Does switching to DD-WRT help reduce dropped connections?

A

amodoko

Member
Hey guys, needed an inexpensive router for my parents so I bought a refurbished Netgear WNR2000-100NAR v3 from Newegg. Their previous router was a Belkin N150 that was reliable (no dropped connection over several years), but didn't have a strong enough signal to stream Netflix on their downstairs TV. I just decided to try out a basic router that was known to have a longer range instead of getting a repeater and so I landed on the Netgear (plus it can become a repeater as well). It was only 13 bucks on Newegg (normally $40 new) so I thought I would give it a try. It had greater range than their previous router, was also getting faster speeds, and they could stream Netflix without any issuess. Unfortunately, it loses connection about 3 to 4 times a day and they have to unplug it and plug it back in for it to work.

I'm thinking of putting DD-WRT on it but wanted to ask if anyone knows if DD-WRT is known to improve dropped connection issues? I was also thinking of either upgrading or downgrading the stock firmware to another Netgear firmware on their support site. I tried googling it and it seems that DD-WRT gives the users more options, but I didn't know if it will actually make the router more stable and help prevent dropped connection issues. I don't really know too much about routers and firmware but found a youtube video on how to do this on my router.
 
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I had a lot of success improving stability with ddwrt over Linksys's default firmware.

The netgear's hardware looks decent enough. Generally you use ddwrt for features the default firmware doesn't give you. That said, if the default stuff is buggy it could help.
 
Okay thanks. I decided I am going to first try to downgrade the firmware to the oldest one. I did some research online and some people fixed the issue by downgrading the firmware. Apparently the firmware that came installed on their router can be spotty. If downgrading doesn't work, then I will try putting ddwrt to see if that fixes it. If that doesn't work, I may just get the Asus RT-N56U for them and call it a day. It's a bit overkill for them but I would think a quality router like that won't have any issues out of the box.
 
amodoko said:
Okay thanks. I decided I am going to first try to downgrade the firmware to the oldest one. I did some research online and some people fixed the issue by downgrading the firmware. Apparently the firmware that came installed on their router can be spotty. If downgrading doesn't work, then I will try putting ddwrt to see if that fixes it. If that doesn't work, I may just get the Asus RT-N56U for them and call it a day. It's a bit overkill for them but I would think a quality router like that won't have any issues out of the box.
Click to expand...

Good quality router out of the box in fact...
 
hahaha! John, I was wondering if you would see that comment:) You were the one who suggested that router to me when I was looking for one for myself. Now that my parents have a need for a new router I thought I would possibly get them that one based on your recommendation as well as the reviews for it I have seen online. Not to mention I need something stable for them so I don't have to keep coming to their home to fix their router issues. I still think it's a bit pricey for their needs (just basic surfing along with watching Netflix), but if it's stable and won't drop connections then it will be worth it.
 
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