Question 1

What are the advantages of open source DD-WRT? Is DD-WRT just user interface software or is it firmware as well?

Accepted Answer

ddwrt is a Linux distribution that is for use on WiFi routers. It includes a pretty fantastic web user interface, but the primary advantage is that your router is running Linux, whose network stack is rock solid and battle tested. For someone that's just looking for a normal router this product is awesome because it works. I haven't had to power cycle it even once. For someone looking to tinker, ddwrt is awesome because of what it can do (fancy routing, VPN, stats reporting, network partitioning, QoS) and how it can be extended with other community plugins you can download. And at the end of the day it is just Linux -- ssh and tinker to your hearts content.

In the early days, getting ddwrt on a router was a pain and involved buying one of a few supported routers and then manually installing the firmware. Now that buffalo is on board and shipping the firmware native its a pretty painless experience and I can really recommend it to users at all skill levels.

Hope this helps. :)

Question 2

What is the difference between the WZR-1750DHP and the WZR-1750 DHPD model?

Accepted Answer

WZR-1750DHP:
Next Generation Networking: 802.11ac
Dual Band: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Fast Wireless Connectivity: Up to 1750 Mbps (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz operation)
Maximum Wireless Coverage
Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless Security
Easy Setup

WZR-1750DHPD:
Wireless 802.11ac high speed Wi-Fi
AC 1750 (1300 + 450 Mbps)
Open Source DD-WRT pre-installed
Simultaneous dual band operation - great for high bandwidth applications
Onboard power amplifiers offer outstanding range and coverage
5 gigabit Ethernet ports for high speed wired connections
Configure as an access point or wireless bridge
Set up a Wi-Fi hotspot
OpenVPN for secure remote connections
VLAN support

Question 3

Is it compatible with Motorola NVG589 (AT&T Uverse install)?

Accepted Answer

Technically any router is compatible.  You just have to set your Motorola gateway for IP passthrough.  Then set the internal router (ie the Buffalo router) to get its WAN IP automatically via DHCP.

There are guides out there; just do a search for "How to put the Motorola NVG589 in bridge mode"

Good luck

Question 4

Does anyone know what version of DDWRT (i.e. Big, Mega, Micro) is installed on this device? I'd like to know know what features are available and specifically if it supports NoCatSplash.

Accepted Answer

Firmware: DD-WRT v24SP2- (03/24/14) std

Question 5

Anybody get this router to  do a separate secure virtual LAN with only internet access?  Web searched solution re DD-WRT wiki using IPTable postrouting option to permit Internet access doesn't appear to work.

Accepted Answer

If you are trying to run two vpn s through the same router ....no you have to use two routers Hope this answers your question.

Questions & Answers