Question Router with removable antennas & custom F/W capability

[videobruce]

Helpful replies welcome!

My 'Need' list is as follows;

1. Removable antennas so external antennas cane be used to increase range,
2. Two or three antenna jacks, no more (these 4, 6 & more antenna wonders are a marketing ploy)
3. Ability to load 3rd party F/W, specifically dd'wrt which I have run for over 10 or so years now,
4. Reasonable cost, not the cheapest, but no high end models.

Most of the devices will be wired, Wi-Fi is only for a couple of portable devices.
If it matters, thou it shouldn't, I'm still running Win 7 Pro and I will have a Network Switch connected for the additional devices and a ATA VoIP adapter if that matters.

I see a number of used somewhat current Routers on eBay which makes one wonder why

 

[mindless1]

I've ran DD-WRT for many years but have not kept current on Wifi 6 router support, which not too long ago was non-existent and probably still spotty, and you don't really need wifi 6 or 7 for this purpose anway, so I'm just going to give a mention to a wifi 5 router I've had running DD-WRT...

D-Link DIR-882, in reviews it showed very good 2.4GHz (which you'd probably want for the greater range instead of 5GHz, if also bothering to add antennas for range too), range for it's price point, though it has 4 antennas (don't connect them all if you find that fewer is enough), and instead of external RP-SMA, it has internal U.FL (AFAIK) connectors which would mean that you'd need some adapter pigtails like these for an external antenna with a RP-SMA connector:

https://www.newegg.com/jacobsparts-pigtail-b1-cable/p/2VT-048X-00006?Item=9SIA20PJZP0531

Edit: Or a U.FL to whichever connector your antennas need if not RP-SMA.

My thinking is that although there may be (usually more expensive) routers that already have the RP-SMA connectors, that going with something that has better 2.4GHz performance and adding your own, will come closer to your goal of range increase.

You'd just take the case top off to install them and while it's off, drill some (1/4"?) holes to mount those panel mount adapter pigtails. I should mention that I've never taken the antenna connectors off mine, so I can only assume these are U.FL connectors and not MHF4. IDK of any wifi device I've had that used the MHF.



If you're patient, you can probably pick up a used one on ebay for $10 + S/H, or <=$40 delivered most of the time.

The other hardware you mentioned and Win7, don't matter. The wan port on it is only 1Gb, so if you're using this to route an ISP internet plan of 1Gb, it will be a small bottleneck, but much more of one with a >1Gb plan.

 

[videobruce]

I'd rather not have to open the enclosure to deal with those small PCB connectors. Too fragile.
That's a older Router isn't it? And yes. 2.4GHz is fine. The higher you go, the less range. RF 101.

 

[mindless1]

You might ask in the DD-WRT forum

 

[videobruce]

But, I'm not sure if I would stay with dd-wrt with the new info I've read? I know there are others, it's just I've used that for probably over 10 years now.

 

[mindless1]

What new info?

If you want a different firmware, which routers it supports is going to be the limiting factor so post in a forum for that firmware, where someone's going to have experience with a router with the removable antennas with RP(?) SMA connectors.

I asked an AI bot about DD-WRT and the RP-SMA connectors and got this list:

• Linksys WRT3200ACM – A fan favorite among open-source enthusiasts, this dual-band router is fully DD-WRT compatible and features removable RP-SMA antennas, making it ideal for advanced customization.
• Netgear Nighthawk X4S (R7800) – Known for its robust performance and DD-WRT support, this router also includes detachable antennas, giving you flexibility in signal tuning.
• Asus RT-AC66U – While a bit older, it’s still a solid choice with DD-WRT support and RP-SMA connectors, perfect for extending range with high-gain antennas.

 

[mindless1]

Different AI bot, different answer:

Potential Options & Strategies:

1. TP-Link Archer C7 (Various Versions):
   • Why it fits: The Archer C7 is a very popular choice for 3rd party firmware, especially OpenWrt. Many versions (v2, v3, v4, v5) support detachable antennas and have decent 2.4GHz performance.
   • Considerations: It's an older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router, so it won't have the absolute latest speeds, but its 2.4GHz can be quite good, especially with upgraded antennas. Make sure to check the specific version you're buying for RP-SMA connectors and OpenWrt/DD-WRT support, as some revisions might vary.
2. ASUS Routers (Older Models like RT-AC66U, RT-AC68U, RT-N12 D1):
   • Why they fit: ASUS has a history of making routers with good hardware and many models have excellent 3rd party firmware support (including Merlin firmware, a popular derivative of Asus's stock firmware that adds more features, and sometimes DD-WRT/OpenWrt). Some older models like the RT-AC66U or RT-AC68U often have detachable antennas and solid 2.4GHz performance. The RT-N12 D1 is specifically mentioned for strong 2.4GHz with detachable 5dBi antennas.
   • Considerations: Again, check the specific model and revision for RP-SMA connectors. Newer ASUS routers might move towards internal antennas.
3. Netgear R7000 (Nighthawk):
   • Why it fits: This is a very well-regarded router for DD-WRT and OpenWrt, known for its powerful hardware and good range. It features external, detachable antennas (RP-SMA).
   • Considerations: Like the Archer C7, it's an older Wi-Fi 5 model. Availability new might be limited.
4. RadioLabs o2Breeze:
   • Why it fits: This router is explicitly designed for "high power 802.11 b/g/n wireless" and boasts 1 Watt of RF output power, making it excellent for long range 2.4GHz. It has a single external RP-SMA-Female connector for antenna upgrades.
   • Considerations: It's a single-band (2.4GHz only) router and might be more specialized and potentially more expensive than a consumer-grade router. It's built for range and stability.
5. MikroTik Routers:
   • Why they fit: MikroTik routers are known for their powerful hardware and highly customizable RouterOS firmware (which offers similar flexibility to 3rd party firmwares). Many MikroTik models have external RP-SMA connectors and excellent 2.4GHz performance.
   • Considerations: RouterOS has a steep learning curve compared to typical consumer router interfaces. They are not "plug-and-play" for beginners, but offer unparalleled control for advanced users. Look for models with Wi-Fi radios in their specifications.
6. The Wireless Haven's NEXQ6GO:
   • Why it fits: This router comes with a WiFiX version of GoldenOrb (based on OpenWrt) pre-installed and features two removable RP-SMA 5dBi high-gain Wi-Fi antennas. It's designed for 2.4GHz with a theoretical transmission rate of 300Mbps.
   • Considerations: While it focuses on 2.4GHz, its Ethernet ports are 100Mbit, which might be a bottleneck for wired connections if you have very high internet speeds. It's primarily a cellular-ready router, so consider if you need that functionality.

Recommendations:

• For broad 3rd party firmware support and good 2.4GHz: Start by looking for TP-Link Archer C7 (v2 or later) or Netgear R7000. These are widely supported by DD-WRT and OpenWrt communities, and you can easily find guides and custom firmware builds. You'll likely need to purchase them used or refurbished.
• For maximum 2.4GHz range and power: The RadioLabs o2Breeze is worth investigating if your primary goal is extreme 2.4GHz range and you don't mind a single-band router.
• For advanced users willing to learn: A MikroTik router will give you immense control and often superior hardware for your needs, but requires more technical expertise.

 

[JackMDS]

Playing with Antenna rarely improves anything unless it is replacing it with High level directional Antenna that needs to tranmit to a specific spot for longer destance.

Getting an inexpensive Wireless Router and using it as an addtional Access Point can realy improve WIFI.

 

[Jimminy]

Helpful replies welcome!

My 'Need' list is as follows;

1. Removable antennas so external antennas cane be used to increase range,
2. Two or three antenna jacks, no more (these 4, 6 & more antenna wonders are a marketing ploy)
3. Ability to load 3rd party F/W, specifically dd'wrt which I have run for over 10 or so years now,
4. Reasonable cost, not the cheapest, but no high end models.

Most of the devices will be wired, Wi-Fi is only for a couple of portable devices.
If it matters, thou it shouldn't, I'm still running Win 7 Pro and I will have a Network Switch connected for the additional devices and a ATA VoIP adapter if that matters.

I see a number of used somewhat current Routers on eBay which makes one wonder why

Bruce, it looks like most routers less than 10 years old have 4 antennas. But since you feel this is merely a marketing ploy, there's no reason why you can't simply use two connectors. I agree that some of the latest do look like porcupines, and wonder just how much better they work.

Maybe consider getting something that meets all your other requirements. I use a netgear wifi 6 router, but I've found that the 2.4 Ghz band usually works best for me.

Good luck

 

[videobruce]

TP-Link Archer C7 is my current Router. It's Wi-Fi performance is poor. At least one of those Asus Routers I've had.

Since you mentioned it, Internal antennas are OUT of the question!

 

[videobruce]

Regarding the "marketing ploy' comment, since I don't follow every aspect of technology, especially when I'm not in the market to possible purchase something, I wasn't aware the FCC apparently opened up additional bands for Wi-Fi use and those antennas were for that.

Due to dead spots, phase cancellation, etc which happens at most frequencies, especially the higher ones goes, additional antennas spaced apart can help. It just seemed 6 and 8 antennas around one small box was overkill.

 

[mindless1]

Is the primary problem, # of walls and can you string some ethernet cable to get past a few, relocate the router, or add a 2nd as an access point, or without ethernet cable added, as a repeater?

Every router I've bought in recent years could run DD-WRT, which can be set up for either function, so if yours are the same, then some spare router could be set up to try this.

 

[videobruce]

The typical distance is only two rooms. It's just the Wi-Fi performance is poor as I stated with this Router. Throughput drops off quickly with signal. Adding a 2nd access point is kinda overkill..

I am considering another model, but it's not a priority now. other things far more important. BTW, I'm not dead set on dd-wrt.

 

[mindless1]

Something else is wrong, possibly you're on a congested channel, or as crazy as it seems, to just look at what is adjacent to the router and blocking signal and/or orientation of the antennas.

"Overkill" is a pretty subjective term. Some would say it's overkill to get a different router, or to buy omni antennas for any routers for indoor use, or to even use 3rd party firmware. It's not overkill till it works and you keep going for that tiny % more.

Your site layout and router/access-point layout seem the most relevant, keeping in mind what I wrote about congested channels, not a golden sample router or which firmware it's running.

It's two rooms! We're not talking about much. Do you have lead paint?

Are you living off-grid, where 5W of power is a problem? If not, then I feel like the concept of "overkill" to add an access point is misguided, if it's some cheap $10 wifi router configured as an access point.

I'm starting to think that you have a series of mental blocks that are the primary impediment to solving this, pending further info. I have multiple DD-WRT routers I had retired, that I could throw into service at 2.4GHz to solve this, with or without ethernet cable to connect them.

 

[videobruce]

Power consumption was never mentioned, Lead paint?, a 100+ year old "double", maybe, who knows. Many rooms had wallpaper which was removed.

Wireless is NOT that important, my wife's cell phone is the only device that regularly used it. There is a older Notebook also, but that is rarely used. I only mentioned the antennas since I have them and would like to re-use them. Both are 'gain' antennas, not 'stock' models.

As to 3rd party F/W, that also isn't a deal killer, but on a wish list as is the ability to mount it on a wall which many of these fail in making it easy to do (not counting ones with those bottom slots that are next to impossible to drill holes for that match the spacing if you know what I mean. Price; somewhere around $100 maybe more.