Highly reliable replacement for WRT54G

[Tech9]

Set DDNS + OpenVPN Server on the router. Use non-standard VPN port. It will give you secure remote access to the GUI. OpenVPN app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

 

[Adooni]

you can use teams etc to take control on PC and configure router yourself

 

[Trip]

@foosion - If you want something more set-and-forget with less tinkering, I'd run business/community-grade gear, either all-in-one or discrete components, optionally with scalable wifi APs. Overall, you'll get a network that runs more like an appliance and less like a toy.

The setup doesn't have to break the bank or be all that complex, either. TP-Link Omada is one such example: a TL-R605 router/switch (~$60) and an EAP225v3 AP (~$60). As for setup, there's tons of how-to's on YouTube now; very hard to screw it up. If you need to scale wifi coverage, just add another EAP and the Omada controller, either an OC200 appliance (~$85) or run it for free on an RPi, VM or always-on PC.

 

[foosion]

you can use teams etc to take control on PC and configure router yourself

They don't have a PC.

 

[foosion]

[very hard to screw it up.

Alas, their technical ability is strained by using a landline phone.

 

[L&LD]

Buy them a router (RT-AX58U still the best choice for the longest serviceability).

Flash RMerlin 386.3 Beta 1 on it.

Perform a WPS button reset that is appropriate for the router model as indicated in the link below.

[Wireless] ASUS router Hard Factory Reset | Official Support | ASUS Global

After getting the router fully reset, do not use the same SSID's on an AX router that was used on a G class router.

Best Practice Update/Setup Router/AiMesh Node(s) 2021

With the above suggestions followed as necessary, enable the OpenVPN Server, using all the defaults, and save/export an opvn file to your computer.

Be sure to test access to the router by removing your router and replacing it with your parents, then, going off-site to see if you can connect. Alternately, you can import the opvn file to a phone app, and while on cellular/LTE, check that the phone connects.

With the above out of the way, the router can now be shipped to your parents.

Once there, they need to be sure the modem has been powered off for at least 20 minutes (an hour is preferred). Power up the modem, power up the router, wait 5 to 10 minutes for the router to settle down, then you can connect via the OpenVPN server as needed.

HTH.

 

[Tech9]

We need something that is very easy to set up

Why not a newer Linksys router with Smart Wi-Fi support (EA series)? They have a good app and the setup/use is as easy as possible. Remote access in app too. Much better than Asus app. TP-Link Archer C7 is also a very good stable router, classic. There is a newer A7 version. All can be found under $100 new.

 

[wh7qq]

I am still using an RT-N66U bought around 10 yrs ago and just had the first "major" failure...the power switch refused to latch. A toothpick jammed between the case and the pressed switch fixed it and it's good as new but the case plastic is getting brittle. The firmware is still being updated: DD-WRT, OpenWRT, Fresh Tomato, and my current favorite, John's Fork of Merlin. Ethernet and a few IoT switches only so N is not a problem.