Linksys WRT54GS Mods

[Midknyte]

http://www.i-hacked.com/Computer-Components/Networking/Linksys-WRT54G-and-WRT54GS-Hacking.html

This article is a couple of months old, but I thought it was interesting.

[Rocketmech]

Wow, makes you want to go out and buy one. :)

[Midknyte]

Here's one of the firmwares available:
http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=10

Sveasoft Satori v4.0 WRT54GS
Description: USE OF THIS FIRMWARE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK! MAKE WRT54GS MODELS ONLY

The release adds the following features:

Auto channel select option
AP Watchdog timer option
New Management page help (thanks to Markus Baertschi)
SSH DSS keys now supported (thanks to Rod Whitby)


The following fixes were added:

NTP remote server field lengthened
Old port forwarding format supported
PPTP server fixed
webstr iptables filter fixed
adm6996 module moved
ifconfig broadcast addresses fixed
local dns fixed
Remote syslog fixed
rc_startup and rc_firewall fixes
Missing files and directories updated

Note: OpenSSL is not in this build.

Standard Feature List

Compatible with both G and GS models

Linksys "AfterBurner" drivers with DMA

Setup
Default gateway for LAN ports

Advanced Routing
OSPF, BGP Routing

Wireless
Power mode selection
Antenna selection
Client mode (Ethernet bridging)
Adhoc mode
WDS peer-to-peer networking (10 links, multiple options)

Applications & Gaming
Modified to forward to any IP address

Administration
Bandwidth Management
Boot Wait
Cron
DHCP with static MAC->IP assignments
DNS Masq
Firewall control
Loopback option
NAS
NTP Client
PPP
PPTP VPN server
Resetbutton daemon
SSHD with public key or password login
Shorewall firewall
Syslog with remote logging
Telnet
Tftp

Diagnostics
Command Shell replaces ping and traceroute
Linux shell scripts rc_startup and rc_shutdown settable from the web

Status
Wireless signal strengths for clients, AP's, WDS links

Internal Modifications
BPAlogin fixes
Static DHCP leases
Added approximately 20 iptables filters
- include P2P, connection tracking
Added Quality of Service (for bandwidth mgmt)
Rewrote networking code for better stability
Added wireless connections daemon for client mode and WDS
Upgraded PPPD to 2.4.2
Added PPTP client and server
Various bug fixes to Linksys codebase
Latest Busybox
ADM6996 /proc interface

[rraehal]

I think I may look into this firmware change. I think I have the WRT54G and have the firmware for it from both linksys and Sveasoft. I purchased a wireless kit that came with both the router and PC Card so the model on the box is different. I have to see what the router is for sure first.

Once I do verify my model, I may load the new firmware to see how it works. Now to consider warranty....

[rraehal]

Won't work for me. I have a WRK54G. It is a different model completely. One antenna and other physical differences. Oh well.

[Shoreguy]

I have a GS. Currently, it's in storage, as my 2nd computer won't be back up and running until 03/05-ish. I'm currently running cablemodem direct. I use XPsp2, with everything shut off, and norton NAV/NIS.

Let me ask some seemingly obvious questions:

1. Is there any benefit for me to reinstall the router and install this firmware?

2. Will my connection / downloads be dramatically sped up, as opposed to straight cablemodem?

3. Is there any kind of firmware watermark, so that if i install this and it blows up, I can revert back to my Linksys firmware and get support from them...if needed?

4. Is this for the average joe? What's a good "need / not needed" line?

[cat5e]

The smoothest version to deal with is probably this: http://www.hyperdrive.be/hyperwrt/

Q1. Is there any benefit for me to reinstall the router and install this firmware

A1. Yes if you need additional the features:http://www.hyperdrive.be/hyperwrt/index.php?page=features

Q2. Will my connection / downloads be dramatically sped up, as opposed to straight cable modem?

A2. No, the additional "Speed" of these Gizmos has to do with the Speed of the Wireless LAN not the Internet.

Q3. Is there any kind of firmware watermark, so that if i install this and it blows up, I can revert back to my Linksys firmware and get support from them...if needed?

A3. The site that I pointed to has a page that explains how to flash back: http://www.hyperdrive.be/hyperwrt/index.php?page=how-to

A4. Sorry I do not understand the question.

:t