Infonec: hackable Asus WL-500W wireless router $64.99 AR

[Hugh]

This router is $94.99 - $30 rebate: http://www.infonec.ca/site/main.php?module=detail&id=342187

If you wish to hack a router, this has advantages over the old standby, the Linksys WRT54 GL (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=605215).

twice the RAM
twice the flash memory
two USB 2.0 ports
802.11n support (but not when running OpenWRT, at least so far)


OpenWRT supports it: http://wiki.openwrt.org/OpenWrtDocs/Hardware/Asus/WL500W

This dd-wrt page seems to advise against it but the report looks very anecdotal: http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices#Asus

tomato does not list it as supported (tomato would not support USB even if tomato did work on this router) http://www.polarcloud.com/tomatofaq

I have not checked for support from the other 3rd party firmware providers.

OpenWRT (possibly including X-WRT) is the most hackable firmware. Unlike the others, there is an open process to make contributions. On the other hand, it is probably not the best choice for flash-and-forget.

The extra flash and RAM is useful if you wish to customize. I, for example, found that X-WRT + tcpdump + Openswan filled the resources of a WRT54GL beyond the point of comfort.

BTW, if you want to know what hardware features a router has, this OpenWRT table is very useful: http://wiki.openwrt.org/TableOfHardware

[Ackbar]

I've setup 2 of these routers already. The stock firmware is crap. I'm hoping that Tomato supports it soon. I need something that is flash and forget for my friends.

[willy]

I've setup 2 of these routers already. The stock firmware is crap. I'm hoping that Tomato supports it soon. I need something that is flash and forget for my friends.
WRT54GL with stock firmware is very stable.

[Mir]

WRT54GL with stock firmware is very stable.
When you want your Router become $400 Router and that is when you use after market Firmware

[Hawkmielle]

No experience with the WL-500W, but the WL-520GU is a great little router when hooked up with DD-WRT firmware. Runs great on the 4 devices I have flashed so far, 2 of which are running in wireless bridge mode.

If you do not need the extra features the 500W offers, the 520GU at $45 without any rebates from Direct Canada is great deal in my opinion (as it too offers more features then the Linksys WRT54 GL).

[Ackbar]

WRT54GL with stock firmware is very stable.

So is tomato on my WRT54G V3. :P

[willy]

When you want your Router become $400 Router and that is when you use after market Firmware

So is tomato on my WRT54G V3. :P
I agree with both of you ... coz my WRT54GL with Tomato has been doing great too :)

[botham]

I am looking to get a router for a better signal throughout my home. It seems the above three routers are available on good price (and hackable in at least 2 cases). Not sure if WRT160N can be hacked.

I already have a SMC Barricade g Wireless router 2804WBR sitting in the basement. I currently connect a couple of laptops and a PS3 typically located on the ground floor.

Which one of the routers would be best in my situation? I believe I'd be able to use my SMC in a "bridged" mode to push the signal up.

[botham]

Not sure if WRT160N can be hacked.



Replying to my own post, confirmed that WRT160N can run dd-wrt firmware. Detailed instructions on doing that are at:
http://www.coderetard.com/2008/05/30/installing-dd-wrt-firmware-on-a-linksys-wrt150n-wireless-router/

[beuk]

I am looking to get a router for a better signal throughout my home. It seems the above three routers are available on good price (and hackable in at least 2 cases). Not sure if WRT160N can be hacked.

I already have a SMC Barricade g Wireless router 2804WBR sitting in the basement. I currently connect a couple of laptops and a PS3 typically located on the ground floor.

Which one of the routers would be best in my situation? I believe I'd be able to use my SMC in a "bridged" mode to push the signal up.

Im currently using the Linksys WRT54GL with DD-WRT installed on it to bridge the wireless connection in my house. Also I have my comp plugged into it making it wireless too :cheesygri

The guide for this is found here:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Bridge

[g0lden0rchard]

I have two of these routers and they are better than three other routers I have had.

Now to learn how to upgrade the firmware

[Magoomba]

Can anyone comment on the other features of this router.
Mainly the USB Storage Link and ability to run P2P/Torrent software?
I already have the D-Link DI-655 and wondering if I should get this instead.

[khulit]

I have the WL500g Premium and for what it's worth, it's been working great. I have the DD-WRT firmware with webcam modification installed on it, plus Optware on the USB HD. I have yet to configure a good torrent software for it, as most of the Torrent apps are resource hogs... I haven't played with it for a while as I loathe having to reboot everytime I set some config or screw up the settings. I since then use my NSLU2 for my file server... All in all, the router + USB port + linux is a great thing....