TomatoUSB

I saw this router on sale, and I noticed it is supported by Tomato Shibby. I wanted a router to use for a VPN to get American TV. So I bought this and installed the Tomato Shibby firmware for it.

I notice the signal is weak as hell. I tried a few tutorials in increasing signal strength, but nothing helps. Not even a signal repeater helps. It always shows the signal to be less than 50%. Is this at all normal? This router is in the same room as me, and all the channels of my other routers are different.

This is my first time ever installing aftermarket firmware into a router, so I don't know if I am doing something wrong, or if the router is just crap.

Edit: Won't let me post a picture :/