Reload for cheap routers Enterprise features

Network administration - No clogging with the manufacturer's configuration interface, you can completely replace the software on your wireless router. Software replacement can bring you advanced features that are usually available in high-end devices.

No need to spend a lot of money to get enterprise features for your router. You can completely turn cheap wireless G or N routers into a network connection tool: Use it as a repeater, mesh network node, or a wireless access point (AP).

Plus you can use extra features to get secure remote access, link your offices together, provide hotspot access, and .

You can get these functions by replacing the manufacturer's firmware (firmware in the ROM) with third-party firmware. No need to replace or change hardware; You just need to give it a new mind - teach it about new tricks. Firmware simply consists of a few MB file that you upload via the router's configuration interface or by using a transfer method like TFTP.

Once you have covered your router with a new firmware, the router will have a new web configuration interface. This interface will be organized somewhat similar to the style of the factory GUI.
You can easily change wireless network settings in general. Then configuring some advanced features may require you to see some more questions and answers in the question and answer section, or in any tutorial.

In the following sections, we will introduce some different alternative firmware projects for routers.

DD-WRT

DD-WRT seems to be the most popular and feature-rich firmware we know of. Its first version is based on Sveasoft's Alchemy software.

Like other projects, DD-WRT will add features that are superior to what hardware vendors provide in regular routers. However, DD-WRT also has some features that other firmware projects do not have, such as support for X86 systems.

DD-WRT can operate in many modes compared to a regular wireless access point (AP). These modes allow you to have more flexibility on your hardware or router and can save a lot of costs.

For example, in Client mode, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network to receive an Internet connection and then share this connection (in another network) with computers connected to the router's Ethernet ports. .

Bridge mode is not much different, but the DD-WRT router does not provide a quarantined network; computers connected to its LAN ports will work as if they are directly connected to the original router or network router.

In Repeater mode, DD-WRT can retrieve Wi-Fi signals from another network or another router and replay them. In addition, it can forward incoming traffic to the source network or router. For example, if the signal on your network needs to reach a further destination, you can set the DD-WRT router to Repeater mode. You will point it somewhere between the source wireless router or access point (AP) and the client is in need of a better signal. The client can then connect to the repeater and DD-WRT will now act as an intermediary to repeat the signal, transmitting wireless traffic to and from the client to the network.

Other enterprise features in the open source firmware include support for virtual VLANs and SSIDs. You can isolate traffic between different groups and provide different types of wireless security. There are a number of Quality Control Service (QoS) components for you to better manage your network and Internet traffic, especially if you are hosting public access or have sensitive applications such as VoIP or game

This firmware replacement can also serve as a client or server for VPN connections through OpenVPN or PPTP protocols. This will allow remote users to securely access or encrypt Wi-Fi hotspot connections to avoid internal eavesdroppers. In addition, if there are multiple locations or users are working remotely at a certain point, you can set up LAN-to-LAN or site-to-site VPN tunnels. In this way, all network locations will be tightened together securely through the Internet.

This firmware project does not stop at the private network; It also provides hotspot features. It can be changed to a simple hotspot with NoCatSplash, a more advanced system with Chillispot or using the Sputnik management system. It is also possible to set up a router to provide both public and private networks.

DD-WRT also provides remote administration features. It has a server and an integrated client for SSH and Telnet, ntop for remote inventory and a site statistics feature that displays the details of nearby APs. Besides, they also added storage features, such as support for JFFS2, MMC / SD card, USB and Samba.

Using DD-WRT also gives you more freedom on the router. You can customize startup, firewall and shutdown scripts. See some examples here. You can adjust the transmit power (0-251mW, the default is 28mW, 100mW is safer).

Sveasoft

Sveasoft created several other firmware projects: Satori, Alchemy, and currently Talisman. The latest firmware replacement will provide a set of features like DD-WRT.

Now Sveasoft is providing free access to those who register on its site to get the basic firmware file. However, it also requires $ 25 per year to download other firmware files.

In addition to the free basic firmware, Sveasoft provides premium firmware files designed for hosting a hotspot, VPN (with IPSec support), mesh networking and VoIP.

Tomato

The replacement firmware called Tomato provides many of the same features as DD-WRT, but it is smaller, simpler and easier to manage. It also has other wireless modes.

This software includes QoS controls and site statistics feature to display signals and details of nearby APs. In addition, it has the ability to customize the bandwidth usage process checker.

Note

Remember, boosting your devices with non-factory firmware will void the manufacturer's warranty. Therefore you need to be careful when uploading firmware and when making sensitive changes.