DD WRT vs. Tomato vs. Open WRT VPNPick. LAST UPDATE March 2. High performing routers have several perks and configuration options often left out from standard consumer grade models. The only trouble is the high cost attached to them, some going as high as thousands of dollars, and thats to be expected for corporate grade security firewalls and all. However, when compared to consumer grade routers, the difference is astonishingly disappointing. For many years, there were lots of custom firmware e. FZW/735H/HW1LTUHO/FZW735HHW1LTUHO.LARGE.jpg' alt='Ddwrt Meraki Installation' title='Ddwrt Meraki Installation' />enspenspAuthor Message aairon DDWRT User Joined Posts 191. Template Blog 3 Kolom Simple there. How to Enhance Your Router With OpenSource Firmware. To perform this. Meraki Mr18Lede or Gargoyle developed for popular home routers, such as D Link, Linksys, Netgear and even ASUS, often left much to desire. From buggy features, limited options, and even slow performance, the downsides are varied from one model to another. Very importantly, routers lack the possibility of using Open. VPN protocols, in order to setup VPN server or client services directly from the network router. Additionally, it can be argued that there is no such thing as secure firmware from any network router maker. Even Juniper has admitted having a backdoor vulnerability in their firewalls for years. In 2. ASUS models allowed attackers to access the devices from anywhere online, while more recently, the Wi Fi security was also compromised. The list goes on, and this is where open source firmware shines. The way to drastically improve your router, is by installing one of the third party open source firmware options available. These alternatives can instantly improve performance,  and unlock a multitude of features previously unavailable, instantly turning your cheap router into a powerhouse. There are way too many features and capabilities gained to list them all, but the main ones range from bandwidth monitoring, advanced Qo. S, Wi Fi power and performance boost, and built in Open. Vmware Esxi 5.5 Download Free Iso here. VPN clients. But installing different firmware on your router, referred to as flashing firmware is not always easily done, and picking the right firmware for your needs, router and budget should all be assessed first. Theres always new developments and updates that provide more options to consumers, so in order to help you choose the right option, lets have a look at the most current firmware developments, as well as pre configured options available for those who feel way over their heads when it comes to flashing their own routers. Many people dont feel tech savvy enough to start tinkering and flashing firmware, but  all popular options have rich step by step tutorial guides and compatibility lists to facilitate the process. But there are some very important things to know before you even start. Flashing firmware or installing different software to run your router is usually against the manufacturers terms of service, and will automatically void any supportwarranty on the hardware. There is also always the risk of damaging the router in an irreversible manner, especially if you dont follow the steps correctly. With that said, I am not suggesting that you give up, if you have a rather inexpensive router at home to play around with, it can be a fun project, and learning experience, so dont be scared to try. What if flashing firmware on your router is really not for you Theres a few options to consider. The first one being professionally pre configured routers with the firmware of your choice. Flash. Routers offers a huge selection of pre configured routers running DD WRT or Tomato, and optional specialized options such as  dual router setups, wireless extenders, and even the option to add pre paid, pre configured VPN services Apple Airport lovers rejoice, they even offer specialized dual router setups to link with your Airport Extreme. Their team of pros configure and test your router, as well as provide stellar after sale support, to help you get going every step of the way. Router. Source also offer a variety of flashed routers, but in this case, they offer DD WRT or Sabai OS, which is a fairly new firmware developed by Sabai Technology. The Sabai OS was specifically designed for consumer VPN setups, which means its features are entirely designed around VPN use, facilitating the whole process, while aiming for the best possible speeds. There are very little advanced options when compared to DD WRT or Tomato. Another great choice for quality and service, you wont be left disappointed. And finally, if you decide to go with DD WRT  Buffalo now offers 3 DD WRT Routers. They provide the simplest solution of all, and best value for your money, coming in at a comparable cost of traditional routers with similar specs. The second gen models now offer better performance and stability. With a 3 year warranty, Buffalo really makes it hard to pass by these DD WRT configured routers. Save2pc Com Full here. Some of Asuss latest routers have also upgraded to high performance firmware based off DD WRT called Asuswrt. It is essentially a stripped down version in terms of features and functionality, but a great boost on performance, while still allowing you to tweak and configure the most important details. DD WRTDD WRT was known as the most feature rich firmware of them all until Openwrt came along. Since this particular Linux based firmware has been in development for several years, stability is not usually a problem, but having a multitude of configuration options that are often left unused does come at a price. Compared to Tomato, DD WRT is reported to have more bugs. Additionally, the interface, being cluttered with options, can be intimidating and harder to navigate. Overall, it provides immense improvement to consumer routers, turning them into a network geeks dream. In addition to having the most options, DD WRT is also the most compatible of the bunch. It should also be noted that DD WRT is not the easiest to flash to, and can sometimes become frustrating for beginners. Below I included links to our DD WRT guides to help navigate the waters. To find out if you can install in on your network device, note down the proper model number of your router and check compatibility using their updated master list here. SEE ALSO Pros Offers the a multitude features and configurations. Compatible with more routers than any other third party firmware. Cons Bit more difficult to Setup. Advanced features make it harder to use. Stability can fluctuate, multiple builds for various router makers and models. Multiple DD WRT builds exist, adding an additional layer of difficulty in making a choice For those starting out, using the default version is perfectly fine. But, if you happen to be using an Asus router, the Asuswrt can also be upgraded to Asuswrt merlin FW, ultimately a third party enhanced version of Asuss firmware, that fixed many known bugs while improving speed, performance and stability. Tomato. Tomato firmware is similar to DD WRT,and also based off Linux, but opts for a better balance between performance and features, and does so very efficiently. Tomato has a simple, graphically rich interface, making it easy for even beginners to pickup. If your router is not supported by the DD WRT firmware, your best alternative is undoubtedly Tomato. It might not be as featured rich as the DD WRT firmware, but it will still open up the best config options required to supercharge your router. Tomato also offers certain capabilities not found on DD WRT, specifically live visual traffic monitoring, allowing easy visibility on inboundoutbound traffic in real time.