Ask HN: Do you want a router that has DD-WRT pre-installed?
I sometimes run across comments where someone says they want an open-source router, and I wonder if this is a viable idea for a small company. I've been flashing DD-WRT to my routers for years, but I see that options like the GL.iNet Flint, OpenWrt One, and Protectli already exist, and I assume hackers would just make their own. So, do you actually want a router that you can buy with DD-WRT pre-installed?
I used to use dd-wrt, but I later settled on ASUS routers, and installing "ASUS Merlin" firmware on them. I find ASUS hardware high quality in general. And using an open-source project like ASUS Merlin means the pain-points and limitations that I would face with stock firmware have been resolved to (at least to satisfactory extent) when I need reach for the hacker type configurations.
How does DD-WRT compare to RouterOS?
IMHO, those who want a router with open-source firmware are going to have the technical knowledge to do the finding and flashing themselves, by virtue of being embedded in tech deeply enough to recognize the value of an open-source firmware in the first place. Those who look at you blankly when you mention open-source router firmware aren’t likely going to become customers.
- tombert
I'd be happy to be proven wrong, but I think that routers are a pretty geeky thing that most people don't want to hear about. I had offered to buy and set up a pfsense router for my parents for a few years ago and they were decidedly not interested, even after I tried explaining the merits of it. Pretty much anyone who is going to be interested in DD-WRT is going to be someone who can set it up themselves.
pfsense can sell for a relatively high price, I think, because they market themselves more towards businesses and big corporations.
- someperson
I used to use dd-wrt, but I later settled on ASUS routers, and installing "ASUS Merlin" firmware on them.
I find ASUS hardware high quality in general. And using an open-source project like ASUS Merlin means the pain-points and limitations that I would face with stock firmware have been resolved to (at least to satisfactory extent) when I need reach for the hacker type configurations.
- MaKey
> So, do you actually want a router that you can buy with DD-WRT pre-installed?
No, I'd rather flash it myself and use OpenWrt instead of DD-WRT.