How to Install Third Party Firmware on Your Router

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posted on 16 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Navigating through a router’s multitude of menus and configuration settings can be confusing, especially given the obtuse documentation typically bundled with the device. Installing third-party open-source firmware on your home router not only streamlines a router’s graphical user interface but also adds robust functionality, such as a new easy to use GUI, a bandwidth usage monitor, and the ability to boost the strength of your wireless signal. Upgrading your router’s firmware is not as complicated as it may seem; here are the steps to getting a powerful, fully customizable, steroid induced home network.

Steps

Verify that your router is compatible with the new firmware. The firmware that will be covered in these instructions is Tomato, since it is easily the most feature packed firmware available. There is a list of compatible routers available to Tomato’s website http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato. Pay close attention to the current firmware version of your router as newer versions of some routers may not be supported.Install Third Party Firmware on Your Router Step 1Bullet1.jpg

Download the latest firmware from Tomato’s website (either .7z or .zip format).

Unpack it to a directory of your choice using a program such as winrar.

Access your router’s settings with an Internet browser (the default IP is 192.168.1.1).

Click the Administration tab, then Firmware Upgrade.

Click Browse and navigate to the unpacked firmware folder in the directory you chose earlier.

Pick the matching firmware type for your router—the Tomato package includes different versions of the firmware for different router models.

Hit Apply and wait while your router’s firmware is flashed. Don’t disconnect power to the router during this upgrade.

Once the upgrade is finished, go back into the router configuration (firefox is recommended) and you’ll be greeted with the new interface. That’s it, the newest version of Tomato automatically migrates all of your router settings so you don’t have to reconfigure your network.

Optional: To boost your router’s wireless signal, go to the Advanced menu and select the Wireless section. From there, you can adjust the router’s “Transmit Power” value to any number between 1mW and 251mW (default is 42mW). Setting a value higher than 70mW is not recommended.