Here at CES, Linksys announced that it is bringing third party, open-source firmware to three routers in the WRT series via DD-WRT. The three routers in question are the WRT1900AC, WRT1200AC and the recently-released WRT1900ACS, which we covered not too long ago.
Users have pleaded for Linksys to provide open-source firmware to its routers, much like the support Linksys’s legendary WRT54G has received for over the past decade. When Linksys announced a collaborative effort with OpenWrt and Marvell to make the WRT1900ACS open-source ready back in October, we wondered whether this might lead to more third-party support in the future, and it seems Linksys has kept its word.
Providing open-source firmware may prove to be a lucrative strategy, this move is likely aimed at open-source loyalists who enjoy tinkering with firmware. Potential customers who had a WRT54G and were reluctant to a new WRT product, or people who are just in the market for an open-source ready router, might consider what Linksys has to offer.
Alexander Quejado is an Associate Contributing Writer for Tom’s Hardware and Tom’s IT Pro. Follow Alexander Quejado on Twitter. Follow us onFacebook, Google+, RSS,Twitter and YouTube.
