Update Your Router Firmware with Tomato

Wow! This is something I hadn't really tought about but, I'm sure glad I stumpled on to Tomato. Tomato is a firmware update for the popular Linksys WRT54G/GL/GS routers. I just happen to have the WRT54GL.

So this most obvious question is "why would I want (or need) to update my router firmware?" I suppose if you are just average Joe Computer User and your wireless network is working fine the answer is you don't. However if you are like me and want to have greater control over you router including: boosting transmit power, viewing bandwidth graphs, port forwarding, QOS support, site blocking, scripting, scheduling and a whole lot of other stuff I don't understand yet. It basically blows away the standard LinkSys firmware.

I love being able to quickly look at bandwidth graphs to determine how my internet has been performing over periods. I frequently do large uploads so I can see what my max upload speed is. I've also setup to recycle my router weekly, added some port forwarding, setup QOS so I always have bandwidth for VOIP, increased my transmit power so I now get 4 bars on the patio (woohoo!) and lots of other tweeks.

If your in the mood to experiment (note: always may a backup of your current firmware so you can go back) give it a try.