Earlier i wrote about the router Linksys WRT160NL, and about the lack of dd-wrt or OpenWrt support. For many months now, OpenWrt has been developing a version of their custom firmware which works with WRT160NL. I’ve tried this under-development firmware earlier and currently it is still somewhat unstable, but what more can one expect of a under-development firmware. However while this has been going on it seems dd-wrt has also been busy working, and a couple of weeks ago they released a “official” build of their popular custom firmware for routers.
However i say “official” but its actually not quite, but more official than openwrt. Its built on the latest development release of dd-wrt (v24 preSP2), and rumors has it to be working great and much better than openwrt. If you are unfamiliar with dd-wrt then here’s a short discription (from wikipedia):
DD-WRT is a Linux-based firmware for several wireless routers, most notably the Linksys WRT54G (including the WRT54GL and WRT54GS). Like other similar projects, DD-WRT is considered a third-party firmware solution designed to replace the firmware that ships pre-installed on many commercial routers. This is done for a variety of reasons; including but not limited to the addition of features which are not typically included in a manufacturer’s router firmware.
DD-WRT includes such features as support for the Kai network, daemon-based services, IPv6, Wireless Distribution System, RADIUS, advanced quality of service, radio output power control, overclocking capability, and software support for a Secure Digital Card hardware modification.
Buffalo Technology and other companies have shipped routers pre-installed with a customized version of DD-WRT.
The custom firmware allows for many new features such as a new (proper) media server (uShare), ftp server, openvpn, ssh and many more. This allows owners to turn their router into a fully functionally printer server, media server, and more. Let’s not forget it can even serve as a torrent client.
If you want to try out the firmware, simply go to Router Database | dd-wrt.com type in “Linksys WRT160NL” and follow the steps defined in the wiki post Installation
dd-wrt WRT160NL discussion thread
OpenWrt WRT16n0NL discussion thread
Update: How to install dd-wrt the easy way.
- Go to http://192.168.1.1/ administration > firmware
- Flash with linksys-to-ddwrt-firmware.bin
- Create a login password
- Now flash again with wrt160nl-firmware.bin
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I just can’t wait for you to test this out! I’m experiencing some stability issues with Linksys official firmware that i hope dd-wrt can fix. Keep us posted! Great work!
my wireless router at home overheated when i used p2p heavily for 24 hours for the next 25 days ‘
Sorry to hear that, sounds like a faulty router. Personally I’ve had no problems with it.
I instaled the new firmware but my internet won’t work now,.. it’s ok on the modem but the router is causing problems,… it just can’t obtain an ip from the dhcp,.. can someone help me please.
Flash it back to stock firmware, and then redo the steps. If you used DHCP in the stock firmware, there’s no reason it shouldnt work in dd-wrt. Sounds to me like you forgot step 4.
wireless routers are very necessary nowadays because we do not want so many wires running around the home *~~
This is usually a interesting and good read. Your blog is written in such a way it’s so easy to read and understand. I AM a lover of your blog. Thanks for giving this info.