- Router firmware backdoors, bugs & fixes
- Improved Network Stability & Network Information
- Advanced Wireless Modes: Access Point (AP), wireless client bridge & repeater modes
- VLAN (Virtual LAN) Support
- Adjustable Antenna Transmission Settings – Increase wireless strength and coverage
- Policy-Based Routing – Choose segments of Internet activity based on website, device, wireless network, etc.
- VPN Client/Server Integration – OpenVPN, WireGuard & more.
- Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service integration
- SPI Firewall/ IP Tables
- IPV6 Support
- Advanced Port Forwarding – Create port forwards, redirects, & triggers with included UPnP (Universal Plug and Play).
- NAT (Network Address Translation) support
- Access Restrictions – Custom time, website, app & user-based restrictions
- DNS forwarder – DNSmasq with local hostnames, domain names, and internet address caching
- Bandwidth Graphing/Statistics: Real-time, daily & monthly
- DHCP Server – Using DNSmasq with dynamic and static DHCP leases
- WPS Disabled
- Wi-Fi hotspot Integrations: Create hotspots for businesses with a verification page using the integrated Chillispot or NOCATSPLASH system
- Wake-on-LAN – Remote network access
- Samba file-share/CIFS client
- WDS: Wireless distribution system AKA wireless bridging
- Telnet/SSH Support
- Radius Authentication: Enterprise-level wireless security
- JFFS2 Support
- VPN Configuration—DD-WRT Supports VPN Client & Server Integration
- Extensive VPN Protocol Support—OpenVPN, WireGuard & More (PPTP no longer supported by most providers)
- Built-in Quality of Service (QoS) Features—Prioritize Certain Traffic, Streaming Video/Music Services, or VOIP
- Turn OFF Wi-Fi—Disable Wi-Fi Connection Completely
- Port Forwarding—Send Network Traffic To Specific Devices
- PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)—Connect to DSL over Ethernet
- Mobile Hotspot Support— Connect All Your Devices To 3G/4G/5G Mobile Hotspot Devices When On-The-Go
- Disable Network SSID—Don’t Let Other People See Your Network
- Support for Multiple Network Configurations—Wireless Repeater, Network Extender, Client Bridge & More
- DNSMasq—Store The Address Of Specific Sites Locally For A Faster Browsing Experience
- Bandwidth Monitoring—Track Your Network Bandwidth Usage
- Repeater Bridge Setup—Use A DD-WRT Router To Broadcast Your Network Signal To Connect Both Wired and Wireless Devices
- WOL (Wake on LAN)—Allow Remote Access to Your Device Even If It’s Not On
- Guest Network—Set Up A Separate Wi-Fi Network For Anyone You Don’t Want To Have Full Access To Your Network
How does DD-WRT compare to my router's stock firmware?
Manufacturers develop routers with non-technical users in mind, making them simple and easy to use while limiting their effectiveness as a web-access gateway. DD-WRT transforms a personal-class router with limited functionality into a powerful, multi-use, business-class router. With DD-WRT, a router’s enterprise potential can be unlocked at a home user’s price.
What benefits does DD-WRT bring to my network?
Benefits range from superior network stability/performance to being able to encrypt your entire network by tunneling all traffic through a VPN connection, as well as the ability to create completely multiple segmented WiFi networks and much, much more. Users also appreciate the peace of mind that comes from a community-vetted-and-tested firmware that is being consistently updated and upgraded, and removes frustrating bugs as well as potential backdoors.
How does DD-WRT compare to other popular router firmware?
DD-WRT has been impressing users since its inception in 2005, and is the go-to alternative router firmware due to its longevity of existence and support of the largest array of devices. Consequently, DD-WRT can claim the largest community of users. It’s the backbone of what we do here at FlashRouters. Our team selects high-performance wireless router hardware and supercharges, or “flashes”, it with DD-WRT for it to become the best possible version of itself.
Does DD-WRT support OpenVPN and PPTP?
Yes. OpenVPN and PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) are two different protocols for logging into VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) in order to secure your identity and encrypt your connection.
OpenVPN is a full-featured SSL VPN solution that can accommodate a wide range of configurations. Those include home, office, and campus telecommuting, Road Warrior access, WiFi security, secure branch office linking, and more.
PPTP is another method for implementing VPNs. PPTP uses a control channel over TCP and a GRE tunnel operating to encapsulate PPP Packets. Before OpenVPN, it was the standard for VPNs. However, most VPN providers no longer support PPTP, due to security concerns associated with the protocol. Newer protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, are now considered the norm.
Where Does the Name DD-WRT Come From?
DD-WRT branched off Sveasoft’s work once they began to start charging for their firmware, releasing its first version in early 2005. Part of the name of that initial router, the WRT (Wireless Receiver/Transmitter) was merged with DD, the German automobile license plate code for Dresden, home of the project’s founder BrainSlayer.
The project was successful enough that DD-WRT has become the basis for other firmware created by router manufacturers themselves.
Does DD-WRT Support WireGuard?
Our DD-WRT FlashRouters offer support for the ultra-fast WireGuard VPN protocol.
Does DD-WRT Support Lightway?
Lightway is ExpressVPN’s custom-created VPN protocol. It is only available on ExpressVPN firmware.