Alternative Router Firmware Notes (was DD-WRT)

Some other open firmware options for many routers:

Sveasoft - see related link.

Tomato

- original - now unmaintained: http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato

- Tomato by Shibby is more current: http://tomato.groov.pl/?page_id=69

Merlin (ASUS only)

- tweaks to official ASUS firmware (which itself is OpenWRT based, I think) - http://asuswrt.lostrealm.ca

OpenWRT

- Interesting - add-on to OpenWRT to do managed cloud WiFi, like Meraki but cheaper, but BYOD - cucumberwifi.io

TODO: OpenWRT is supposed to be able to run on a cheap Raspberry Pi Zero - https://www.reddit.com/r/openwrt/comments/m8q77n/openwrt_on_rpi_zero/

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DD-WRT

Originally a fork from Sveasoft, is an open source firmware for many routers, including the infamous Linksys WRT-54G(L).

Rebooting DD-WRT from SSH - try "reboot"
Use Google Public DNS for DNS, rather than ISP's DNS servers (from DHCP):
- Go to Services tab » Services sub tab » Services Management section » DNSMasq sub section
- Enable both DNSMasq and Local DNS options
- In the Additional DNSMasq Options text box, enter:
- no-resolv
- strict-order
- server=8.8.8.8
- server=8.8.4.4
- Click Apply Settings
Source: http://sungamagnus.blogspot.ca/2011/08/set-up-dd-wrt-router-to-use-google.html
Show free NVRAM: nvram show | grep size (also on status page of GUI)
List of DHCP clients is right on the page you land on after logging in.

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Misc commands:

swconfig dev eth0 show | grep link

- list port speeds

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Versions:

There are several different distributions of the DD-WRT firmware. The mini contains all the features of the standard distribution, with the exception of chillispot, nocat, rflow, kaid, CIFS client, SNMP, IPv6, and MMC/SD card support. The standard (std) distribution includes all features, with the exception of VOIP. The standard-nokaid (std-nokaid) distribution includes all features of standard, with kaid removed to free some flash space. The VOIP distribution includes all features, with kaid removed to make room for Milkfish. The VPN edition includes OpenVPN but does not include IPv6, CIFS client, or kaid. The micro edition is a stripped down version designed for the WRT54G v5 and other 2MB router models.

"Recent" versions added "Source Net" to port forward rules (YAY!). Leave blank to apply to all remote IP addresses.

OT: moderately priced enterprise class gear can be had from Ubiquity and Mikrotik

Tags: router, dd-wrt, ddwrt,