

It doesn’t support as many devices as OpenWRT, but it does support some of the most common home routers.
#Belkin custom firmware install
It’s easier to install than OpenWRT, and a bit easier to manage as well. You also get extra features like Wake-On-LAN, so you can put computers on your home network to sleep, but wake them up when you need to connect to them from abroad. DD-WRT carries a lot of OpenWRT’s features, like real-time monitoring, access control, QoS, and the ability to set up your own VPN, all packaged behind a more user-friendly interface. You can check out supported devices here. For example, OpenWRT supports just about any Linux device you can put on a network (like printers, webcams, and more), has a rich interface, real-time network monitoring, built-in dynamic DNS (so you can access your home computers from afar), IP tunneling for a built-in VPN, built-in Quality of Service (QoS) that lets you prioritize some things (like streaming or VoIP calls) over others (like torrents or other downloads, for example), and so on. It offers the most features of any open firmware, but it can often be tricky to configure. It’s not the easiest to use and install, but it supports the broadest base of hardware, from powerful and high-end home routers to pocket-sized travel routers and even enterprise hardware. It’s completely open source and customizable, based on the Linux kernel, supports package management and has tons of extra add-ons and utilities.
#Belkin custom firmware how to
We’ve shown you how to install DD-WRT on your router before, and shown you how to supercharge a router with Tomato, but here’s a quick refresher on how they differ: How to Supercharge Your Router with DD-WRTįew routers utilize their full potential out of the box because their firmware limits their…Read more Read

Some of the most popular open router firmwares are names you may have heard already, like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, and Tomato.

You’ll be able to log and monitor your connection to make sure your service provider (like Comcast or Verizon) isn’t throttling you down because you dared to watch Netflix or fire up Spotify.Īdvertisement The Big Three: DD-WRT, OpenWRT, and Tomato If your speed drops, you’ll know exactly why. Sure, it may take a little work, but if you’re up to the task, you’ll get a faster, more secure home network, and one you’re in total control over at all times. You may know what a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is you probably don’t use one. You also get perks like the ability to run your own VPN at home (something you should definitely try), and are updated to fix security problems way more frequently than the manufacturer updates their stock software, both of which are huge for security.Īdvertisement Why You Should Be Using a VPN (and How to Choose One) Open firmware gives you more control over your Wi-Fi performance, and most even let you crank up your Wi-Fi signal so that one corner of the house doesn’t have to be a dead zone anymore. Pick the right one and you can monitor your network in real time, make sure your roommate doesn’t slow down your Netflix binge by downloading music (but make sure your music downloads are nice and fast), make your network friendly to guests but unfriendly to intruders, and more. Installing your own custom firmware isn’t just an afternoon project for alpha-geeks looking for something cool to do-it actually makes your router better. Still, there are so many options available it can be tough to pick the right one. You can see everything going on, boost your Wi-Fi signal, beef up your security, and even do advanced tricks like install your own VPN. Installing a custom firmware on your Wi-Fi router is like God Mode for your home network. Specifically I'm looking for a wait to turn up the RX/TX gain to get a. The built-in firmware STINKS! I know that I can't put DD-WRT or OpenWRT on it, but does anyone know of a replacement firmware for this thing? I'd like to try and salvage it if possible. I have a Belkin N600DB (F9K1102) wireless router.
