"?"s: installing Tomato on Linksys

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97tbird

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I am getting ready to install tomato on WRT54GL Linksys

and I have some "?"s before doing it:

1. Do I do the whole operation while the Linksys still connected to the cable modem? or does it not matter?
(If i don't or should not connect it to modem during the tomato install, do I power cycle modem and router at the end, after I connect the 'new' tomato linksys?)

2. When i first connected this Linksys router to our new modem, I had to 'clone MAC address' for the modem to recognise the Linksys.
will I have to do that again after installing tomato or not?

3. Do I need to restore the Linksys to factory defaults before doing the FW (tomato) upgrade or can I just start with the linksys 'as is'?

Thanks a lot - pls feel free to offer any other tips/advice you might have.
The modem is a Motorola surfboard SVB 5220
 
1) Doesn't really matter (See #2)
2) You shouldn't have to clone the mac address, but to be safe write down your clone address...You can clone it with Tomato, too.
I would suggest unplugging the cable modem for a few minutes to let it clear. Flash Tomato, get it going, then plug in the modem. Also, you can call your isp an tell them you got a new router and your modem is not recognizing it. They can clear out any stored addresses. Unplugging for a few minutes should do this, though.
3) I would highly recommend restoring to defaults before AND after flashing Tomato. Holding down the reset button for about 10 seconds while the router is plugged in is also a good way.

What version are you flashing?
 
Originally Posted By: 97tbird

Thanks a lot - pls feel free to offer any other tips/advice you might have.


You can turn up the TX power but don't turn it up too much. 10 to 20mw over default is plenty. Any more than that and you risk degrading the quality of the signal which defeats the purpose/reason for turning up the TX power in the first place.

Also remember that turning up the TX power has no effect on increasing the ability of the router to receive transmissions from the wireless clients.
 
The issue with the MAC address is likely an ISP issue, not the router. Many ISP's use the MAC address for authorization.

You'll probably have to clone it again.

Do reset the router to defaults before and after then you're good to go.

I've been using Tomato for the past 5-6 years, no issues.
 
Thanks guys - IDK why i am so 'nervous' about it...

The version of linksys i am flashing is a WRT54GL v1.1

anyway - here are my planned steps: pls tell me if everything looks ok:

1. download the .bin tomato file to laptop
2. unplug the modem from power.
3. unplug linksys from modem
4. connect laptop to linksys (wired)
5. log onto linksys UI
6. reset to factory defaults
7. log onto linksys UI - again ; with default admin/admin etc (unless i am back at the UI again after reset)
8. perform the FW upgrade with the tomato .bin file
9. log onto router (this time with tomato log in)
10. set to factory defaults again

11. plug the modem (now cleared of all memories) in to power
12. when it powers up, connect the linksys to it

(or should i connect the router to modem BEFORE powering the modem up?? - meaning should 11 and 12 be reversed?)

13. log onto router UI (should already be there) and see if I can get on internet.
14. if not, clone MAC address, etc
15. try to log in again and see if i can get on internet
16. if i can, just go into UI and tweak tomato (increase transmit power, set SSDI name, change passwords, set security, etc.
17. finally, disconnect router from laptop and see if wireLESS internet works?

sound ok?
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: 97tbird

11. plug the modem (now cleared of all memories) in to power
12. when it powers up, connect the linksys to it

(or should i connect the router to modem BEFORE powering the modem up?? - meaning should 11 and 12 be reversed?)

I would connect the modem to the router first, then power on the modem, but it may not matter either way.


Quote:

tweak tomato (increase transmit power,

Maybe it was a coincidence, but my WRT-54G died not long after I increased the transmit power on it using Tomato.
smile.gif


Which tomato build are you planning to use? The original Tomato 1.28 has not been updated in years. I've been running Tomato Shibby builds lately as they have more features and nicer GUI, but for basic stuff, the old Tomato is fine, too.
 
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
How much did you increase the transm power to? i saw 70 mW as the max. safe recommended...

60

Quote:

which version is the one for WRT54GL on this page?
http://tomatousb.org/download

Any of the MIPSR1 K26 or K24 should work. It just depends on the functionality that you want. You may want to double check with people on linksysinfo.org just to be sure...
 
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