- DD-WRT doesn't work with every router. Versions of DD-WRT are available for numerous Linksys, Buffalo Technology, and Belkin models. The official DD-WRT website contains both a comprehensive list of compatible routers and a searchable database. Most online retailers and brick-and-mortar retailers sell compatible routers. Once purchased, the router must be flashed with the DD-WRT firmware, which replaces the manufacturer's default firmware. In most cases, DD-WRT offers more options than the default firmware.
- Using DD-WRT, users have the ability to set quality of service (QoS), which prioritizes some types of network traffic over others. For example, downloading a Linux distribution using BitTorrent over port 999 might normally slow web traffic on port 80 to a crawl. Under the DD-WRT router's QoS tab, the user may prioritize port 80 traffic over port 999 traffic. The change will ensure smooth web browsing.
- DD-WRT automatically generates a bandwith graph showing network traffic. Visiting the router's page, typically 192.168.1.1, and clicking the bandwidth tab will show a graph of the network's web traffic. The information may help users with bandwidth caps and provide information about network usage. A wide variety of third-party software, including Cisco's Netflow package, provide powerful tools to further manipulate the data.
- DD-WRT also allows routers with Universal Serial Bus, commonly referred to as USB, ports to act as network storage by default. Adding an external hard drive or flash drive and configuring the router using the guide posted on the DD-WRT wiki allows all computers on the network to share files using the router's network storage. The network storage feature is compatible with a number of commonly used file systems, including Windows-default NTFS.
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