GoKawiilHacker News user floats idea of selling routers pre-flashed with DD-WRT
An Ask HN post questions whether there's a viable small business in selling routers that ship with DD-WRT pre-installed, noting that similar open-source router products already exist, such as the GL.iNet Flint and OpenWrt One. The poster describes their own DIY setup of multiple DD-WRT-flashed routers and cites AI-estimated startup costs of roughly $125,000 to reach a prototype, including $30,000 for regulatory approval and $10,000-plus for engineering.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The post suggests that enthusiasts who want open-source routers already have several paths—flashing firmware themselves, buying existing pre-installed products, or building their own SFF PC router—which could mean limited demand for a new entrant. The cited cost estimates imply that launching a dedicated DD-WRT hardware company would require significant capital before any product reaches market, a barrier the author frames as discouraging.
- Several commercial options already offer open-source or semi-open router firmware, including GL.iNet, OpenWrt One, and pfSense-based devices.
- Estimated startup costs for manufacturing a DD-WRT router reach around $125,000 just to produce a prototype.
- The author favors existing DIY alternatives—flashing firmware or building a custom PC router—over starting a new company.
GL.iNet Flint 2 Router — If you'd rather skip the flashing hassle, the Flint 2 comes with OpenWrt ready to go out of the box, giving you the same open-source flexibility discussed in the article without hunting for compatible old hardware. It's a solid modern alternative to scavenging Craigslist for DD-WRT-friendly routers, with Wi-Fi 6 speeds and dual NICs for pfSense/OpenWrt-style setups.
See GL.iNet Flint 2 Router on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: news.ycombinator.com, 2026-10-11
Published there as: “Ask HN: Do you want a router that has DD-WRT pre-installed?”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.