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