Tomato Firmware Advantage

Posts: 14 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Jun 02, 2008 Posts: 14

I just received my new Linksys WRT54GL in the mail from Newegg(thanks Darrell) after my WRTP54G-VR kept failing as a router. I am weighing the options of using Tomato firmware but not sure if any of the advantages would be good for a non-techie. Are the third party firmware geared toward techies? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

"new easy to use GUI, a new bandwidth usage monitor, more advanced QOS and access restrictions, enables new wireless features such as WDS and wireless client modes, raises the limits on maximum connections for P2P, allows you to run your custom scripts or telnet/ssh in and do all sorts of things like re-program the SES/AOSS button, adds wireless site survey to see your wifi neighbors, and more".

FYI, I am planning on using the GL for my wireless network and keeping the VR as a phone adapter only.

Posts: 203 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Mar 04, 2006 Posts: 203

In a way yes, Tomato is geared toward "techies" but at the same time it is so simple and easy to use, most anyone can get the hang of it. Even if you don't know what QoS is you could still benefit from Tomato, because it is so simple to work with.

IMHO, the QoS alone is the only reason to switch, but when you add in bandwidth monitoring (especially now that many cable companies are contemplating charging extra if you go x amount of bandwidth per month, etc.) ease of use, and the increased security it's a no brainer. Yes you can also place limits on the amount of clients, P2P connections, restrict access by IP at certain times of the day, etc. etc. But for the average home user that won't be necessary, especially if you lock down your network nice and tight with the advanced security. But it is nice to know you have the options available.

Of course the WDS is excellent feature too. I have 3 buffalo routers all running tomato and using WDS to connect each other. On one of them is my Vonage box, and a PAP2 for another provider, then downstairs is another router with another PAP2 connected. You wouldn't even know there are no wire connecting them. The first router is in the bedroom where the cable line comes in and is connected to the modem.

In addition to the FAQ on the download site this page http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Tomato_Firmware gives an excellent field by field description. That should answer most of your questions if you decide to take the plunge.

Posts: 14 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Jun 02, 2008 Posts: 14

Thanks, Brian.