This is DD-WRT running on a Linksys WRT54g

Want to have more control over your router?  Sure you can purchase expensive firewalls, but do you need one like that?  A few firmware upgrades are available.  I tried out one called DD-WRT.

DD-WRT is a free firmware upgrade.  It is available for many different makes of routers.  In this instance, I am using my Linksys WRT-54g V8.  Once you install it,  you get to explore the routers features.  You login at the routers IP Address, Usually 192.168.1.1.

Right off the bat you get to see the status of your router.  It gives details for pretty much most information you would need to make sure you are operating properly.  First option you pick will prompt you for credentials.  The default is usually User:  root  PW: admin.  You obviously would want to change that.

You have QoS(Quality of Service) features that allow you to limit traffic at scheduled times, make physical ports on the router have varied priority and give different services custom priority.  This comes in useful if you have a lot of traffic on your router, in lets say the ability to host a hotspot.

Yes this has built in hotspot capabilities.  You can register for a service like Anchor Free, which is built into it.  It is under the services tab in the top menu.

These graphs help troubleshoot many network problems

Just click “enable” and the set-up screen will show up.

I have yet to get revenue, but it is something you can look into.

Now the coolest feature that I think, is the detailed reports you can generate.  This can be useful to trouble shoot slowness, and possible malware infections on larger networks.  This can also let you know if you have any-unwanted intruders on your network.

My experience with this upgrade today is that its easy and very useful.  I’m  seriously considering ways to use it with something useful for us at iRemedy, or my customers.  It is very cost effective, and even profitable if engineered right.  The pro-edition is $25, You can’t beat that.  The basic version is FREE.