DD-WRT Or New Router?

[M4T VW]

So my dad is getting a new AV amp for downstairs and a sonos media player.
One problem I'm having is IP conflicts! I've set manual on them all before but it's impossible to keep track of it all and a brother and a Dad who think they are both know-it-all's and keep changing settings!
What I need is IP reservation!

I currently have a Linksys WRT54GS V1 (I think) and it's getting on a bit now. The standard FW doesnt support IP reservation but DD-WRT does.
I bet I would have over 30 bits of kit that all need IPs in the house. Do you think it's worth flashing the router or just getting a new router?

The router is now mainly used for iPhones now that I have homeplugs but the switch on it will be used for a NAS for the sonos.

I think I'm talking myself into a new router here!
I need good wireless coverage, fast 4 port switch on the back and ip reservation.

What would you suggest?

Cheers
Mat

[Hax]

Go for DD-WRT :) If that doesn't work for you, then buy a new router?

If that was not how I was supposed to answer and you do want a new router, my answer then would change to: DD-WRT is crap, get a new router ;)

Everyone likes shiny new things to play with though ;)

[Sniperdude]

either that or tomato

personally when I used my linksys router Liked it better than dd_wrt

http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato



with that i was able to assign an ip to each computer by name and it would always get that ip I dont seem to be able to do that with dd_wrt









EDIT: i just worked out how to do IP reservation so my pc's have static ip's while still having DHCP running for other devices
that's the only thing i missed from tomato in dd-wrt and it was there all along

[M4T VW]

Hmm Linksys WRT610N? I had one of the first ones but sent it back becuase it was too buggy!

D-Link with lots of good reviews?

Or Netgear? Ive been using alot of their stuff at the moment and it all seems good.

As im upgrading i would like to go for a dual G/N one with Gigabit. Needs to have DHCP reservation!

[MikeLdn88]

I switched to Tomato from DD-WRT about 3-4 years ago and not looked back. DD-WRT is overloaded with a lot of features that you don't need. Yes, you will argue that a mini/micro/standard build will suffice but its still overloaded.

Lookup Victek's RAF derivative. You can play with QoS and bandwidth limit IP etc.
WRT54GS has the larger ram i think? If you decide on moving to a N-router, pls drop me a PM as i may be interested in buying your old router if reasonably priced.

Don't upgrade until you've tried tomato

[Gunslinger]

There was another open source firmware, but i've lost my links to it which is mildly annoying as i was waiting for them to make it fully compatible with my netgear router before switching over to that from my linksys running DD-WRT.

I'd flash it before replacing it, you have nothing to lose, and it will sell better if already flashed with DD-WRT

[BeeP]

I got a free D-Link 615 from Virgin.......biggest pile of rubbish ever & I will be changing it in the new year.

I loved my netgear router, will be going for one o the newer ones after Christmas.

[wuyanxu]

DD-WRT is wonderful, i wouldn't use a router without it.

but if you really want a new router, have a look at WRT320N, it's almost half price of 610N, and got almost all the features. (well, no simultaneous dual-band, but for iPhones 2.4GHz is all it needs) i have WRT320N running DD-WRT preSP2, and it's brilliant, gigabit LAN, fast and large area wifi, QoS for my computer (so i can game while NAS runs BT/download), WoL interface so don't need to fiddle with port forwarding and reserved IP address for all my devices.

[Pepp77]

Ive got a DLink DIR-615 (not from Virgin) and have absolutely no problems with it. DHCP reservation works perfectly on it as well.

[M4T VW]

Ok, I took the plunge and got a netgear wndr3700.
I was a bit sceptical because of the problems I read on the netgear forums but it seems ok at the moment. Very fast transfer speed using my homeplugs and wireless seems good on the 2.4ghz. Not tried the 5ghz yet.
The range doesn't seem as strong though. I used to get 3 bars on the wireless with an iPhone upstairs and now only get 2.
I hope I can still get it down in my summerhouse! It doesn't help the router being under the stairs.

[Gunslinger]

Thats the one i got, havent put it into use yet, will do once i've built my machine and have it in the same area of the house... i too read about reduced signal range, especially on the 5ghz side of things, although that is fairly normal apparently..... i opted for that one because of it's stability/reliability and the dual band thing

there is a massive thread for it on the dd-wrt forums
http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=53016

I will probably drop some sort of range extender into the setup as it wont get very far out of the room it's in otherwise !! but mainly for the old mans pc i will probably stick with these home plugs, no issues with them dropping out ever

EDIT:
looks like DD-WRT is not fully sorted for this one yet, lots of bugs, and speed drops off compared to stock

[M4T VW]

Man, Thats a massive thread!:lol:

The netgear setup screens are fine for me, As long as it works and doesnt drop connection thats all i ask.
Ive already been able to do alot more with the new one like DHCP Reservation. I just love this feature, Its so easy to use and makes networking easy.

Just need the Sonos and the new amp now:D:cop:

[Gunslinger]

if i remember correctly, that router also accepts an external drive via usb :D

[M4T VW]

It does, Yes.

However i have a NAS plugged into the gigabit ethernet ports anyway.
Gives me room for scope though!

[Gunslinger]

i've no real need for a NAS, but dropping an old drive i'm not using into a cheap caddy will give me some scope :) ... whilst saving one of the LAN ports, as i have 3 things plugged in all the time as it is, and a forth occasionally as well, this is another reason for the home plug route, because should i wish for a nas or something then i have the scope to expand