Alternative Firmware for WiFi Devices
Contents
OpenWRT
OpenWRT is an aftermarket Alternative Firmware for WiFi Devices routers created by hackers utilizing the Linux kernel. OpenWRT greatly extends the power and sophistication of ordinary low end wireless and wired routers. The main components are the Linux kernel, util-linux, uClibc and BusyBox. All components have been optimized for size, to be small enough for fitting into the limited storage and memory available in home routers. OpenWrt can run on various types of devices, including CPE routers, residential gateways, and various types of computers.
2014
Barrier Breaker OpenWRT version 14.07 was released in October of 2014.
2006/07
White Russian OpenWRT was released in 2006 followed by Kamikaze in 2007. Much of the OpenWRT information in this Wiki is out of date and relates to these versions on old hardware.
- OpenWRT on Asus WL-500gP: Command and Path Reference
- OpenWRT on Asus WL-500gP: Installation Guide
- OpenWRT Kamikaze Best Hardware
see also:
DD-WRT
Linux based firmware that provides immense improvement to consumer routers. DD-WRT is said to have the most options of any alternative firmware for WiFi devices (as of 2015.) It does the most, however, it also seems to be the most buggy.
- Open Source
Tomato
Linux based firmware that extends the functionality of consumer routers. Less buggy than DD-WRT. Does less than DD-WRT. Tomato has a simple, graphically rich interface, making it easy for even beginners. Tomato is known to support some hardware that DD-WRT doesn't. Tomato has features missing from DD-WRT like graphic traffic reports- real-time traffic monitoring, with graphic charts. Tomato features a 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.
