I just bought a D-Link DIR-860L B1, and I have it here. with my previous modem/wifi-router/phone combo, I had terrible performance, which is now much better now that I have separated them. however, the router seems to randomly stop sending/receiving packets.
I notice this when browsing the internet, and when I run ping to a device on my local network, a bunch of requests wont be sent in a row and then all of a sudden it will go back to normal. Is my device defective?
Welcome to the OpenWrt community.
OpenWrt can open new doorways for your router to be more flexible and achieve many different goals or ideas one wishes to explore.
The Dir-860L B1 is in the current Stable release and has a recently updated how to install.
The OpenWrt firmware can't fix abnormalities with your ISP modem or Fix items in the network that maybe causing issues not understood yet. The real question is are you ready to embark an a journey or an adventure?
If you did not buy this with the idea of loading OpenWrt and are just now coming to the conclusion that you may make lemonade out of a lemon, you may want to reconsider your purchase and shop for a better fit.
Regardless the install instructions linked above demonstrate the recovery method build in the the D-link. If you've got the time and interest and a bit of skill in working cli, you may just find your destined to explore the OpenWrt firmware experience.
If you a Window's user I'd suggest getting Putty and WinSCP on your rig. You've got a curve ahead if you choose to flash this D-Link.
My real question is if it's even worth it, or if I have to return it because I'm getting 60% packet loss on stock firmware.
Also I believe amazon scammed me, as I just noticed I received the A1 variant instead of the B1. I guess I'll have to return it after all.
If basic functionality is broken on the vendor firmware, don't expect alternative firmware to fix (presumably) hardware defects - the vendor 'should' know their hardware best, and likewise they 'should' have an incentive to test their firmware before deploying it (they might not care about features, security or anything after the sale, but they 'should' have an interest to get it 'good enough' to avoid excessive RMAs).
