Openwrt Router Firmware

[xiaofan]

it's been a long time since i last used the recovery procedure. vaguely, i remember the pc has to be set on 192.168.1.x where x <> [012], turn off and disconnect the wall wart, wait about 1min, then while pressing the reset button, plug in the wall wart and power it up (for me, i turned it off at the mains, did not disconnect the power cable, wait 5min to allow any capacitors to discharge, then while pressing the reset button, turn on the mains switch). once the lights are stable, point the browser to 192.168.1.1 (refresh the browser if needed). this brings you to the bootloader/CFE menu where you can reset the system, or upload a new firmware (OpenWRT --> stock or vice versa).

(to rule out unexpected behaviour, i do a direct connection between pc and router only. then set the ip address)

hope this helps

Thanks.

Yes, I was able to go to the recovery web console while I tried the 30-30-30 reset method, which is very much the same as what you described.
https://www.router-reset.com/info/D-Link/DIR-865L

What I did yesterday evening. I set up my laptop to use fixed IP 192.168.0.2 and connected it to the D-Link DIR-865L LAN port.

1) I was able to flash version 1.08 non-Starhub FW from 1.07SHC Starhub FW.

2) I was also able to flash the 1.20 beta (latest version in 2020 to addressed a few CVEs) after using an intermediate 1.09 version. Without the 1.09 version, 1.07SHC or 1.08 version will not recognize the 1.20 beta FW version.
https://support.dlink.ca/ProductInfo.aspx?m=DIR-865L
https://ftp.dlink.ca/ftp/PRODUCTS/DIR-865L/DIR-865L_REVA_FIRMWARE_PATCH_v1.20B01_BETA.ZIP

3) WIth 1.20 beta, the latest FreshTomato FW version was recognized. But then using the WebUI to flash the FW failed (this was my mistake, I should not use this method). This resulted a broken 1.20 FW which somehow it did not let me log-in (user name or password wrong).

4) Then I tried the normal factory reset method and it does not work. So I tried the 30-30-30 Reset method and to my surprise it went to the web recovery console mode.

5) Since you mentioned FreshTomato FW worked fine, I wanted to try it using the web recovery console, but the web recovery console did not recognize the FreshTomato FW.

It also did not recognize the 1.20 beta FW. So in the end I flashed the 1.08 FW again. BTW, I needed to wait for quite a few minutes.

I will give up for now but I will try it at another time.

BTW, the FW feature of DIR-865L is actually quite comprehensive by consumer router standard (not as good as Asus but not bad).

 

[xiaofan]

For ISP issued fee routers, Starhub issued Linksye EA7500 v2 and Linksys EA8100 v1 have good support of OpenWRT now. Unfortunately there are no support of the popular Starhub issued D-Link DIR-868L (even if there is support WiFI will suck due to the use of Broadcom chipset). There are snapshot release for Starhub issued DIR-865L and DIR-890L but wireless will suck because of no good 5GHz band support.

I tend to belive that you can run OpenWRT on M1 issued RT-AC2600, by using RT-AC85P OpenWRT firmware (double amont of RAM of RT-AC85U/85P). Take note there is no support for the older RT-AC1200G+.
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-ac85p

Some of the other local ISP issued routers may also be supported by OpenWRT, like Linksys WRT32X (M1 gaming plan).

As for Singtel issued free routers like Aztech, Arcadyan, Airties or Askey, they will have basically no chances to get OpenWRT support.

Singtel issued free routers for Fibre Internet
2-wire 5012NV --> Pace A5520N --> Aztech DSL7003GRV(AC) --> Aztech DSL 7009GR(AC) --> Singtel AC Elite (AC1900) --> Singtel AC Plus (AC1200) --> SIngtel Mesh Router --> Airties Air 4960R -->Airties RT5703W (now)

Singtel ONR users may get mesh nodes like Singtel Mesh Extender and
Singtel AC Plus (AC1200) --> SIngtel Mesh Router --> Singtel Mesh Extender or Askey AP5100W WiFi Mesh (mesh node, not router) --> Singtel WI-FI 6 MESH AP5690W (not a router) or Airties RT5703W

Starhub issued free routers for Fibre Internet (D-Link models up to July 2017)
?? --> D-Link DIR-865L (2013-2014) --> D-Link DIR-850L --> D-Link DIR-868L and D-Link DIR-890L (for upgrade?) --> Linksys EA7500v2 --> Linksys EA8100 v1 --> Nokia Beacon 1 --> Nokia Beacon 2 (now)

M1 issued free routers for Fibre Internet (?)
Asus RT-N15U --> Asus RT-N56U --> Asus RT-AC56S --> Asus RT-AC68U (not free, for upgrade?) --> Asus RT-AC1200G+ --> Asus RT-AC2600 --> Asus RT-AX55 or TP-Link Archer AX73 (short duration) or TP-Link Archer AX72 --> RT-AX3000P or TP-Link Archer AX72

@loganrunning

Just wondering if you can help on the M1 side. I have never used M1. So the info before RT-AC1200G+ was through Google of this forum.

I changed from Starhub Cable Online to Singtel Fibre back in Feb 2012 so that I knew the early router offerings (given the free 2-wire 5012NV and then changed to Pace A5520N when the 2-wire got broken, then I changed to my own Linksys WRT1900AC in2014, but I still got free routers like SIngtel AC Plus, Singtel Mesh Router and Askey AP5100W).

Then I have another line changed from Starhub Cable Online to Starhub Fibre in 2014 (with free DIR-865L router). So I am not sure about the earlier routers given by Starhub. Hopefully someone can help. But anyway, I guess those are not really worth using now.

 

[xiaofan]

Interestingly the Web Recovery Console recognized OpenWRT FW, but then it never reboots to the OpenWRT side. I have to flash back to 1.08 again. Now I will give up.

After flashing to 1.08, I also chose to upgrade to latest 1.20 beta version. It is actually still usable if there are FW support. I was using the DIR-865L as the main router for my Starhub FIbre Internet (from 100Mbps and later free upgrade to 500Mbps) from 2014 to 2021 (upgraded to Huawei AX3 Pro).

Wired speed:

Wireless speed at 3m away (Intel AX201 2x2 AX/AC).

 

[xiaofan]

M1 Asus issued routers are mostly supported by alternative FW like DD-WRT.

Asus RT-N15, RT-AC56S (similar to RT-AC56U) and RT-AC68U are supported by DD-WRT.
https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices#Asus

Asus RT-N15, RT-AC56S (similar to RT-AC56u) and RT-AC68U are also supported by FreshTomato.
https://wiki.freshtomato.org/doku.php/hardware_compatibility

RT-N15U is also supported by OpenWRT up to version 19.07.2 but not recommended.
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-n15

RT-N56U is supported by OpenWRT (but it is said 5GHz WiFi may have some stability issues)
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-n56u

RT-AC56S (similar to RT-AC56U) is also partially suppoted by OpenWRT without 5GHz wireless.
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-ac56u

RT-AC68U is a long life product and it is still supported by Asus official FW (latest FW: Version 3.0.0.4.386.51665, 98.78 MB, 2023/05/11) and Merlin alternative FW (386.12 stable version).

RT-AC68U is also partially supported by OpenWRT but no wireless (not even 2.4GHz).
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-ac68u

RT-AC1200G+ is not supported by alternative FW.

RT-AC2600 should be supported by OpenWRT (needs confirmation) by using RT-AC85P OpenWRT FW (with double RAM).

 

[loganrunning]

@loganrunning

Just wondering if you can help on the M1 side. I have never used M1. So the info before RT-AC1200G+ was through Google of this forum.

I changed from Starhub Cable Online to Singtel Fibre back in Feb 2012 so that I knew the early router offerings (given the free 2-wire 5012NV and then changed to Pace A5520N when the 2-wire got broken, then I changed to my own Linksys WRT1900AC in2014, but I still got free routers like SIngtel AC Plus, Singtel Mesh Router and Askey AP5100W).

Then I have another line changed from Starhub Cable Online to Starhub Fibre in 2014 (with free DIR-865L router). So I am not sure about the earlier routers given by Starhub. Hopefully someone can help. But anyway, I guess those are not really worth using now.

my knowledge on m1 issued routers is patchy as i signed up, left, and signed up again

my earliest m1 router is the RT-AC56S (still working as AP). missed the RT-AC68U (but bought 2nd hand), have the RT-AC1200G+ as AP (picked up a few, configured as AP and gave away to friends and family too). Saw the RT-AC2600 onwards, but as I'm on the 500mbps plan, no more free routers :-(

starhub: was on cable, then left after a series of bad experiences. almost went back as the salesman was very persuasive stating that, "the Beacon 1 was an excellent router, 1 unit can cover the entire house and neighbours, very fast, got gigabit port." but i held fast and remembered the feedback here. he was adamant that i could not change router even with top-up, so i didn't sign up.

for history of starhub issued routers, perhaps you could check the starhub community forum.

stingtel: dial-up (no issued modems, all "bring your own" bell, usr, prolink etc) ,then dsl (aztech "can't remember the model"), then 100Mbps (can't remember the model, i think some aztech unit) upgraded to 300Mbps (aztech FG7003). relied on handphone as hotspot for a while due to moving house, then signed up for whizcomms, then m1. I missed all the singtel branded models which came after the FG7003.


as regards earlier models, some in the N to early AC transition (1x1 radios), were effectively the same but changed the radios eg i have a TP-Link WRT1034ND which apart from the Wifi, was the same CPU and setup as an early Archer unit. Many of the TP-Link routers of that era are supported by OpenWRT. they can be repurposed into AP/switches (dumb or managed). pretty good value proposition esp when you can get them for almost free (acquisition cost == transport cost)

Models from this era are cheap to buy. painless to setup and give away to friends and family.

Another re-purpose: The WRT1034ND was set up as an OpenVPN router (on OpenWRT) - slow throughput due to weak CPU, but still sufficed. it now serves as one of the the guest APs (natural throttling hahahaha).

 

[loganrunning]

Interestingly the Web Recovery Console recognized OpenWRT FW, but then it never reboots to the OpenWRT side. I have to flash back to 1.08 again. Now I will give up.

After flashing to 1.08, I also chose to upgrade to latest 1.20 beta version. It is actually still usable if there are FW support. I was using the DIR-865L as the main router for my Starhub FIbre Internet (from 100Mbps and later free upgrade to 500Mbps) from 2014 to 2021 (upgraded to Huawei AX3 Pro).

Wired speed:

Wireless speed at 3m away (Intel AX201 2x2 AX/AC).

interesting that it recognised but didn't boot..... oh well, don't waste time on it, unless you absolutely must know why

your testing results are similar to what i got under stock and Fresh Tomato. sufficient for most home use, especially when on 500Mbps plan.

 

[loganrunning]

Thanks.

Yes, I was able to go to the recovery web console while I tried the 30-30-30 reset method, which is very much the same as what you described.
https://www.router-reset.com/info/D-Link/DIR-865L

What I did yesterday evening. I set up my laptop to use fixed IP 192.168.0.2 and connected it to the D-Link DIR-865L LAN port.

1) I was able to flash version 1.08 non-Starhub FW from 1.07SHC Starhub FW.

2) I was also able to flash the 1.20 beta (latest version in 2020 to addressed a few CVEs) after using an intermediate 1.09 version. Without the 1.09 version, 1.07SHC or 1.08 version will not recognize the 1.20 beta FW version.
https://support.dlink.ca/ProductInfo.aspx?m=DIR-865L
https://ftp.dlink.ca/ftp/PRODUCTS/DIR-865L/DIR-865L_REVA_FIRMWARE_PATCH_v1.20B01_BETA.ZIP

3) WIth 1.20 beta, the latest FreshTomato FW version was recognized. But then using the WebUI to flash the FW failed (this was my mistake, I should not use this method). This resulted a broken 1.20 FW which somehow it did not let me log-in (user name or password wrong).

4) Then I tried the normal factory reset method and it does not work. So I tried the 30-30-30 Reset method and to my surprise it went to the web recovery console mode.

5) Since you mentioned FreshTomato FW worked fine, I wanted to try it using the web recovery console, but the web recovery console did not recognize the FreshTomato FW.

It also did not recognize the 1.20 beta FW. So in the end I flashed the 1.08 FW again. BTW, I needed to wait for quite a few minutes.

I will give up for now but I will try it at another time.

BTW, the FW feature of DIR-865L is actually quite comprehensive by consumer router standard (not as good as Asus but not bad).

I can't remember which version my DIR-865L was on, when i flashed Fresh Tomato (this was in 2019? 2020?). possibly 1.07SHC

one possibility of the password not being recognised (in stock), is they changed the password combo from the usual admin/admin to admin/MAC or some other serial number on the bottom. Plse ignore this point if you already tried it.

agree on the functionality of stock FW. One needs to adapt to it, as the layout is initially unintuitive. it looks very much like my first encouter back in the DIR-655 days

 

[xiaofan]

interesting that it recognised but didn't boot..... oh well, don't waste time on it, unless you absolutely must know why

your testing results are similar to what i got under stock and Fresh Tomato. sufficient for most home use, especially when on 500Mbps plan.

I will give up for now. Maybe I will come back to it later.

For this paticular D-Link DIR-865L, I am actually more interested in DD-WRT (no support yet) and FreshTomato as the wireless function will work. OpenWRT is not a good choice since the 5GHz will not work.

 

[xiaofan]

Coming back to the ISP issues free wireless router for OpenWRT, I think Linksys EA7500v2 and Linksys EA8100 v1 are good choice. They are very cheap at S$10 to S$20 from Carousell, and Linksys HW quality is quite good for these two. They belong to the ramips (MTK wireless) target, MT7621 subgroup.

I tend to believe M1 issued free RT-AC2600 will work as well using the RT-AC85P image. I also believe MyRepublic specific RT-AC85MR will also be supported by RT-AC85P image.
https://downloads.openwrt.org/releases/22.03.5/targets/ramips/mt7621/

Edit: RT-AC2600 works as per the report in this forum.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/openwrt-router-firmware.5967482/page-5#post-133164596

There are also old popular routers which are well supported by OpenWRT.

1) Linksys WRT AC series: CPU is quite good. mvebu-cortexap target.
https://openwrt.org/toh/linksys/wrt_ac_series. Somehow they have only up to 22.03.2 release (latest release is 22.03.5).
https://downloads.openwrt.org/releases/22.03.2/targets/mvebu/cortexa9/

2) There are many MT7621 based router from Asus, TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link and Xiaomi. Problem with TP-Link router and range extender is that they may have multiple HW versions with different chipset and only some specific HW revisions will be supported.
https://downloads.openwrt.org/releases/22.03.5/targets/ramips/mt7621/

3) For newer WiFi 6 routers, there are some support in OpenWRT, especially for MediaTek and Qualcomm chipsets.
https://openwrt.org/toh/views/toh_available_16128_ax-wifi

4) OpenWRT project HW recommendation for reference.
Reference: https://openwrt.org/toh/recommended_routers

 

[TanKianW]

my knowledge on m1 issued routers is patchy as i signed up, left, and signed up again

my earliest m1 router is the RT-AC56S (still working as AP). missed the RT-AC68U (but bought 2nd hand), have the RT-AC1200G+ as AP (picked up a few, configured as AP and gave away to friends and family too). Saw the RT-AC2600 onwards, but as I'm on the 500mbps plan, no more free routers :-(

starhub: was on cable, then left after a series of bad experiences. almost went back as the salesman was very persuasive stating that, "the Beacon 1 was an excellent router, 1 unit can cover the entire house and neighbours, very fast, got gigabit port." but i held fast and remembered the feedback here. he was adamant that i could not change router even with top-up, so i didn't sign up.

for history of starhub issued routers, perhaps you could check the starhub community forum.

stingtel: dial-up (no issued modems, all "bring your own" bell, usr, prolink etc) ,then dsl (aztech "can't remember the model"), then 100Mbps (can't remember the model, i think some aztech unit) upgraded to 300Mbps (aztech FG7003). relied on handphone as hotspot for a while due to moving house, then signed up for whizcomms, then m1. I missed all the singtel branded models which came after the FG7003.


as regards earlier models, some in the N to early AC transition (1x1 radios), were effectively the same but changed the radios eg i have a TP-Link WRT1034ND which apart from the Wifi, was the same CPU and setup as an early Archer unit. Many of the TP-Link routers of that era are supported by OpenWRT. they can be repurposed into AP/switches (dumb or managed). pretty good value proposition esp when you can get them for almost free (acquisition cost == transport cost)

Models from this era are cheap to buy. painless to setup and give away to friends and family.

Another re-purpose: The WRT1034ND was set up as an OpenVPN router (on OpenWRT) - slow throughput due to weak CPU, but still sufficed. it now serves as one of the the guest APs (natural throttling hahahaha).

Asus RT-AC68U……an instant classic which I still kept to this day. Sometimes will still take it out to flash to the latest Merlin FW like a ritual (to also make sure it is still alive).

 

[xiaofan]

Today I got the chance to flash my TP!-Link RE350 AC1200 Range Extender (with Ethernet) to OpenWRT, now that I have TP-Link Deco M4 units and no longer need the two range extenders. The other cheap one RE305 (with 100M Ethernet) does not support OpenWRT yet.

It has two operation modes.

1. Access Point mode, this is very easy to set up.

Configuration.
Linksys WRT-1900AC -- AV2000 Power Line Adapter -- AV2000 Power Line adapter --- RE350 AP mode.

Speed is limited by the Power Line adapter, about 160Mbps.

2. Wireless repeater mode.
It takes me quite a bit of time to set it up correctly by following the tutorial using relayd package, which apparently is not a very good tutorial based on Google.
https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/wifi/relay_configuration

Performance is on par with stock firmware, using 5GHz as the client mode to bridge the host 5GHz network. Then adding a switch and my stuff (old desktop, Raspberry Pi boards and Android TV boxes) can use the Ethernet connection.

Speed is good, tested with a Ugreen USB Gigabit adapter on the desktop and it can reach about 300Mbps.

I have not used this TP-Link RE350 v1 for a while. It was still running OpenWRT 18.06.2. I just upgraded it to OpenWRT 19.07.9, using it as a wireless media bridge.

Later OpenWRT release has a warning about image format so that I did not upgrade further. Take note RE350 V1 has dual MIPS core MT7621 CPU at 880MHz, 8MB Flash and 64MB RAM. Flash size is rather small. It can still be used as an AP, or wireless media bridge, or a repeater.

Uplink is Asus RT-AX86U, now the speed is faster.

 

[xiaofan]

Today I got the chance to flash my TP!-Link RE350 AC1200 Range Extender (with Ethernet) to OpenWRT, now that I have TP-Link Deco M4 units and no longer need the two range extenders. The other cheap one RE305 (with 100M Ethernet) does not support OpenWRT yet.

I wrote the above in Dec 2019. Now actually there are OpenWRT support for TP-Link RE305 V1 and V3.
https://openwrt.org/toh/hwdata/tp-link/tp-link_re305_v1

Unfortunately it does not work for me. The stock TP-Link Web GUI complains the OpenWRT FW image has checksum error.

And now there are also support of TP-Link Deco M4R v1 and v2 (Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 CPU). But it is reported that roaming performance is not as good as TP-Link Stock FW.
https://openwrt.org/toh/hwdata/tp-link/tp-link_m4r_v1
https://openwrt.org/toh/hwdata/tp-link/tp-link_m4r_v2

TP-Link launched Deco M4 in 2019. It is still suppoted by TP-Link. I actually had 4 units. I may want to try OpenWRT on one or two units in the future.

 

[loganrunning]

Asus RT-AC68U……an instant classic which I still kept to this day. Sometimes will still take it out to flash to the latest Merlin FW like a ritual (to also make sure it is still alive).

still running at tenant's house. a workhorse that just keeps chugging along without complaint

 

[xiaofan]

still running at tenant's house. a workhorse that just keeps chugging along without complaint

I chose to go with Linksys WRT1900AC v1 at that time since I got a lobang in April 2014 (free as a test unit from a friend in Linksys USA in Irvine California).

At that time, Linksys WRT1900AC was touted as one of the best AC router out there with fast CPU and more RAM (512MB) than Asus RT-AC68U, as well as promise of Open Source FW support (OpenWRT and DD-WRT).

There was an article from Hardwarezone comparing the AC1900 routers. Linksys WRT1900AC was actually the winner (they have V2 and WRT1900ACS version with faster CPU, RT-AC68U has also gone through a few revisions). BTW, Netgear R7000 was also quite popular. Not so sure about D-Link DIR-880L.
https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/fea...s-d-link-vs-linksys-vs-netgear/conclusion-188

But then Linksys' last FW for WRT1900AC was in 2018 whereas Asus still supports RT-AC68U until now. For HW spec is one thing but FW support is another important factor.

BTW, I think Asus established its lead in consumer routers market when RT-AC86U was released, which was kind of the best AC router out there. Asus was not so successful with RT-AC87U but got moderate success with RT-AC88U. Still RT-AC86U was the king for AC router. Then with RT-AX88U and RT-AX86U, its lead further strengthened.

 

[loganrunning]

I chose to go with Linksys WRT1900AC v1 at that time since I got a lobang in April 2014 (free as a test unit from a friend in Linksys USA in Irvine California).

At that time, Linksys WRT1900AC was touted as one of the best AC router out there with fast CPU and more RAM (512MB) than Asus RT-AC68U, as well as promise of Open Source FW support (OpenWRT and DD-WRT).

There was an article from Hardwarezone comparing the AC1900 routers. Linksys WRT1900AC was actually the winner (they have V2 and WRT1900ACS version with faster CPU, RT-AC68U has also gone through a few revisions). BTW, Netgear R7000 was also quite popular. Not so sure about D-Link DIR-880L.
https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/fea...s-d-link-vs-linksys-vs-netgear/conclusion-188

But then Linksys' last FW for WRT1900AC was in 2018 whereas Asus still supports RT-AC68U until now. For HW spec is one thing but FW support is another important factor.

BTW, I think Asus established its lead in consumer routers market when RT-AC86U was released, which was kind of the best AC router out there. Asus was not so successful with RT-AC87U but got moderate success with RT-AC88U. Still RT-AC86U was the king for AC router. Then with RT-AX88U and RT-AX86U, its lead further strengthened.

the funny thing is, mine was the reverse process. i got the RT-AX88U, then shifted house. Went from an TP-Link Archer C2 + 1043ND as AP, to a RT-AX88U which covered the whole house - that was great. I then converted the 1043 (as mentioned above, to try out OpenWRT). C2 was given away as the RAM and ROM limitations were running up against the minimum requirements - however, i now see that they are suported at current 22.03.5 - maybe I'll recall them as I know they are not currently in use LOL. Picked up a few Archer C7 to play around with, found them quite well supported but the catch was the different hardware versions, not all of which then were supported (update: as of today all supported at 22.03.3 - 22.03.5). The good thing was the (much cheaper) China- and Korea-specific models ran on the same hardware platform, and once flashed, performed exactly the same as the SG-specific versions. All but two given away now.

The main aim was to experiment with different alt firmware and not as the main router, so i looked for the cheapest supported versions to minimise the loss, if any. Kept me occupied during early covid days. That said, given my 500Mbps plan, I would have been happy using these "value for money" routers if I had not upgraded my main router.

 

[loganrunning]

But then Linksys' last FW for WRT1900AC was in 2018 whereas Asus still supports RT-AC68U until now. For HW spec is one thing but FW support is another important factor.

agree. i would go for conservative HW but longer FW support

BTW, I think Asus established its lead in consumer routers market when RT-AC86U was released, which was kind of the best AC router out there. Asus was not so successful with RT-AC87U but got moderate success with RT-AC88U. Still RT-AC86U was the king for AC router. Then with RT-AX88U and RT-AX86U, its lead further strengthened.

I held off during the RT-AC87/AC88/AC86 (was using the AC68), as the reports were not as positive as the AC68. Just as well, seeing that Asus back then, was going thru hardware and architectural changes. Looking at SNB postings, using the AC86 was sometimes living on the bleeding edge. Even my AX88U had the wifi death - router fortunately replaced (without question) just before the 3year warranty ran out. Hopefully the newer models have solved this issue.

 

[loganrunning]

And now there are also support of TP-Link Deco M4R v1 and v2 (Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 CPU). But it is reported that roaming performance is not as good as TP-Link Stock FW.
https://openwrt.org/toh/hwdata/tp-link/tp-link_m4r_v1
https://openwrt.org/toh/hwdata/tp-link/tp-link_m4r_v2

TP-Link launched Deco M4 in 2019. It is still suppoted by TP-Link. I actually had 4 units. I may want to try OpenWRT on one or two units in the future.

Just a guess, the Deco M4 may be based off the Archer C7 hardware design, since hardware v4 and v5 use the same SoC.


edit:

just checked to confirm: WR1043ND v[23] and Archer C7 v[123] used the QCA9558, while WR1043ND v[45], Archer C7 v[45], used the QCA9563. Difference is in the wifi bands and/or modulation supported. otherwise, it appears they use the same industrial design (ID) and processing platform. Easy way to do product segmentation for different markets.

 

[loganrunning]

M1 Asus issued routers are mostly supported by alternative FW like DD-WRT.

Asus RT-N15, RT-AC56S (similar to RT-AC56U) and RT-AC68U are supported by DD-WRT.
https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices#Asus

Asus RT-N15, RT-AC56S (similar to RT-AC56u) and RT-AC68U are also supported by FreshTomato.
https://wiki.freshtomato.org/doku.php/hardware_compatibility

RT-N15U is also supported by OpenWRT up to version 19.07.2 but not recommended.
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-n15

RT-N56U is supported by OpenWRT (but it is said 5GHz WiFi may have some stability issues)
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-n56u

RT-AC56S (similar to RT-AC56U) is also partially suppoted by OpenWRT without 5GHz wireless.
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-ac56u

RT-AC68U is a long life product and it is still supported by Asus official FW (latest FW: Version 3.0.0.4.386.51665, 98.78 MB, 2023/05/11) and Merlin alternative FW (386.12 stable version).

RT-AC68U is also partially supported by OpenWRT but no wireless (not even 2.4GHz).
https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-ac68u

RT-AC1200G+ is not supported by alternative FW.

RT-AC2600 should be supported by OpenWRT (needs confirmation) by using RT-AC85P OpenWRT FW (with double RAM).

just a small addition.

last i checked in 2021, Whizcomms was offering the TP-Link Archer C7 for 1Gbps signup.
At that time, it was on hardware ver5 - confirmed via email (supported on OpenWRT and DD-WRT, but NOT Fresh Tomato)

 

[BradenHeat]

hmm not sure if anyone could help on this


im trying to switch on bbr tcp on the gl-inet,

however within the terminal, be it nano or vi , nothing sticks

reference links for changing :
-> https://www.linuxcapable.com/how-to-enable-bbr-on-ubuntu-linux/
-> https://www.linuxbabe.com/ubuntu/enable-google-tcp-bbr-ubuntu

both pointing to

sudo nano /etc/sysctl.conf


net.core.default_qdisc=fq
net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control=bbr

and to check is

  sysctl net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control

 

[BradenHeat]

just for reference for anyone wondering





just doesnt stick, thus wondering where am i doing it wrong

luci has the necessary files , kmod-tcp-bbr , SQM etc,


really lost on this one lmao