Routers are basically little computers. By default, they run a manufacture-provided operating system, or firmware, to route network traffic and provide you with various settings and features. But you can often replace this firmware. Most people don’t need a third-party custom router firmware. Yes, custom firmware can provide you with additional features and other benefits, but they’re more complex and most people just want their router to function as an appliance. Firmware Basics Your router runs an operating system, known as its firmware. Router manufacturers provide a way to “flash” new firmware, which is typically used to upgrade the router’s firmware to a new version from the manufacturer. However, you don’t necessarily have to flash a file provided by a manufacturer — you could instead flash a file provided by a third-party. This file could have a customized operating system on it. Routers aren’t like PCs. You can’t just install any old firmware on any old router. You’ll need to use a firmware that’s been specifically designed for your router- – one that supports its hardware devices and one that fits in the limited storage space your router includes. The Linksys WRT54 G Custom router firmware first took off with the Linksys WRT54 G router released back in 2003. These routers ran a firmware based on Linux. Linksys didn’t release source code when they released the router, although they were supposed to. They eventually released the WRT54 G firmware’s source code after some pressure. Enthusiast’s then had a router that ran Linux and the source code to the router. They could take that code and change it, adding features, tweaking it, modifying the interface, and then flashing their customized version back onto the router. Future versions of the WRT54 G ran a different operating system. However, the line of Linux-based WRT54 G routers continues in Linksys’s WRT54 GL.
Installing a custom firmware on your Wi- Fi router is like God Mode for your home network. 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. Still, there are so many options available it can be tough to pick the right one. Here’s what you need to know. Why Bother Anyway? 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. 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. 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. 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. You may know what a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is; you probably don't use one. You Read more Read more 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. If your speed drops, you’ll know exactly why. 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. The Big Three: DD- WRT, Open WRT, and Tomato Some of the most popular open router firmwares are names you may have heard already, like DD- WRT, Open WRT, and.
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