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  • The AirStation Extreme AC 175: This is Your Next Router
Technology Articles > Hardware > Others > The AirStation Extreme AC 175: This is Your Next Router

Although it was released a few months ago, the AirStation extreme AC 175 Gigabit Dual Band DD-WRT Router (WZR-1750DHPD) had a serious issue – the router had a bug that kept the router in an infinite boot loop when certain settings were selected, but it has been fixed thank to a new version of the firmware.

It's the first 802.11ac router that uses DD-WRT, a third-party open source firmware, rather than the typical Buffalo firmware. That means users are given total network control right out of the box, rather than having to mess with the hardware.

It's a solid performer, although its range isn't the longest. For the user who loves DD-WRT or you want complete and total control over your network in a way you've never had before, this router is worth a look.

Design

It looks strikingly similar to the WZR-D1800H, the first 802.11ac router ever released on the market two years ago. You can keep the square-shaped router vertical or horizontal using the two detachable flexible stands. The back of the router features four LAN ports and one WAN port, all of which are Gigabit, a USB 3.0 port, and USB 2.0 port. The front features an LED light which illuminates the word “Buffalo” either white (when everything is hunky dory) or red (something requires your attention), alongside three smaller LEDs that indicate the status of the Wi-Fi network, the wired network, and the Internet.

You'll also see a button labeled AOSS, but because the router is running DD-WRT, it's a programmable button. Normally it would be the button that connects the Buffalo Wi-Fi devices to the router's Wi-Fi network quickly, but out of the box with this model, it doe absolutely nothing.

Performance

The WZR-1750DHPD is a dual-band router that supports three-stream 802.11ac on the 5Ghz band, and three-stream 802.11n on the 2.4Ghz band. That gives it the power to offer up to 1300Mbps and 450Mbps on each band respectively, and is why it is an AC1750 router. While it supports all Wi-Fi clients currently on the market, you will need a compatible client to get top Wi-Fi speed.

Setup is very easy – you can use it right away thanks to the two default Wi-Fi networks printed on the underside of the router. This information allows you to hook up the WAN port to an Internet source and carry on. If you're looking to customize the network or other router features, you can utilize the Web interface. Instructions on how to do so are printed on a label affixed to the inside of the router. You will need to use a connected computer and point your browser to the router's default IP address and log in with the included default log in information.

DD-WRT

The firmware is Linux-based and quite well-known in the world of wireless routers and access points. It allows you to do things like using a router as a client bridge, wireless extender, or access point, and gives you a long list of controls (define advance access controls, modify wireless radio power, choose from a lengthy list of DDNS service support options, create a Wi-Fi hotspot, manage advanced QoS controls, and more.).

The process of running DD-WRT is almost just like running Linux on a computer. And since different networking vendors install different stock firmware on their routers, DD-WRT allows you to more easily manage your home network. You won't need to worry about the vendor of supported routers – the experience will be exactly the same.

If you want more from your hardware and an easy setup and interface, give the AirStation AC 1750 DD-WRT Router a try. It's easy to use right out of the box, performs wonderfully, and you'll love DD-WRT. Pick one up for around $150.