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August 8, 2012 11:04 AM

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How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2: MyOpenRouter

Home >> Articles >> How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2 For those who have their hands on the newest of NETGEARs open platform routers, the WNR3500Lv2, youre in for a treat--Tomato firmware guru Shibby has already put together a full-featured build to enjoy, that expands upon builds already available for the original WNR3500L.

Wait. Should I upgrade to Tomato on my WNR3500Lv2?

Well, that depends, of course! Generally speaking, custom firmware can do a lot of things for your router--even though the stock firmware is designed to be perfectly functional as is. Here are some benefits of upgrading to 3rd party firmwares (in general) Faster speeds and leaner code, improving your routers performance Lots more settings and tweaks, enabling more detailed customization More frequent, cutting-edge updates from the firmware authors Additional features, such as OpenVPN, Bittorrent clients, and more In the case of Shibbys Tomato firmware, some notable benefits are real-time bandwidth monitoring of LAN clients, the Transmission Bittorrent client built in, 3G modem support, and more. Assuming that all sounds good, and youre ready to dig a little deeper into what your router can do, read on.

http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/36073/How-to-Install-Tomato-Firmware-on-NETGEAR-WNR3500Lv2/

Shibby has made this firmware extremely easy to install and get running on your WNR3500Lv2, without needing any terminal or advanced knowledge at all. Heres how to get started. Note: This firmware is for the v2, not the original version of the WNR3500L. You can refer to the box or unit itself to check which version you have.

Step #1: Log Into Your WNR3500Lv2

After you have your WNR3500Lv2 connected, log into the router GUI via http://192.168.1.1 in your favorite browser, and enter your username and password. (Admin and password are the usual defaults for NETGEAR firmware, if you just received it.)

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August 8, 2012 11:04 AM

How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2: MyOpenRouter

Step #2: Download the Tomato by Shibby Firmware for WNR3500Lv2

Of course, youll have to download the firmware in order to be able to upload it to your router from your local machine. Snag the firmware here.

Step #3: Upgrade the Firmware

This doesnt get any easier! All you have to do is head to the advanced settings/upgrade firmware section, choose the file you downloaded (it will have a .CHK extension, which is the standard file type for NETGEAR router firmware upgrades) and update it.
http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/36073/How-to-Install-Tomato-Firmware-on-NETGEAR-WNR3500Lv2/

Youll see a prompt asking you if you want to continue, as the version number is the same as what is installed. Simply accept and continue. The router will update the firmware and reboot. At this point, youll need to reconnect to the router--standard Tomato login information applies, root and admin for the respective username and password fields. Note: Its generally recommended that you also erase the NVRAM completely to ensure a clean installation of the firmware. This can be done through the menus: Administration -> Configuration -> Restore Default Configuration -> Erase all data in NVRAM. A 30-30-30 reset can also be performed.

First, as with any new firmware installation, you should always edit and update your admin password, which you use to log into the routers GUI. Remember that once you change this, youll have to log in again.

Step #4: How to Configure Tomato on your WNR3500Lv2

Well, youre pretty much ready to go--now for a short tutorial on some of the key settings you should adjust as well as some cool features of this new firmware.

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How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2: MyOpenRouter

Next, you should update your basic settings. The most important things to consider here are any custom DNS server settings youd like to apply (I prefer OpenDNS) as well as your wireless access point settings. Make sure to pick a strong form of encryption such as WPA or WPA2.

http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/36073/How-to-Install-Tomato-Firmware-on-NETGEAR-WNR3500Lv2/

Here is the screen for uPnP--also known as Universal Plug and Play--which you should enable if you have other network devices in your home that may need it. Some examples would be media streamers or NAS devices.

Finally, I noticed some speed issues with my mobile phone when connecting to the router. I was baffled as to why, since every other client both wired and wireless seemed fine. In the advanced wireless settings, I enabled Afterburner and it worked like a charm. I am not sure why this worked, or what exactly the feature does, but it may be a handy tip for you if you have the same problem. (I probably wouldnt mess with the rest of these settings unless youre a pro or know what exactly they do.)

Step #5: Explore Additional Features

Of course, theres some pretty cool stuff in here that you dont have to use, but that can come in extremely handy if you need it.

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How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2: MyOpenRouter

tricky bit is configuring the download location--its much easier if you have a USB connected drive.

Step #6: Discuss In Our Forums... and Thank Shibby!

If you have any questions about this firmware, want to talk about your favorite feature, share issues or bugs, or just give some thanks to the author of the firmware, hit up the Tomato section on our forums.
Tags : guishibbytomatotransmissionusbwnr3500lv2

http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/36073/How-to-Install-Tomato-Firmware-on-NETGEAR-WNR3500Lv2/

First, theres a real-time bandwidth monitor which you can use to track your bandwidth usage, of course, in real-time. You can also see your usage broken down by day, week, or month--especially useful if youre on a capped bandwidth plan.

You forgot that you should clear the NVRAM after installation in Administration-Configuratuion-Restore Default Configuration-Erase all data in NVRAM.

great tutorial. Thx for info about Afterburner!

Hi Peter, Just want to discuss about the general wifi performance on the this router WNR3500Lv2 in terms of its download speed (transferring files from the router to the wifi client adapter- connect to your laptop/ PC) In general, all third party firmware installed on the manufacturers routers are normally have modified radio chipset drivers which tends to have slower download wireless speed performance than the original stock firmware. That is what I gathered from www.smallnetbuilder.com. Does the latest Tomato firmware for the WNR3500Lv2 give you much better download wifi speed

In addition to USB storage and media server capability, you can also use a built-in Bittorrent app, Transmission, to directly download torrents. There is even a built-in GUI, making it very easy to upload the torrent files you want to the router. The only

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How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2: MyOpenRouter

performance than the original stock firmware? Did you make a comparison? Thanks.

EDIT: Nvm I figured that out but I got one other question. Why is the downloads so slow ? I usually have 10MB/s but now with transmission I only get up to 100-300kb/s What do you mean when you stated the transmission is slow?, you mean when you transferring files from the router to you laptop/PC via wireless client adapter? To be honest, I cannot really help much here, because I dont really own WNR3500Lv2, except for linksys WRT310Nv1. However, coincidently last night, I did flashed my WRT310Nv1 with Shibby tomato mod. firmware, and the donwload bandwidth using a Netgear WNDA3100 wireless USB client adapter installed my laptop, was a satisfactory = 60-65Mbps using channel bonding @ 40MHz bandwidth, which I think was about 10Mbps higher if WRT310Nv1 was flashed with dd-wrt firmware. liukuohao said: Quote: EDIT: Nvm I figured that out but I got one other question. Why is the downloads so slow ? I usually have 10MB/s but now with transmission I only get up to 100-300kb/s What do you mean when you stated the transmission is slow?, you mean when you transferring files from the router to you laptop/PC via wireless client adapter? To be honest, I cannot really help much here, because I dont really own WNR3500Lv2, except for linksys WRT310Nv1. However, coincidently last night, I did flashed my WRT310Nv1 with Shibby tomato mod. firmware, and the donwload bandwidth using a Netgear WNDA3100 wireless USB client adapter installed my laptop, was a satisfactory = 60-65Mbps using channel bonding @ 40MHz bandwidth, which I think was about 10Mbps higher if WRT310Nv1 was flashed with dd-wrt firmware. The speed I meant is the download rates from torrents (from different sites around the web). Same

Any support for PPTP VPN? I cant connect to an OpenVPN server with my iOS devices ;( Ben

http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/36073/How-to-Install-Tomato-Firmware-on-NETGEAR-WNR3500Lv2/

Hey! Thx for an awesome guide. Just one question: I have a external HDD connected thru the USB to my router. Im trying to figure out howto set the torrent download destination to the external drive. Is it the network path u enter in that field like \\ harddrive\download or how does it look like? And how do I get access to it from Windows? EDIT: Nvm I figured that out but I got one other question. Why is the downloads so slow ? I usually have 10MB/s but now with transmission I only get up to 100-300kb/s

Quote:

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How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2: MyOpenRouter

torrent but downloaded from my PC goes in full speed (which is for me 10MB/s). But after testing different torrents from different sites my speed stays around 200-300kb/s :(

If that is the case, then point your mouse to the menu list shown on the vertical bar @ left side of the web browser. And search for the heading: Administration, next search for the sub heading called upgrade Then you will see the following on your right side pane of your web browser(at the top page):

Hi ndr, Unfortunately, I have not played around with torrents and save the files directly to a USB attached hard disk. I suggest you open a thread and post your question to this forum: www.linksysinfo.org There are many active users in the forum who may able to help you out your problem. Cheers. Regards, KHL

########################################## ################## Upgrade Firmware Select the file to use: After flashing, erase all data in NVRAM memory *tick this option* Current Version: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Free Memory: 23.94 MB (aprox. size that can be buffered completely in RAM) ########################################## ################## Find the Netgear firmware on your hard disk, by clicking browse button. Once you have found the firware, click upgrade button. Note: Make sure you are that you have found the correct Netgear Firmware for the correct model no. If not you brick the router and render it useless. Note: Its generally recommended that you also erase the NVRAM completely to ensure a clean installation of the firmware. This can be done through the menus: Administration -> Configuration -> Restore Default Configuration -> Erase all data in NVRAM. A 30-30-30 reset can also be performed. It should revert back to the original Netgear firmware.

http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/36073/How-to-Install-Tomato-Firmware-on-NETGEAR-WNR3500Lv2/

I just have a WNR3500Lv2 recently, but with the firmware V1.0.0.14_37.0.50 i dont know where is upgrade firmware section. Sorry for my poor english.

Hi OTaku31, What is your question? You mean you want to flash back to the original Netgear Firmware for your WNDR3500L v2?

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How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2: MyOpenRouter

Happy modding. Regards, KHL

The default password is: admin The default username is: admin

thx it work with admin admin. No its for install tomato. With you advice i succeed but i cant log with admin password now. i erase all data in nvram like you said. Internet work but wifi dont. any advice ? Thx anyway.

Hi! Ive installed it, but I need to change ip router. How can do?

http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/36073/How-to-Install-Tomato-Firmware-on-NETGEAR-WNR3500Lv2/

Have you try 30-30-30 reset (power cycle the router)? Here is the steps for 30-30-30 reset: Press the the reset button, start counting 30 seconds. Next, pull out the power cable but still pressing the reset button and count for 30 seconds. Next, plug in the power cable but still pressing the reset button and count for 30 seconds. Next power up the router as per normal. The default password is: admin The default username is: admin If still cannot log in...... Get a wireless adapter, hook up to your laptop. Power up your newly flashed Tomato router. The router should have DHCP server enabled by default. Your laptop will be able to receive an IP address from the DHCP server. Type in the url: 192.168.1.1 You should able to log in.

Hi, Im Andrea, Ive installed Tomato , but I need to change router ip. How can I do?

Are you familiar with Networking? Go to LAN, can you see the bridge: br0, click on the current ip address = 192.168.1.1, once you have selected, then you have the option of changing to your desired IP address, instead of uising the default IP of 192.168.1.1 Cheers, Regards, KHL

Thanks for help, I solved!

Hi. I have a problem downloading the file. It automaticly turns into a .zip file and when i change it to .chk i cant install it on the router.. Any help someone?

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How to Install Tomato Firmware on NETGEAR WNR3500Lv2: MyOpenRouter

Thanks! I fixed that but now after installing tomato the router doesent seem to work.. I installed tomato and then I changed the Wirless PW and I changed the admin PW. I plugged in everything as it should be but when I try to connect to the PC it doesent find any internet-connection and I cant either connect to the wireless. But when I connect straight from the modem the internet works just fine.. When it is connected to the PC through the router the PC just can not connect to the internet. And I think that is is something weird with the routher because if it was the PC then the wireless would work. Ive tried to reboot it and turning the power off and so on.. Nothing works. I bought the router today so it would be really terrible if it stopped working and was broken
http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/36073/How-to-Install-Tomato-Firmware-on-NETGEAR-WNR3500Lv2/

use a 255.0.0.0 mask and im just curious why this limitation was put in.

I have the same problem as David1891. After installing Tomato I cant connect to the router. I tried to connect to the router with cable using the standard http://192.168.1.1/ but nothing happens. The wireless icon is blue as it should be but the Power and Internet button is amber. Is there a way of flashing it back to a working firmware or do I have to buy a new router?

I made a simple hard reset as described here: http:// www.myopenrouter.com/article/18623/How-toHard-Reset-Your-NETGEAR-WNR3... Everything works fine now. Thank you very much for your efforts and tutorials on this site!

Im curious as to why on the LAN side im limited to a minimum subnet mask of 255.255.252.0. I need to

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