[Recently](http://blog.nguyenvq.com/2010/02/18/linksys-wrt160nv3-with-dd-wrt-as-wireless-bridge/) I’ve been playing with [DD-WRT](http://www.dd-wrt.com/) as my firmware of choice for my main router at home and the one I use as a [wireless bridge](http://blog.nguyenvq.com/2010/04/17/repeater-bridge-with-dd-wrt-linksys-wrt160nv3/). I recently purchased an Asus RT-N16 for a variety of reasons:
1. Gigabit ethernet,
2. DD-WRT,
3. 2 usb ports (for NAS and printers),
4. Wireless N, and
5. Great with bittorrent.
Reason 1 was the real reason I wanted a new router since I have a NAS connected to it via ethernet, and I plan on getting an HTPC soon (connected either wirelessly or through ethernet) and/or some net top boxes that can connect to the NAS (I’m tired of copying things to USB). Reason 3 wasn’t too much of a concern anymore since I recently bought an Acer NAS with Ubuntu server loaded on (this derserves its own post). I’ve been hearing this thing called [tomato](http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato) that is supposedly even [better](http://www.decimation.com/markw/2007/10/02/dd-wrt-vs-tomato-winner-is-tomato/) than DD-WRT. Been wanting to try it, especially since it is supposed to work well on the Asus router, especially to get the USB support (don’t think USB is supported in DD-WRT, but it’s a random guess since DD-WRT is great and has a large community supporting it). I decided to load [this](http://www.linksysinfo.org/forums/showthread.php?t=63587) (currently beta) mod of Tomato (don’t use [this](http://www.linksysinfo.org/forums/showthread.php?t=60185) since it does not support the NT-R16). Had trouble loading it after flashing the router to DD-WRT. Turns out I need an exact version of DD-WRT loaded first. Follow [this](http://www.linksysinfo.org/forums/showpost.php?p=358080&postcount=278) guide to get it going.
Note: I had a problem getting wireless working with my Macbook. Things worked when I flashed the openvpn version of tomato with TKIP/AES encryption in WPA/WPA2 (think this part is the answer).
Also: To do a factory reset (erase NVRAM?) on the Asus, all I have to do is unplug router, press on WPS button, plug router, and release WPS button. Don’t think I have to do the 30-30-30 reset (don’t even know if that works on here).
10 Comments
Hi!
Im so in love with this router and I have to buy it!
Does it work with mac flawless? can I get acess to the hdd when it’s connected to the router or does it only support nfts and fat32?
The problem I have before seems to be because the two routers are both on at the same time. Turning the other one off fixed it.
Yes, the router work flawlessly so far…maybe a little slow. Plugging any hard drive should work as it supports Ext3, etc, too.
work with timemachine?
What do you mean by “flashed the openvpn version of tomato with TKIP/AES encryption in WPA/WPA2 ” ? I plan on using two MacBooks with a Tomato-equipped RT-N16, and I’d like to know more about this problem. Thanks.
There are many different versions of tomato. I used the version with OpenVPN. The TKIP/AES and WPA/WPA2 is the security I used with for the wireless network.
I don’t think there is a problem. Things should just work.
“The problem I have before seems to be because the two routers are both on at the same time.”
As for the router, it’s a good buy. Would recommend Tomato over DD-WRT though.
You guys should try DebWrt, full debian on the rt-n16 http://dev.debwrt.net/wiki/AsusRT-N16
PLEASE STOP SPAMMING. DDWRT is not ready since there is NO WIFI SUPPORT.
Nice link, didn’t know they made a debian based FW for the Asus, does it run anything that was packaged for debian linux?
If you are planning to use Tomato in Wireless Bridge mode -equivelent of Repeater Bridge mode in DDWRT- you apparently can not use wireles N with WPA/TKIP only WPA/AES. Some of my devices don’t support AES so I”m stuck with G speeds..