There is a great article on Lifehacker on installing Linux on a Linksys WRT54GL Wireless G Router. This hack enables you to:
- Boost antenna power
- Use the router as a repeater or a bridge
- Create a wireless distribution system (WDS) or a mesh network
- Run a VPN server
- Run a VoIP server
- Run a managed hotspot with a RADIUS server
- Manage bandwidth use per protocol
- Control traffic shaping
- Support IPv6
- Remotely access router logs
- Operate the router as a miniature low-power PC, running a variety of Linux applications
This is just the short list! There are more then a few developers out there writing firmware for this, and other models!
Be careful with antenna power. This is like over clocking CPU…it works but don’t overdue it or radio will get damaged.
That’s a great point and not one that I had thought of!