WNR3500L

In order to get the optimum performance in either 802.11n or g, you will need to configure the wireless mode and channel of your WNR3500L a certain way - depending on the mode your client (i.e., laptop, netbook, mobile phone, MID, PDA, etc.)  Follow the instructions below to maximize the performance of your router, and don't forget to post if you have any questions!

If you're new to all of this, or just happened upon this community in your Google searching about your new WNR3500L, WNDR3700, or whichever--it might seem just a bit intimidating. DLNA? DD-WRT? Tomato? I thought tomatoes were fruits? (or vegetables?)

The Tomato router firmware is well known in the open source community for being simple, lean, and full of useful features.  The newest builds of this firmware have a bandwidth monitor, advanced QOS and access settings, and tons more. 

So, are you interested in trying a newer beta version of this software on your NETGEAR WNR3500L?  Read on for simple installation instructions and a preview of what Tomato can offer. 

***Note that at this time, the available builds of Tomato that are compatible with WNR3500L are in early beta form, and as always, there is a risk involving in testing such firmware.  Features may be missing or poorly implemented, etc.***

When you upgrade to DD-WRT on your WNR3500L, you'll find that the new firmware requires a file that ends with the BIN extension, if you ever want to upgrade or change your firmware from that point.

So, if you decide, for example, to revert back to the original NETGEAR firmware - you can't because that firmware has a filename that ends in CHK.

As such, this makes it harder to change back. One way to do it is to use a serial console, but if you don't have one... here's a way to accomplish it in Windows without one.

Fortunately, included in the DD-WRT firmware is an erase utility that will wipe the firmware and allow you to upload a new one.