How to Install Third Party Firmware on Your Router

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Verify that your router is compatible with the new firmware.

   The firmware that will be covered in these instructions is Tomato, since it is easily the most feature packed firmware available.
   
   There is a list of compatible routers available to Tomato’s website http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato.
   
   Pay close attention to the current firmware version of your router as newer versions of some routers may not be supported.
   
   If your router is NOT supported by tomato the next best firmware to upgrade to is DD-WRT (http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/index.php) which supports many more routers (this will not be covered in these instructions, but the steps may be similar).
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   Step 2: Download the latest firmware from Tomato’s website (either .7z or .zip format).

   ,,,,,, Don’t disconnect power to the router during this upgrade. , That’s it, the newest version of Tomato automatically migrates all of your router settings so you don’t have to reconfigure your network. , From there, you can adjust the router’s “Transmit Power” value to any number between 1mW and 251mW (default is 42mW).
   
   Setting a value higher than 70mW is not recommended.
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   Step 3: Unpack it to a directory of your choice using a program such as winrar.

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   Step 4: Access your router’s settings with an Internet browser (the default IP is 192.168.1.1).

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   Step 5: Click the Administration tab

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   Step 6: then Firmware Upgrade.

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   Step 7: Click Browse and navigate to the unpacked firmware folder in the directory you chose earlier.

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   Step 8: Pick the matching firmware type for your router—the Tomato package includes different versions of the firmware for different router models.

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   Step 9: Hit Apply and wait while your router’s firmware is flashed.

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    Step 10: Once the upgrade is finished

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    Step 11: go back into the router configuration (firefox is recommended) and you’ll be greeted with the new interface.

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    Step 12: Optional: To boost your router’s wireless signal

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    Step 13: go to the Advanced menu and select the Wireless section.

Detailed Guide

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