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External storage, network attached storage and networking solutions specialist Buffalo Americas announced the release of three wireless routers featuring DD-WRT Linux-based firmware preinstalled.
DD-WRT is an open-source, Linux-based firmware for wireless routers and access points. Offered as an alternative to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) firmware, DD-WRT provides users with features and capabilities, including OpenVPN, virtual local area network (VLAN) and full command line root access, virtual private network (VPN) passthrough and advanced quality of service (QoS) controls for bandwidth allocation.
The offerings include the AirStation AC 1750 Gigabit Dual Band WZR-1750DHPD ($189.99), the AirStation N600 Gigabit Dual Band WZR-600DHP2D ($109.99), both available now, and the AirStation N300 Wireless Router WHR-300HP2D ($59.99), which will be available in early March.
All AirStation wireless solutions are backed by a limited three-year warranty including toll-free U.S.-based technical support available 24/7, a company statement said.
The trio of routers features open-source DD-WRT firmware out of the box, offering organizations additional openness. With a breadth of features not normally found in similar routers, Buffalo’s open-source DD-WRT offering supports a number of functionalities with simple setup and configuration.
In addition, DD-WRT provides added stability for reliable operation and improved performance, ideal for the demands of a professional networking environment.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to work closely with Buffalo, bringing DD-WRT to a professional audience on reliable and powerful hardware platforms. Together we form a powerful partnership with distinct new offerings for resellers and professional-grade customers,” Peter Steinhaeuser, CEO at NewMedia-NET, said in a statement.
Additional features include wireless distribution system (WDS) bridging and repeating, domain name system (DNS) caching, viewable performance statistics to measure bandwidth levels, the ability to set up as a WiFi hotspot, and Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) authentication for additional wireless security.
“Consumers and business professionals are demanding increased access and control of their wireless network configurations,” Matt Dargis, chief operating officer at Buffalo Americas, said in a statement “We launched new open source DD-WRT models of the AirStation router to address this rising demand, giving users the ability to unlock advanced capabilities of their wireless routers at a cost-effective price.”
Rounding out the feature set are a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server and the ability to create multiple service set identifiers (SSIDs).
“These features, as well as PPTP, OpenVPN and VLAN, allow network administrators and programmers to enable advanced features typically unavailable in consumer-grade wireless routers,” Dargis said.