Ideas on replacing firmware in tplink routers

[Digilog]

Hi, looking at options and what other people use as firmware in TPlink routers.

People found out about their backdoor the built in and I'm looking for alternatives so me and others can slow the e-waste.

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[OzarkEdge]

I think TP-Link/any router security deserves consideration but not by watching some guy trying to make a buck on YouTube.

OE

 

[RandomUser777]

I have had at least three tplink routers, including currently, and they all run great.

They have also been behind a firewalling router (yes, I use double and triple NAT), and have NEVER seen them try to dial home, nor seen a third party attempt backdoor access.

 

[Crimliar]

So I understand that there are concerns about potential spying by the Chinese authorities through our IT devices. But that's very different to one uninformed YouTuber basing a video on what other people talking about what more potentially uninformed people are saying. The facts and reasons for the legislation are public, why not just go with that!

 

[Tech9]

Hi, looking at options and what other people use as firmware in TPlink routers.

Third party firmware availability is model specific. You can't just run whatever you want on any random embedded device.

 

[RMerlin]

Since when are people taking their technical advice from a bunch of 60+ years old politicians...

 

[Justinh]

The Internet says to check support for your model with FreshTomato, OpenWRT, dd-wrt, and others ...

 

[Tech9]

I don't mind if US politicians decide to ban all the devices/manufacturers listed below...

Massive China-state IoT botnet went undetected for four years—until now

75% of infected devices were located in homes and offices in North America and Europe.

arstechnica.com

...as long as Canada is not the 51st US state.

 

[GHammer]

Canada is not the 51st US state

Welcome to the family, we'll make the process easy on our annoying upstairs neighbors.
As long as I have access to the Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve.

 

[sfx2000]

Hi, looking at options and what other people use as firmware in TPlink routers.

People found out about their backdoor the built in and I'm looking for alternatives so me and others can slow the e-waste.

Geopolitics aside...

There are third party options for many of the TP-Link devices - that path may go towards DD-WRT, perhaps OpenWRT, or others...

It really depends on the SoC used in the device, and there is the challenge - they make many different versions over the life cycle of the product - some which may be amenable to third party firmware, and some which are not...

Some folks talk about backdoors - ok, let it be said - my thoughts here is that most of their problem is a short product cycle, and a lack of sustaining support for even older versions of the same model...

So old bugs don't get fixed one the product has moved on to a new version...

A good example is one of their longer lasting models - the TL-841N - there at least 14 different versions of that device, and even then it crosses against different SoC vendors...

I suppose the big concern is that TP-Link did start to make some in-roads into the Carrier CPE/Gateway market for DSL/DOCSIS/4G-5G markets, where the devices are carrier managed, and no means for the customers/end-users to even update firmware...

And that's a legit concern...

 

[Tech9]

As long as I have access to the Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve.

I know what you want. Access to our Strategic Cannabis Reserve. Not happening, grow your own!

 

[Digilog]

There are third party options for many of the TP-Link devices - that path may go towards DD-WRT, perhaps OpenWRT, or others...

Thanks.
The only part of their software I don't like is their Oomada cloud management system. Which reminds me of those security camera NVR cloud connects that can be exploited.

Other than that, they apparently don't know how to mechanically engineer them so they don't overheat. Their cheap $30 router just has a square piece of metal screwed down against the plastic bottom and no air vents or even air space around the heat sink.

 

[Tech9]

I don't like is their Oomada cloud management system

TP-Link Omada business solutions is unrelated to TP-Link Archer home AIO routers and mesh sets. TP-Link Omada network with local controller can run without a cloud account. The same for Ubiquiti UniFi network, cloud account is not a requirement.