router

I'm fed up with my current router (WRT54G v8). It bogs down to sub-dialup speeds with even a minor load. The interface is crap -- I can't see or edit the firewall rules directly. The logs are unhelpful. Right now I'm running a single torrent; it has 5 http trackers, and 2 udp trackers. My max connected peers per torrent is 50 with 10 upload slots. My global bandwidth is throttled to 400 kbps down and 100 kbps up. I never run more than 2 torrents at a time. These are very lightweight settings for my setup, but right now my instant messengers keep getting disconnected, and I have to refresh a timed out webpage several times before it loads. Keep in mind, this is an ethernet connection, not wireless.

^---- bandwidth with torrent running

So now I am asking the internet for advice-- what is a great router to buy?

Here's what I think I need in a router:
- Fast processor, capable of handling anything I throw at it. In particular I want stable torrent handling, no gaming lag, and I want high quality streaming video (like Skype) to work smoothly.

- Preferably something I could flash 3rd party firmware onto... but I'll settle for just a good interface out of the box. I want to see logs, tables, QoS, etc. as advanced as possible.

- Highly configurable. This is related to the previous point. I want complete control of my router's every function. No "wizards", "EZ Setup", nothing that makes all the decisions for me, especially without asking.

- Good WiFi. I've heard alot of good things about the N routers. People say they have better wall penetration, better distance, stronger signal. So I think I want an N, but I'm not against staying with G.

- External antennae. Preferably the removable kind so I can trade them out with hi-gain or even something with a longer cable for better positioning. I don't like the new trend of internal antennae on routers.

Let me also say this-- I don't want to take cost into account just yet. I will consider all routers based simply on their quality and let price be an issue later.


What say you?... and why? The why is important. I want concrete reasons.