that support 802.11ac yet, but I also don't want to have to buy another router in a long time, which is why I went for it. The C7 sells for under $100 on Amazon, while most other equal-speed routers from other companies are substantially more expensive, e.g. the Linksys WRT AC1200 which sells for $150 (despite actually being slower), or Buffalo's AirStation AC1750 which sells for $160.
sandGorgon 10y ago
The Archer C7 (and the equivalent D7) is a spectacular device and is frequently rated as the best buy for your dollar. It has 512mb for the NAT table so it can accommodate an office full of people skyping/downloading/torrenting
Scaevolus 10y ago
OpenWRT on the Archer C7 doesn't support the hardware NAT acceleration (aka cut through forwarding), so you won't be able to achieve more than ~150Mbps.
- rcthompson 10y ago
  Do you know a similar speed device where this is supported? Also I don't think this is an issue for most home router situations, since few home internet connections in the USA offer more than 150Mbps. But if you were shopping for routers to install in an office building or something, it might be an issue.
- vith 10y ago
  Wired or wireless or both? I get 220 Mbps downstream through my OpenWRT Archer C7 over ethernet. My service is advertised as 200 Mbps so I don't know how much faster it could go. I have however read that OpenWRT has significantly worse wireless performance than the stock firmware on this device. I don't doubt what you're saying other than the number.
deleted 10y ago
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kw71 10y ago

I don't know how my find compares to yours but I amassed a fleet of used Netgear WNDR3800's, and replaced their old stock OpenWRT with modern version. Compared to the linksys boxes, they have GigE, better radios (speed and range) more memory and a more powerful CPU. I might use the USB ports in the future for a disk or some serial thing I want to provide connectivity for.

rcthompson 10y ago
The C7 has 802.11ac support. I don't have any devices that support 802.11ac yet, but I also don't want to have to buy another router in a long time, which is why I went for it. The C7 sells for under $100 on Amazon, while most other equal-speed routers from other companies are substantially more expensive, e.g. the Linksys WRT AC1200 which sells for $150 (despite actually being slower), or Buffalo's AirStation AC1750 which sells for $160.

sandGorgon 10y ago

The Archer C7 (and the equivalent D7) is a spectacular device and is frequently rated as the best buy for your dollar. It has 512mb for the NAT table so it can accommodate an office full of people skyping/downloading/torrenting

Scaevolus 10y ago

OpenWRT on the Archer C7 doesn't support the hardware NAT acceleration (aka cut through forwarding), so you won't be able to achieve more than ~150Mbps.

rcthompson 10y ago
Do you know a similar speed device where this is supported? Also I don't think this is an issue for most home router situations, since few home internet connections in the USA offer more than 150Mbps. But if you were shopping for routers to install in an office building or something, it might be an issue.
vith 10y ago
Wired or wireless or both? I get 220 Mbps downstream through my OpenWRT Archer C7 over ethernet. My service is advertised as 200 Mbps so I don't know how much faster it could go. I have however read that OpenWRT has significantly worse wireless performance than the stock firmware on this device. I don't doubt what you're saying other than the number.

deleted 10y ago

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