What is Router Firmware?
Before we dive into comparing OpenWrt and DD-WRT, let’s quickly define what router firmware is. Essentially, firmware is the low-level software that runs on your router and controls its functions, features, and user interface. The firmware that comes pre-installed on most consumer routers is fairly basic and limited in configurability.
However, tech-savvy users can replace this stock firmware with open source alternatives like OpenWrt and DD-WRT to gain access to advanced features and unlock the full capabilities of the router’s hardware. Some of the benefits of using custom firmware include:
- Detailed control over router settings and network configuration
- VPN server and client support for secure remote access
- Advanced QoS settings to optimize network traffic and minimize lag
- Built-in network monitoring and security tools
- Ability to boost transmit power to extend wireless range
- USB port functionality for file sharing and attached storage
- Customized scripts and add-on software packages
Now that we know what router firmware is and why you might want to use a custom firmware, let’s compare two of the most popular options: OpenWrt and DD-WRT.
Overview of OpenWrt
OpenWrt is a highly extensible GNU/Linux distribution for embedded devices, including routers. It provides a fully writable filesystem with package management, allowing users to customize their router’s functions and install additional software packages as needed. OpenWrt is very lightweight and designed to fit within the limited storage and memory constraints of home routers.
One of OpenWrt’s biggest strengths is its modularity. The firmware is divided into modular packages, so you can strip out components you don’t need and only install those that are essential for your use case. This not only conserves storage space but also minimizes security attack surface and potential system instability.
Some of the key features of OpenWrt include:
- Powerful package management system with 3500+ packages available
- Detailed interface for configuring network and wireless settings
- Extensibility via add-on software packages
- Optimized for performance even on low-power router hardware
- Support for most common router models and chipsets
- Very active development community and regular updates
Overview of DD-WRT
DD-WRT is another popular Linux-based firmware for wireless routers and access points. It was originally designed for the Linksys WRT54G series but now supports a wide range of router models from different manufacturers. Like OpenWrt, DD-WRT provides a web interface for easy configuration and also allows installation of additional software modules for extending functionality.
Here are some notable features of DD-WRT:
- User-friendly web interface for configuration
- Detailed QoS settings for traffic prioritization
- OpenVPN and PPTP VPN server and client support
- Built-in DDNS client for accessing your network remotely
- Wireless range boost and transmit power adjustment
- Built-in tools for monitoring network status and performance
- Supports a wide range of router makes and models
OpenWrt vs DD-WRT: Feature Comparison
Now let’s see how OpenWrt and DD-WRT stack up in terms of their key features and capabilities:
| Feature | OpenWrt | DD-WRT |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Devices | Most major router chipsets and models | Very wide support list, but some older models |
| Installation | More complex, requires flashing from command line | Easier, can flash from web interface |
| Configurability | Extremely customizable, modular package system | Very configurable but less modular |
| Web Interface | Basic and functional, focused on network settings | Polished, easy to use, covers most settings |
| Performance | Lightweight and efficient, runs well on low-end HW | Generally fast but can vary by device |
| Add-on Packages | 3500+ packages, easy to install via opkg | Many add-ons available but harder to install |
| VPN Support | Supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, plus core plugins | Supports OpenVPN, PPTP, and IPSec, even L2TP |
| IPv6 Support | Full support for IPv6 configuration and routing | Also has robust IPv6 support |
| USB Functionality | Allows using connected USB devices as NAS storage | Supports USB NAS as well as printer sharing |
| QoS and Network Monitor | Detailed QoS config and realtime monitoring graphs | Also has advanced QoS and network monitoring |
| Development and Updates | Very active, well-funded development, regular updates | Active volunteer community but less frequent major releases |
As you can see, both OpenWrt and DD-WRT offer a wide range of features and capabilities that go well beyond those of stock router firmware. OpenWrt has an edge in extreme customizability thanks to its modular package system, while DD-WRT counters with a large community, very user-friendly interface, and support for an extremely wide list of router models.
Installation Process
One key factor to consider when choosing between OpenWrt and DD-WRT is the installation process required to get them up and running on your router. Let’s look at an overview of the steps involved:
OpenWrt Installation
- Download the correct OpenWrt firmware image for your specific router model
- Connect to the router via Ethernet and log into the web interface
- Navigate to the firmware upgrade page and select the OpenWrt image
- Wait for the flashing process to complete and the router to reboot
- Connect to the router at 192.168.1.1 to access the OpenWrt web interface
- Set a root password and configure basic network settings
- (Optional) Install additional packages using the built-in opkg tool
DD-WRT Installation
- Download the DD-WRT firmware version matched to your router model
- Reset the router to factory default settings
- Connect via Ethernet cable and log into the stock web interface
- Navigate to the firmware upgrade page
- Select the DD-WRT firmware and begin the flashing process
- Wait 2-3 minutes and access the DD-WRT interface at 192.168.1.1
- Walk through the initial setup wizard to configure basic settings
In general, DD-WRT is a bit easier and quicker to install for most users since the process can be done entirely through the web browser. OpenWrt installation sometimes requires using SSH or telnet to connect to a command line for the initial flash, which may be intimidating for less tech-savvy users.
Performance Comparison
Another important consideration is performance. Both OpenWrt and DD-WRT are designed to run well even on the limited hardware resources of consumer-grade routers. However, there are some differences in how they utilize those resources.
OpenWrt is known for being extremely lightweight and efficient. It has a very small base system footprint thanks to its modular package system. You can start with a minimal install and only add components you actually need. This leaves more system resources like RAM and storage space available for other tasks. OpenWrt also compiles all components from source code specifically for your router model, which results in highly optimized binaries.
DD-WRT, while not as minimalist as OpenWrt, still performs very well in most cases. The development team puts a lot of effort into testing and tuning the firmware across a wide range of router models for reliable performance. However, with some lower-end devices, the larger size of DD-WRT compared to OpenWrt could result in slower speeds, especially if the full range of features is enabled.
To give a general sense of the performance you can expect, here are some benchmark results comparing OpenWrt and DD-WRT on popular router models:
| Router Model | Firmware | Average CPU Usage | Average RAM Usage | HTTP Download Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linksys WRT3200ACM | OpenWrt 19.07.3 | 5% | 45MB | 112 Mbps |
| Linksys WRT3200ACM | DD-WRT v3.0-r40559 | 12% | 97MB | 106 Mbps |
| Netgear R7800 | OpenWrt 19.07.3 | 3% | 42MB | 122 Mbps |
| Netgear R7800 | DD-WRT v3.0-r40559 | 10% | 75MB | 118 Mbps |
As we can see, OpenWrt tends to have a slight edge in performance thanks to its leaner base system, but both offer good speeds overall even on high-end routers with multi-core processors and gigabit ports. For most home users, the difference would likely be unnoticeable in regular day-to-day usage.
Extensibility and Packages
One of the biggest reasons to use custom firmware is for the ability to customize your router by installing additional software packages. Both OpenWrt and DD-WRT support extending the base firmware with add-on modules, but they differ quite a bit in their approach.
OpenWrt has a very robust package management system using the opkg utility. There is a massive repository of over 3500 packages that have been specifically compiled and tested to run on OpenWrt. These cover a huge range of networking tools, server software, development frameworks, and even some desktop Linux applications. Finding and installing packages is as simple as running an “opkg update” followed by “opkg install [package-name]”.
DD-WRT doesn’t include a full-featured package manager like OpenWrt, but it does allow installing additional software modules. Some popular add-ons like optware provide a similar experience to opkg with downloadable package repos. There are also community-developed extensions that come as individual files to be uploaded and installed through the web interface. The main limitation with DD-WRT is that modules must be specifically compiled for it, and there is no unified repository, so finding compatible add-ons can take more searching around.
Here are a few examples of popular packages common to both OpenWrt and DD-WRT:
| Package Name | Category | Description | Available on OpenWrt | Available on DD-WRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adblock | Security | Advertisement blocking utility | Yes | Yes |
| CUPS | Printing | Print server for USB printers | Yes | Yes |
| miniDLNA | Multimedia | DLNA server for media sharing | Yes | Yes |
| OpenVPN | VPN | Robust VPN server and client | Yes | Yes |
| Samba | Storage | Windows-compatible file sharing | Yes | Yes |
| WireGuard | VPN | Next-gen VPN protocol | Yes | No, requires patch |
To summarize, OpenWrt is the clear winner when it comes to extending functionality through add-on packages thanks to its built-in opkg package manager and huge repository. But DD-WRT still offers a lot of room for customization and supports many of the most popular packages.
Conclusion
So which one should you choose for your router – OpenWrt or DD-WRT? As we’ve seen in this comparison, both firmware distributions offer a huge boost in features and capabilities compared to stock manufacturer firmware. They also perform similarly well even on limited router hardware. In most cases, either one would likely serve you well.
That said, there are some key differences that might push you one way or the other:
- If you want absolute maximum customization, or if you’re using a less common router model, OpenWrt may be the better choice. Its modular package system provides extreme flexibility, and its source-based builds tend to support a wider range of devices.
- If you’re looking for a quick and easy setup, and don’t need the full range of advanced configuration options, DD-WRT could be the way to go. It has a more beginner-friendly interface and installation process, and supports an even longer list of routers out of the box.
Whichever one you choose, you’ll be taking a big step up from the limitations of stock firmware. Enjoy your new super-powered router!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for OpenWrt and DD-WRT?
Both OpenWrt and DD-WRT are designed to run on the limited hardware resources of consumer routers. The minimum requirements vary by router model, but in general you’ll need:
- 16-32MB of flash storage space for the firmware image
- 64-128MB of RAM for running the base system and packages
- A supported CPU architecture (MIPS, ARM, PowerPC, x86)
Some older or lower-end routers may not meet these requirements, so always check the compatibility list before attempting to install custom firmware.
Can I revert back to my router’s stock firmware after installing OpenWrt or DD-WRT?
Yes, it’s possible to revert your router to its original stock firmware after flashing OpenWrt or DD-WRT. The exact process will vary by router model, but in general you will need to:
- Download the manufacturer’s stock firmware image for your specific device.
- Reset the router to factory default settings to clear the NVRAM.
- Flash the stock firmware image onto the router using TFTP or the web interface.
Keep in mind that reverting will wipe out any custom configurations or add-on packages you had installed with OpenWrt or DD-WRT.
How can I extend the wireless range of my router with OpenWrt or DD-WRT?
Both OpenWrt and DD-WRT provide several ways to potentially boost your router’s wireless signal strength and range:
- Adjust the transmit power settings to increase output wattage
- Tweak the antenna gain to focus signal in a specific direction
- Enable the Afterburner feature to optimize performance on certain chipsets
- Set up a wireless repeater to extend coverage to dead zones
Keep in mind that increasing transmit power may cause interference with other devices, and may be limited by regulations in some regions. Also, actual range improvements will depend on your specific environment and any physical obstructions.
Can I run a VPN server on my router with OpenWrt or DD-WRT?
Yes, both OpenWrt and DD-WRT support running a VPN server directly on the router itself. The most popular options are:
- OpenVPN: An open-source, cross-platform VPN solution that uses SSL/TLS for encryption. Supported by both OpenWrt and DD-WRT.
- PPTP: An older VPN protocol that is less secure but faster than OpenVPN. Built-in server supported by DD-WRT.
- WireGuard: A newer, lightweight VPN protocol that aims to be simpler and faster than OpenVPN. Supported by OpenWrt but requires an add-on patch for DD-WRT.
Running a VPN server on your router allows you to securely access your home network from anywhere, or safely connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots when away from home.
How do I choose the right version of OpenWrt or DD-WRT for my router?
Choosing the correct firmware version for your specific router model is crucial for a successful installation. Here are some tips:
- Check the official compatibility lists on the OpenWrt and DD-WRT websites to see if your router model is supported.
- Take note of the specific revision number or version of your router’s hardware, as different versions may require different firmware images even for the same model.
- Look for the “stable” release builds rather than bleeding-edge “beta” or “experimental” versions, unless you have a specific need for newer features.
- When in doubt, search the project forums or ask for guidance from the community. Experienced users can often help identify the correct firmware for your device.
Installing the wrong firmware version can lead to problems like instability or “bricking” your router, so always double-check before flashing.
In conclusion, both OpenWrt and DD-WRT are powerful options for breathing new life into your old router or unlocking the full potential of your newer devices. While they have some differences in approach and specific feature sets, either one is a huge upgrade over stock firmware in terms of performance, customization, and added functionality. I hope this in-depth comparison has helped you choose the right one for your needs. Happy flashing!
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