# 🌐 Router Configuration Guide

> 🛡️ **Network-Level Protection** | Configure proxy at router level for comprehensive network coverage

Router-level proxy configuration provides the most comprehensive solution, protecting all devices in your network without individual client setup. This guide covers the most popular router firmware and solutions.

## 📊 Supported Router Solutions

| Router Solution | Complexity | Performance | Compatibility | Recommendation |
|----------------|------------|-------------|---------------|----------------|
| 🔧 **OpenClash** | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🎛️ **KoolClash** | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🦅 **Clash Merlin** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🐚 **ShellClash** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🌊 **Surge Gateway** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

## 🔧 Detailed Solution Guide

### 🎯 OpenClash (OpenWrt)
**Most Popular and Feature-Rich Solution**

- 📖 **Official Documentation**: [OpenClash Wiki](https://github.com/vernesong/OpenClash/wiki)
- 🎯 **Target Users**: OpenWrt firmware users
- ✨ **Key Features**:
  - Web-based management interface
  - Real-time traffic monitoring
  - Advanced rule management
  - Multiple core support
- 🔧 **Difficulty**: Medium to Advanced
- 📱 **Device Support**: Most OpenWrt compatible routers

### 🎛️ KoolClash (Koolshare)
**User-Friendly OpenWrt/LEDE Solution**

- 📖 **Official Guide**: [KoolClash Documentation](https://koolclash.js.org)
- 🎯 **Target Users**: Koolshare OpenWrt/LEDE users
- ✨ **Key Features**:
  - Simplified configuration interface
  - Auto-update subscription
  - Built-in optimization rules
  - One-click setup
- 🔧 **Difficulty**: Beginner to Medium
- 📱 **Device Support**: Koolshare firmware compatible devices

### 🦅 Clash Merlin (Asus Merlin)
**Professional Solution for Asus Routers**

- 📖 **Project Repository**: [Clash-Merlin Wiki](https://github.com/KOP-XIAO/Clash-Merlin/wiki)
- 🎯 **Target Users**: Asus router with Merlin firmware
- ✨ **Key Features**:
  - Native Merlin firmware integration
  - Advanced routing rules
  - Traffic statistics
  - Performance optimization
- 🔧 **Difficulty**: Advanced
- 📱 **Device Support**: Asus routers with Merlin firmware

### 🐚 ShellClash (Universal Shell)
**Cross-Platform Shell-Based Solution**

- 📖 **Project Home**: [ShellClash Repository](https://github.com/juewuy/ShellClash)
- 🎯 **Target Users**: Advanced users comfortable with command line
- ✨ **Key Features**:
  - Works on multiple platforms
  - Lightweight and efficient
  - Highly customizable
  - Script-based automation
- 🔧 **Difficulty**: Expert Level
- 📱 **Device Support**: Any device supporting shell access

### 🌊 Surge Gateway (macOS)
**Premium macOS-Based Router Solution**

- 📖 **Configuration Guide**: [Mac Surge Router Setup](https://qust.me/post/MacSurgeRouter/)
- 🎯 **Target Users**: Mac users with Surge Pro
- ✨ **Key Features**:
  - Enterprise-grade stability
  - Advanced traffic analysis
  - Professional debugging tools
  - Seamless macOS integration
- 🔧 **Difficulty**: Expert Level
- 📱 **Device Support**: macOS with Surge Pro license

## 🎯 Choosing the Right Solution

### 📋 Decision Matrix

| Your Situation | Recommended Solution | Reason |
|----------------|---------------------|--------|
| 🆕 **Beginner User** | KoolClash | Easy setup, user-friendly interface |
| 🔧 **OpenWrt User** | OpenClash | Best feature set, active community |
| 🦅 **Asus + Merlin** | Clash Merlin | Native integration, optimized performance |
| 💻 **Tech Enthusiast** | ShellClash | Maximum flexibility and control |
| 🍎 **Mac + Surge User** | Surge Gateway | Professional tools, enterprise features |

### 🛠️ Setup Complexity Guide

#### 🟢 Beginner Level
- **KoolClash**: Pre-configured rules, GUI management
- **Simple Steps**: Install → Import subscription → Enable

#### 🟡 Intermediate Level
- **OpenClash**: Web interface, moderate configuration
- **Required Skills**: Basic networking knowledge, web UI navigation

#### 🔴 Advanced Level
- **Clash Merlin**: Firmware modification, advanced rules
- **ShellClash**: Command line proficiency, script editing
- **Surge Gateway**: macOS networking, professional configuration

## ⚠️ Important Considerations

### 🔒 Security & Legal
- **Legal Compliance**: Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations
- **Network Security**: Router-level changes affect entire network
- **Backup Configuration**: Always backup original router settings
- **Firmware Risk**: Flashing custom firmware may void warranty

### 📶 Performance Impact
- **Processing Power**: Router CPU may limit performance
- **Memory Usage**: Monitor router memory consumption
- **Network Latency**: Expect slight increase in processing time
- **Bandwidth**: Minimal impact on actual bandwidth

### 🔧 Maintenance Requirements
- **Regular Updates**: Keep firmware and rules updated
- **Monitoring**: Monitor router performance and stability
- **Troubleshooting**: Requires networking knowledge for issues
- **Support**: Community-based support for most solutions

## 🎓 Getting Started

### 📋 Pre-Installation Checklist

1. **✅ Router Compatibility**: Verify your router model is supported
2. **✅ Firmware Version**: Check current firmware and update if needed
3. **✅ Backup Settings**: Create complete backup of current configuration
4. **✅ Network Knowledge**: Ensure basic understanding of networking concepts
5. **✅ Recovery Plan**: Know how to recover if something goes wrong

### 🚀 Installation Process Overview

1. **📖 Research**: Read documentation thoroughly for your chosen solution
2. **⬇️ Download**: Get necessary files from official sources only
3. **🔧 Install**: Follow step-by-step installation guide
4. **⚙️ Configure**: Set up according to your network requirements
5. **🧪 Test**: Verify functionality and performance
6. **📊 Monitor**: Keep an eye on performance and stability

## 📞 Support & Resources

### 🌍 Official Resources
- **Documentation**: Each solution has comprehensive documentation
- **GitHub Issues**: Report bugs and get community support
- **Forums**: Active communities for troubleshooting and tips

### 💬 Community Support
- **Telegram Groups**: Real-time help from experienced users
- **Reddit Communities**: Discussions and configuration sharing
- **Discord Servers**: Interactive support and collaboration

### 📚 Learning Resources
- **Video Tutorials**: Step-by-step visual guides
- **Blog Posts**: Detailed configuration examples
- **Wiki Pages**: Comprehensive technical documentation

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> 📅 Last Updated: July 10, 2025 | 🔄 Keep configurations updated for optimal performance