linksys custom firmware guidance

mark1979 · 02-05-2007, 17:09

i have a WRT54GL ordered and it should be here tommorrow. i was told to flash the firmware to a custom firmware

can anyone tell me if this is worth it and also what are the benefits from doing so?

i was told http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato was a good choice,to me i have no idea why i would need to flash it,is the normal firmware not good?

can anyone give me advise if they have done there own, as i would like to no the pro's and con's. and maybe some other firmware's that they have experiance with

many thanks

mark

Nikesh · 02-05-2007, 17:15

I'd recommend DD-WRT... it has loads of features, including being able to increase the signal strength.

Downside is you can actually brick your router so it won't work and I think it will void the warranty.

http://www.wrtrouters.com/firmware/wrt54gl/DD-WRT/

Halcyon · 02-05-2007, 17:16

Only flash the firmware if you are getting problems or if there has been an official upgraded firmware released by Linksys that addresses problems or issues.

A custom firmware can sometimes boost the reception to get a better signal.
But only do this if you are having problems.

mark1979 · 02-05-2007, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Only flash the firmware if you are getting problems or if there has been an official upgraded firmware released by Linksys that addresses problems or issues.

A custom firmware can sometimes boost the reception to get a better signal.
But only do this if you are having problems.

thanks for the fast responses

boost the signal as in wireless signal?

what problems could i possibly get with the original firmware? and also flashing it i no may cause "bricking"as ive flash'd many psp's etc etc,is there a guide of how to flash the router if i needed to?

MovedGoalPosts · 02-05-2007, 17:42

The original firmware on many of the earlier versions of Linksys WRT54G series routers did not handle stuff like torrents very well. In particular the numerous connections opened by torrent software were not released swiftly by the router which could then grind to a halt. Third Party Firmware such as DD-WRT allowed better control (if you knew the settings to apply).

No idea if the current Linksys firmware is up to the job or not, but certainly my older WRT54GS has benefited from the third party firmware where the official release didn't.

The firmware itself is unlikley to "brick" (break) your router, but if somethign goes wrong during the flashing process that's where there is a risk.

mark1979 · 02-05-2007, 17:46

i see,so as i use alot of torrent sites i should think of customizing the firmware? and dd-wrt is best for this?

is it compicated to use as im not to tech minded with things like that

MovedGoalPosts · 02-05-2007, 17:53

this post may help http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/34276749-post7.html

02-05-2007, 17:53

as has been said only if you have problems.

JackB · 03-05-2007, 11:08

I bought a WRT54G a few days ago. I had Virgin 10MB broadband installed yesterday which I set up with no problems. I then set up the router following the basic guide that came with it, no problems. My computer is wired to the router and my sons laptop connects wirelessly and has no problems with torrents. I didn't need any other firmware either.

videodj · 03-05-2007, 12:59

I brought mine last year and issues with torrents, so upgraded to dd-wrt and it's been great ever since. Was pretty simple to do, just take your time and don't rush.

Richy99 · 03-05-2007, 14:05

not all of the linksys routers are able to use the dd-wrt firmware

Gareth · 03-05-2007, 15:11

One other thing... if you do decide to flash the firmware (I use dd-wrt on my WRT54GL

) then do it from a PC that is wired to the router, don't try flashing it via the WLAN as you're asking for trouble, e.g. the bin file getting corrupted during the transfer and bricking the router.

janipewter · 03-05-2007, 19:47

Chances are if you don't know how to flash 3rd party firmware, it will be no benefit to you anyway.

03-05-2007, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by janipewter

Chances are if you don't know how to flash 3rd party firmware, it will be no benefit to you anyway.

Well said!

Cobbydaler · 03-05-2007, 20:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

The firmware itself is unlikley to "brick" (break) your router, but if somethign goes wrong during the flashing process that's where there is a risk.

Actually, if you flash using a wired connection it's unlikely the flashing process will brick your router if you've chosen the correct firmware...

There are so many models/versions of the wrt54g though, that making sure you have the right firmware version to flash is essential. Choose the wrong one & you WILL brick your router...

Having said that, I believe Linksys reincarnated the old v4 as the wrt54gl to specifically cater for the 3rd party firmware market. It should work with the latest dd-wrt firmware version...