Tomato Firmware Alternatives

OpenWrt is a robust Operating System that enables users to direct network traffic from their embedded devices. It has several modules, including BusyBox, util-linux, and musl, that can run on any PC with minimum specifications. Users can change settings through the CLI or web interface and install software packages using the opkg package management system.

OpenWrt is compatible with multiple devices such as laptops, CPE routers, pocket computers, and more. It empowers users to add changes to files through the built-in root file system. It has many features such as IPS, Port Knocking, Mesh networking, Dynamic DNS, TR-069, IP tunneling, and more.

DD-WRT is a firmware that is optimized to work with major embedded systems and WLAN routers. It’s based on Linux and aims to help users quickly complete their tasks and provide them with several features & functionalities based on their hardware. Sebastian Gotschall is the developer who created it and also the one who actively maintains it.

The main talking point of DD-WRT is its extensive set of features that include OpenVPN, access control, overclocking, telnet, bandwidth usage monitoring, Tor, WireGuard, Dynamic DNS, SSH, XLink Kai, overclocking, telnet, and more.

MikroTik offers RouterOS that serves as an Operating System for RouterBoard. Users can also use it to convert their PC into a full-fledged router equipped with all the essential tools, including VPN Server, routing, hotspot gateway, bandwidth management, backaul link, and more.

MikroTik RouterOS offers several demo routers to help users get comfortable with the service. This task can be executed by connecting to the utility through an SSH client or by using Winbox. Connection made through any of these mediums requires the usage of specific addresses mentioned on the website.

Mikrotik RouterOS provides extensive documentation containing an in-depth explanation of all its functionalities and a Forum to enable the user to interact with the community.

Gargoyle is a Router management utility compatible with multiple wireless routers such as TP-Link & Asus routers, Linksys, Netgear, and more. It is based on the OpenWrt project and has several prominent features that include monitoring bandwidth and specifying bandwidth limits. The platform offers a documentation section that provides knowledge on all the key features, including a small guide to help the user install the firmware on their system. Other core features include blacklisting websites based on IP addresses or hostname, blocking ads, Quality of service, Tor server & client, bandwidth throttling, and more.