Enterprise class Open Source firmware now comes pre-installed on a sub $100 Wifi router

Thousands of “hackers” have installed open source DD-WRT firmware (and voided their warranty) to gain enterprise class management, security and monitoring functions on a sub $100 wireless router. Now you can buy a cheap Wifi router with DD-WRT installed.

In the case of popular open-source firmware DD-WRT, its big break—the equivalent of major label distribution for an indie band—came in the form of a partnership deal with Buffalo Technology, a worldwide vendor of routers and other wireless networking gear. Since the announcement last month, fan reaction has been enthusiastically mixed.

German company NewMedia-NET GmbH is the business face of “Brainslayer,” primary coder of DD-WRT. Thanks to the deal, the new Buffalo WHR-HP-G54DD ships with DD-WRT pre-installed rather than Buffalo’s own stock firmware–a first for any third-party-developed, alternative open-source router firmware. (from Wifi Planet)

What does this mean to in the big picture of opening a Third Pipe? Off the shelf, plug and play, low cost commodity hardware can now be deployed in sophisticated networks. Community Wifi to benefit? I think so.