This article continues an overview of the functionality provided by the Tomato OpenSource router firmware. The previous article can be found at: Tomato Firmware on the Asus RT-N16 Router – Part 1, Status and Bandwidth.
The previous article dealt with the different Status and Bandwidth Monitoring options available, whereas this article will detail the Tools configuration options available.
The goal is to understand the different options provided by the Tomato OpenSource router firmware and compare it with the firmware provided by Asus when you purchase the RT-N16 device. Also, another popular OpenSource router firmware distribution from the DD-WRT group has been reviewed.
Tools – Ping
A simple tool which allows you to test connectivity to a remote site is Ping. You can enter either a domain name or IP address along with the Ping Count and Packet Size. The screen will refresh with the results.
Tools – Traceroute
The Traceroute tool gives you the number of IP addresses (Hops) it goes across in between your own address and the address you specify. You can enter either a domain name or IP address along with the Maximum Hops and the Maximum Wait Time.
Tools – System
This is a simple interface which allows you to enter and execute system commands.
Tools – Wireless Survey
A wireless site survey tool is useful to find other nearby wireless networks along with their wireless signal strength and the wireless channel they use. This information can be used to adjust your own wireless network if there are a lot of wireless networks in your area and you are experiencing problems.
Tools – Wake on LAN
Tomato includes built in Wake on LAN support so that you can “wake up” different systems without having to configure port forwarding rules or use a magic packet utility.
Next Step
Tomato Firmware on the Asus RT-N16 Router – Part 3, Basic Configuration Options
Return to the Firmware Overview: Asus RT-N16 Router Firmware Overview
