Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2019 23:35 Post subject: Router Recommendation
I tested two routers today using an Openvpn tunnel on dd-wrt. The ISP connection is 30 Mbit over fiber. The first router, a Netgear WNDR3700v4 tested at about 8 Mbit download. The second router, a Linksys WRT3200ACM, gave me 28 Mbit download!
Obviously you get what you pay for, and I'm using the 3700's because I can buy them used for $15-20 USD on eBay. Can you recommend a router that would give me throughput similar to the WRT3200 without the price tag? I don't need Wifi or much of any other features...just a basic router that will run dd-wrt. TIA!
It is very well supported here on DD-WRT, even BS recommended it in the mwlwifi driver github via issues threads.
Expect to pay 100 open box, 80 used, 60 if you get lucky. Maybe you can find a deal locally on craigslist, offerup or donated to goodwill etc.
I'll second the vote for the R7800. I went from a WRT1900ACS to the R7800 and I couldn't be happier. As noted above, MUCH better range. Many more open-source choices and most importantly, the thing just works.
The netgear r7800 is a very nice router but it doesn't come close to meeting the thread starter's criteria of something low priced. He sure won't be finding them on ebay for $20.
VPN client throughput is mainly down to CPU speed, 1.8Ghz in the WRT32x and WRT3200acm as bltk has said next option R7800 has 1.7Ghz, R7000 has 1.0Ghz but can be o/c safely to 1.2Ghz giving a good return.
As for your budget i honestly can't see you getting a fast cpu speed router for $20 but you may be lucky as bltk has pointed out.
Good luck
You wont get a decent router for $20 , but you can get good open box deals with Amazon Warehouse. Find a router you like and see if it has 'used' below and sometimes you will get a graded return at rock bottom prices. I've bought loads of stuff this way, including my Netgear DM200 modem - which are always available as AZ warehouse deals. Otherwise go second hand. I've got the WRT1900ACS V2 and I'm perfectly happy with it. Paid £50 from a pawn shop.
I hesitate to offer suggestions about routers but . .
I have two WRT1200AC v1's that have worked well for me. One I bought new locally the other I got from Amazon as a Linksys Refurb for $68. Both have been trouble free with the only difference being the refub has brighter LED's than the new purchase. Both perform exactly the same regardless. (LED brightness/failure is/was a problem??) Both of mine are v1's so I can't speak to the performance of the v2's.
I hesitate to offer suggestions about routers but . .
I have two WRT1200AC v1's that have worked well for me. O
I've been tempted to get a 1900 or 3200 but both of my 1200's run so well and trouble free I can't convince myself to do so.
Like most things, a lot depends on your needs. I think the 1900s and 3200s are only going to be needed if you have a real fast connection because their cpu is faster. I have a 1900acs and only bought because my TP-link Archer C7 couldn't handle my increased speeds with QoS turned on. I upgraded cable from 100/10 speed to 400/20. I think the Archer would have been perfectly fine up to 200 down or even faster if I didn't use QoS. That was an excellent router for the price.
