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 3, Basic Configuration Options.
The previous article dealt with the different Basic-Level Configuration options available, whereas this article will detail the more advanced 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.
Advanced – Conntrack / Netfilter
A lot of different options are available on this screen to use in managing connections. If your router is being used for applications which require a large number of connections and they do not necessarily disconnect correctly then you may have to adjust settings.
Advanced – DHCP / DNS Server (LAN)
Dnsmasq is a small DNS server intended for the internal side of your home network (LAN). The basic job of a DNS server is to translate domain names into the lower level IP addresses, which no one could remember.
Advanced – Firewall
By default, the NAT (Network Address Translation) feature of your router is a firewall. The NAT is responsible for translating your internal IP address into your one shared external IP address and back again.
Advanced – MAC Address
Advanced options for your router’s MAC Address.
Advanced – Miscellaneous
Advanced – Routing
Normally, advanced routing settings are not needed unless you have multiple routers on your home network.
Advanced – Wireless
There are many advanced wireless setting options available.
Next Step
Tomato Firmware on the Asus RT-N16 Router – Part 5, Port Forwarding & QoS Configuration Options.
Return to the Firmware Overview: Asus RT-N16 Router Firmware Overview
