Review of DD-WRT App for Apple iPhone, iPhone 5, iPad, and iPod Touch

Even the most seasoned DD-WRT veteran can appreciate when a solution comes along that makes managing one's router an easier, more portable task than accessing it through a desktop web browser. Similiarly, users who are newer to DD-WRT have been asking for an easier way to configure their setup for quite some time. Fortunately, Darren Jones of DAP Logic comes to the rescue with a recently revamped version of his DD-WRT app for iOS devices, which I fell in love with immediately. (Disclaimer: Darren was kind enough to give me access to the final beta for purposes of this review.)

What is the DD-WRT app?

Simply put, this app is designed to make managing DD-WRT enabled wireless routers a little bit easier and friendlier, as well as give users that ability right in the palm of the hand.

The application essentially does two things. First, it provides many simplified, stylized screens that can be used to perform various functions (e.g., rebooting the router) or check the status of the router (e.g., bandwidth usage, connected clients, etc.) Second, the app provides a handy window into the DD-WRT web interface embedded right within.

Getting Started

I found the setup on this app to be incredibly easy. I clicked the "Add Router" button on the main screen, input the information for my router including the IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 of course) and my username and password... and I was in. Simple as that.

Of course, one could also access router settings when outside the home network if the router is set up to allow external access and the public IP is known (or a managed DNS setup is used, e.g., DynDNS)

Using the Built-In Tools

The DD-WRT app's main feature is quickly displaying important information and giving access to commonly used features without having to wade through the often nebulous and thick DD-WRT web interface.

Once the app is open, users will be presented with the "System Info" screen, detailing the router name, model, MAC address info, current IP address, uptime, and more.

Swiping to the right will reveal a panel allowing access to the other features of the app. These are all available to view in DD-WRT's web interface, but the app displays the data in an easy-to-read, portable format. Several options are available here, including viewing the live data on connected wired and wireless clients, live bandwidth monitoring, and more. The app also has built-in tools to add port forwarding and port range forwarding rules on the fly.

In total, these are the functions the built-in tools of the app can perform, without ever having to go to the web based interface:

  • System Information
  • Live Data on Connected Clients
  • Monthly Usage Graph
  • Live Usage Graph
  • Routing Tables
  • Port Forwarding
  • Port Range Forwarding
  • WAN DHCP Release/Renew
  • Wake on LAN
  • Send Command
  • Telnet
  • Reboot Router
  • Turn Wireless Radio On/Off
  • Overplay

Changing the App Colors

I can attest that sometimes, it's the little things that make all the difference, and this is one of them. If I plan on spending any great deal of time within an app, I like it to have a look that suits me. I personally abhor Apple's (and many developers') use of skeuomorphism... and the previous version of this app employed a "leather" look that really didn't appeal to me. Thankfully, this updated version not only has a clean, modern style but the abillity to tweak the app's colors. I can see this being especially useful for themers/jailbreakers who may want to have the app match the rest of their chosen theme.

Accessing DD-WRT's Web Interface

For the more advanced features of DD-WRT, the app offers an easy-to-access window from right within the main menu. Simply tap the "Web Interface" button and a menu of options will appear.

These options mirror those found in the web interface, and tapping on one will bring up the appropriate page in a window -- without having to go to a web browser.

Conclusions

As I stated before, I fell in love with this app right away, simply because it does exactly what it says it will do. The program does away with useless visual flourishes and focuses on the core features and functionality -- something I imagine will resonate with the crowd here as well as it did with me.

At $3.99 USD, the price for the app might cause some users to hesitate a bit; after all, it simply duplicates the functionality of the web interface that is already there. However, anyone who is looking for a slick, well-designed, simple way to administer their router -- especially on the go -- will love this app. In addition, the developer, Darren Jones, is very responsive. He's been active on the DD-WRT forums, and this new version is the result of user requests and input.

As such, I'd recommend this app. I think it will provide the most value for active users of iOS and DD-WRT. You can snag the app on the App Store (note that it is an iPhone app, but works fine on larger devices. Maybe a Universal app will come sometime in the future!)

Pros:

  • Works perfectly; never crashed or failed once and delivers what it says it will
  • Looks great
  • Easy to use and configure
  • Ability to configure color of the app is neat

Cons:

  • Somewhat "expensive" by App Store standards (worth it, but may be a con for some)
  • Not a Universal app; Web Interface screens blurry on iPad in zoomed resolution
Darryl Daugherty
Darryl Daugherty's picture
The even tone of the review

The even tone of the review is commendable, Peter, and Darren is indeed very responsive to suggestions for--and well-considered criticisms of--the app. I greatly enjoyed being one of his beta testers (yes, I'm the Darryl Daugherty from the app credits) and watching the evolution of the app has been a fascinating thing in its own right.

In my own admittedly less-than-neutral view, the app is well worth the asking price once you factor in the lost productivity of wading through the built-in DD-WRT firmware screens with mobile Safari just to do the many routine tasks that the dd-wrt app allows you to do in just a few taps. In short, worth every penny whether you admin other peoples' routers for a living or just want to monitor and adjust your own routers while you travel.

Darren, my congratulations for a very fine achievement!

Peter Redmer
Peter Redmer's picture
Thanks for the good word

Thanks for the good word Darryl and I will join you in congratulating Darren!

dawg
dawg's picture
Did you know this app is

Did you know this app is SPYWARE!! Yeah it takes multiple screenshots while you are using the app which includes all your private info, mac, IP, router, username, password, you name it then uploads it to a site called moneybrokers.com where the developer then gets paid for all the (very personal info) that he has captured from you while using the app. So not only is the developer making money off the app, he's secretly getting paid for sending all your personal info to a site in the UK per paypal. I don't know about you but it disturbs me to know that money is being made through the selling of info that could make your computer, phone etc very exploitable with bad intentions...

dawg
dawg's picture
Did you know this app is

Did you know this app is SPYWARE!! Yeah it takes multiple screenshots while you are using the app which includes all your private info, mac, IP, router, username, password, you name it then uploads it to a site called moneybrokers.com where the developer then gets paid for all the (very personal info) that he has captured from you while using the app. So not only is the developer making money off the app, he's secretly getting paid for sending all your personal info to a site in the UK per paypal. I don't know about you but it disturbs me to know that money is being made through the selling of info that could make your computer, phone etc very exploitable with bad intentions...

Darren
Darren's picture
dawg... Seriously where do

dawg... Seriously where do you get your information from?

I am the developer of this app and your accusations are absurd and defamatory.

No screenshots are taken by this app, and no communication with moneybrokers is EVER made by this app. So please enlighten me as to why you believe this to be the case?

Rick w
Rick w's picture
The total bandwidth usage for

The total bandwidth usage for the month is
Not included in the graph as it is on the PC.

Regard,
R Watson