DD-WRT router firmware

[markopolo]

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index

I loaded DD-WRT router firmware on my Asus WL-520GU router and turned it into a wireless bridge. My laptop computer doesn't have a connection for an external antenna. With my updated router and a directional antenna connected to router I can find and connect to wifi signals that my laptop by itself doesn't even see.

This would be useful pulling in weak signals in a campground.

Additional, you can run a script on the router that instructs it to search and connect to the strongest available open wifi signal automatically. I wouldn't do secure transactions this way but I think it is great for casual web surfing when you're stopped while traveling.

A friend gave me a used 2.4GHz 15dBi directional panel antenna http://www.superpass.com/SPFPGH15.html and I am pleasantly surprised at how well it works. They makes lots of other antennas http://www.superpass.com/index.html .

DD-WRT works better on Broadcom chipset based routers if you are planning to use the router as a bridge or a repeater.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index

[Mike]

Huh?
Is your Asus in the Bigfoot or your house? So, if you're on the road, you can locate
more possible free wifi access points?
What does DD-WRT firmware/software do? Range boost your laptop or router?
Should I get it, if they decide to support my new DLink DIR 655 at some point?
I looked, and the 615 appears to be supported.

[markopolo]

The router is in the RV.

DD-WRT is open source and free. It replaces the software on your router (firmware). The interface gives you many more options. For example, my Asus WL520GU had a bridge mode capability but the client computer had to be connected by cable. DD-WRT allows me to use the router as a wireless bridge.

The various price points on routers usually determine the amount of features available even if the hardware is capable of much more. DD-WRT lets you access the features usually only available on more expensive routers.

I tried it on a DLink DIR-615 rev E but could not get it to work as a wireless bridge. It had an Atheros chipset. Routers with Broadcom chipsets will work.

My Asus WL-520GU is a B/G router. I just got an Asus RT-N12 B/G/N (Broadcom chipset) router (approx $40) that I will load DD-WRT onto to see what the greater range of the N specification will bring in. Both Asus routers have detachable antennas. That means I can connect exterior or directional antennas. The DLink DIR-615 rev E antennas were not removable.

The town (just across the river) has free wifi. It'll be fun to see if I can connect to it.

[Mike]

Ok, that;s what I thought.
The reason I asked was because the netbook we usually travel with has an
Atheros AR5007EG Wireless Network Adapter, and I was wondering if it might
see a benefit from one of the router-style firmware updates.
Free wifi across the river?
We do think alike sometimes.....

[markopolo]

I haven't come across any custom network adapter firmware.

Here's a demo of DD-WRT http://www.dd-wrt.com/demo/

Basically, that is what your router user interface would look like. There are some variations based on build versions and chipset capabilities.

[Mike]

Interesting. Maybe I'll just have to wait to see if there's ever any firmware available
to boost my netbook's range. That would be useful to me, as I don't have a mobile
router, and probably couldn't justify (to the household CFO ) getting one anytime
soon, considering the recent outlay on a new router and 3 cams.