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firmware_basics_procedures [2021/08/18 22:18] – [Asus Firmware Restoration Utility Method] hogwild | firmware_basics_procedures [2023/12/14 08:34] – fix typo - Asus RT-AC1900U is correct m_ars | ||
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- | ====== | + | ====== |
===== Basic Concepts ===== | ===== Basic Concepts ===== | ||
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==== What is Firmware and what do all those Terms Mean? ==== | ==== What is Firmware and what do all those Terms Mean? ==== | ||
- | === What is " | + | \\ |
- | In short, flashing is installing new firmware. On a device like a router, firmware is most of the basic programming code which runs most of the major functions on the device. This is similar to the installed operating system and programs on a PC. However, with firmware, updates are usually less frequent, and the device can usually run in a reasonably stable way even without them. | + | {{:: |
- | Firmware is " | + | \\ \\ **What' |
+ | |||
+ | In short, flashing is installing new firmware. On a device like a router, firmware is most of the basic programming code which runs most of the major functions on the device. This is similar to the installed operating system and programs on a PC. Similar to a PC, firmware updates are released to fix bugs, add new features, and increase security. The device can usually run without updates in a fairly stable way. However, you should understand the risks this may involve for your network. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Firmware is " | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
- | === Why flash firmware? | + | === Why Flash Firmware? === |
Flashing firmware is usually done to fix bugs, improve stability or add new features to the device. In the case of FreshTomato, | Flashing firmware is usually done to fix bugs, improve stability or add new features to the device. In the case of FreshTomato, | ||
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On routers, firmware is stored in a type of non-volatile memory called Flash RAM. The contents of non-volatile memory such as Flash RAM remain after reboots or when the device is turned off. If they were erased, the device would not function. On routers, firmware is replaced or updated by uploading the entire image of the operating system installation and its programs to an EEPROM (electrically erasable and writable) chip. | On routers, firmware is stored in a type of non-volatile memory called Flash RAM. The contents of non-volatile memory such as Flash RAM remain after reboots or when the device is turned off. If they were erased, the device would not function. On routers, firmware is replaced or updated by uploading the entire image of the operating system installation and its programs to an EEPROM (electrically erasable and writable) chip. | ||
- | Again, this is vaguely similar to reformatting and reinstalling the entire operating system on a PC. However, during the firmware flashing process, files are not copied one at a time onto a filesystem. Instead, one single image file that contains | + | Again, this is vaguely similar to reformatting and reinstalling the entire operating system on a PC. However, during the firmware flashing process, files are not copied one at a time onto a filesystem. Instead, one single image file of the entire installation is copied to Flash RAM, a small portion at a time. This is similar to using a drive imaging program such as Acronis TrueImage for Windows, or Time Machine for the Macintosh. |
=== What's an Image? === | === What's an Image? === | ||
- | We refer to the files used to flash Tomato | + | We refer to the files used to flash FreshTomato |
=== What's a Build? === | === What's a Build? === | ||
- | A build is one // | + | A build is one compilation |
- | See the [[: | + | Each build is: |
+ | |||
+ | * Based on a certain FreshTomato release (e.g. 2021.7) | ||
+ | * Intended for a certain hardware (e.g. Asus RT-AC68P) | ||
+ | * Includes a certain set of features (e.g. " | ||
+ | |||
+ | The features included depend on the router' | ||
=== How do I Choose which Firmware Build to Use? === | === How do I Choose which Firmware Build to Use? === | ||
- | Make sure to choose | + | Make sure to carefully |
- | === What's " | + | When choosing |
- | " | + | * The router/AP model |
+ | * The hardware' | ||
+ | * The amount of Flash RAM in your hardware | ||
+ | * The feature set you want, that will fit in that amount of Flash RAM. | ||
- | Never interrupt a firmware flash until it's completely finished. Never turn off the router/ | + | Some hardware models have two or more hardware versions/revisions. Some of these may contain different chipsets than others. Flashing |
- | === What's NVRAM and why should | + | For some models, Flash RAM is limited, so it’s also important you choose a build that takes up less storage space than is available. Otherwise, you could run out of Flash RAM and your hardware could be bricked. For help choosing a build that's appropriate for your hardware, see the [[: |
- | NVRAM is the form of non-volatile memory in routers where settings and parameters are stored. | + | === What's " |
- | Tomato can sometimes retain some NVRAM variables (settings) even after you flash a new firmware image to your router. | + | " |
- | === What's a "Dirty Flash" and why should I avoid doing one? === | + | Here are some rules for successful firmware flashing: |
- | A " | + | * Never interrupt a firmware |
+ | * Never turn off the router/ | ||
+ | * Never reboot your PC until a flash has completed. | ||
+ | * Never disconnect the network connection with the router until the flash is completed. | ||
+ | * Never cancel/ | ||
- | === How do I flash FreshTomato to my router/ | + | \\ Doing any of the above can result in a partial update. This may leave the firmware corrupted, which can damage how the device works or even "brick it", making it useless. |
- | There are several methods used to flash firmware on modern routers. The method you use depends on several things. | + | === What's NVRAM and Why Should I Erase it Before and After Flashing? === |
- | * Which brand/ | + | NVRAM is the part of non-volatile memory in routers where settings and parameters are stored. |
- | * The age of your hardware | + | |
- | * Whether or not the vendor allows their hardware to be flashed \\ through the firmware that came with the hardware | + | |
- | * Which firmware you're trying to flash stock, or FreshTomato firmware | + | |
- | \\ | + | FreshTomato can sometimes retain some NVRAM variables (settings) even after you flash a new firmware image to your router. Therefore, it's very important to erase NVRAM before flashing. Doing so ensures that all variables from the existing firmware are erased before flashing begins. Erasing NVRAM before flashing is an important step that should NEVER be skipped. |
- | Let' | + | === What' |
+ | A "dirty flash" is a flash which was performed without thoroughly wiping NVRAM before and after flashing. A dirty flash often leads to strange, unexplained symptoms, like web interface pages that don't display properly, " | ||
- | ===== Flashing Asus Hardware ===== | + | === How Do I flash FreshTomato to my Router/ |
- | For Asus hardware, | + | There are several methods |
- | ==== Asus Firmware Restoration Utility Method ==== | + | * The brand/ |
+ | * The age of your hardware. | ||
+ | * Whether the vendor allows that hardware to be flashed from the firmware it came with. | ||
+ | * Which firmware you're trying to flash: stock (vendor' | ||
- | Asus provides a Windows program called the Firmware Restoration utility. | ||
- | [[https:// | + | ===== Flashing Asus Hardware ===== |
- | This program is used to flash firmware, and to recover from failed firmware flashes. The program finds the router' | + | For Asus hardware, several methods/tools are available for firmware |
- | For Asus models built in 2014 and older, the Asus Firmware | + | ==== Flashing from Tomato |
- | Asus Firmware Restoration Utility method | + | In general, if your (FreshTomato supported) |
- | Step 1. Download and install the Asus Firmware Restoration utility from Asus' website | ||
- | * In the Support section of the website, find your router/ | + | ==== AsusWRT Web Interface Method ==== |
- | * Click " | + | |
- | * Find and download the latest version of the Firmware Restoration utility | + | |
- | * Install the Firmware Restoration utility on your PC | + | |
- | Step 2. Download the appropriate FreshTomato image file | + | This flashing method is only possible for builds of release 2022.3 and later. |
- | Download the correct image file for your router. Assuming you've read all the above, see the [[: | + | \\ |
- | It's strongly recommended that you also download | + | Here are the steps to follow:\\ |
- | Step 3. Clear the NVRAM | + | - Login to the router' |
+ | - Under Advanced Settings, go to LAN. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Click on the "DHCP Server" | ||
+ | - Disable DHCP. Beside " | ||
+ | - Under Advanced Settings, go to Administration. \\ \\ {{:: | ||
+ | - Click on the Firmware Upgrade tab. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Click Browse... and go select the FreshTomato image file appropriate for your router.\\ \\ {{:: | ||
+ | - After selecting the appropriate image file to flash, click Upload. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - You should now see a white progress indicator, with text below saying " | ||
+ | - When the upgrade process completes, reboot the router by turning it off and on again. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Reset the router to defaults by pressing the Reset button on the back of the router for at least 3 seconds. \\ \\ {{:: | ||
+ | - The router will erase NVRAM and reboot again. It should now be ready for you to configure it for use. | ||
- | The next step is to clear the router' | + | \\ |
- | The process of clearing NVRAM will vary, depending on the model of your hardware. The simplest way to wipe NVRAM settings from within stock Asus firmware is: | + | === Notes about Flashing via AsusWRT === |
- | * Connect to the router' | ||
- | * Click on the “Administration” menu | ||
- | * Click on the “Restore/ | ||
- | * Beside “Factory Defaults”, | ||
- | * Click " | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | {{:asus-factory-reset.jpg}} | + | * SDK6 MIPS & ARM Models (like the Asus RT-N18U or RT-AC68U): \\ Since release 2022.3, you can upgrade from AsusWRT to FreshTomato or vice versa via the web interface. |
+ | * SDK7 routers (like RT-AC3200) and SDK714 routers (like the RT-AC5300, RT-AC3100): \\ Since release 2022.6, these models support upgrades via the web interface. | ||
+ | * Asus RT-AC1900U upgrades may require FreshTomato firmware for the Asus RT-AC68U. | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | \\ | ||
- | This method may not always work perfectly. If you have trouble, you can try the hardware-only method. For many current Asus model routers, there are two buttons in addition to the power button you'll need to get familiar with. One is the Reset button and the other is the WPS button. | ||
- | To wipe the NVRAM on current Asus models: | ||
- | * Unplug the router' | + | ==== Asus Firmware Restoration utility Method ==== |
- | * Hold down the WPS button and reinsert the power connector. \\ Continue to hold the WPS button for about 30 seconds | + | |
- | * After you release the WPS button, all LEDs on the front of the router \\ should blink once to signal that NVRAM memory was cleared | + | |
- | To be sure of the correct procedure for your model, check the user manual, or the instructions on the manufacturer' | + | \\ |
- | Step 4. Assign | + | Asus provides a Windows program called Firmware Restoration. This utility is used to flash firmware or recover from a failed firmware flash. It finds the router' |
- | In Rescue Mode, no DHCP server is available. | + | For Asus models built in or before 2014, the Firmware Restoration utility |
- | Disconnect any WAN cable from your hardware. This has been known to occasionally cause problems. | + | \\ |
- | Many people have had success flashing firmware via a Wi-Fi connection. However, for maximum stability, it's recommended you disable all Wi-Fi on the router and then flash via an Ethernet connection. Never attempt to flash firmware | + | To flash using the Firmware Restoration utility: |
- | Step 5. Enable Rescue Mode on the router | + | - Ensure an Ethernet cable is the only connection between your PC and the router. \\ Disconnect all other Ethernet cables from the router. Other connections can cause problems. \\ Some people have flashed firmware via a WiFi connection. However, for maximum stability, flash only via Ethernet. \\ Never attempt to flash firmware via a WAN connection. It involves high risk and advanced skills. \\ \\ |
+ | - Download and install Asus Firmware Restoration from the Asus website | ||
+ | - In the Support section of the Asus website, find your router/ | ||
+ | - Click " | ||
+ | - Find and download the latest version of the Firmware Restoration utility. | ||
+ | - Install the Firmware Restoration utility. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Download the appropriate FreshTomato image file// // | ||
+ | - Download an appropriate FreshTomato image file for your router. \\ If you've read the Basic Concepts above, see the [[: | ||
+ | - Download the latest Asus firmware for your router so that if the FreshTomato flash fails, you can flash back to Asus firmware. \\ Remember, without a working router, you might not be able to download firmware on your network until it's working again. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Clear the NVRAM | ||
+ | - Clear NVRAM by restoring factory defaults in the Asus interface. This resets settings to defaults and ensures \\ there' | ||
+ | - Click on the “Administration” menu. | ||
+ | - Click on the “Restore/ | ||
+ | - Beside “Factory Default”, click the Restore button. \\ \\ {{:: | ||
+ | - To wipe NVRAM on most current Asus models using the hardware button method: | ||
+ | - Unplug the AC adapter from the back of the router. | ||
+ | - Hold down the WPS button and reinsert the power connector. Continue to hold the WPS button for 30 seconds. | ||
+ | - Release the WPS button. All front LEDs should blink once to signal that NVRAM was cleared. \\ If you have trouble, check the user manual or the manufacturer' | ||
+ | - Configure your PC with a static IP address and disable all WiFi interfaces on your PC.\\ In Rescue Mode, the DHCP server is not available, so your client will need a static IP address. | ||
+ | - Enable Rescue Mode on the router. Typically, for Asus routers, this is done as follows: | ||
+ | - Remove the AC adapter plug from the back of the router. | ||
+ | - Hold down the Reset button while plugging in the power cable again so the power turns on. | ||
+ | - Continue to hold Reset until the Power LED starts to slowly flash on and off. | ||
+ | - Release the Reset button. | ||
+ | - Move quickly to step 7. Firmware Restoration has a timeout period. If flashing doesn' | ||
+ | - Flash FreshTomato | ||
+ | - Run Firmware Restoration. Click " | ||
+ | - Select the correct .trx firmware file for your router. Click " | ||
+ | - Click " | ||
+ | - The utility should begin scanning for your router device, then slowly uploading the firmware. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Wait until flashing is complete. **The progress bar is not accurate** regarding completion. | ||
+ | - The router should now let clients connect. Open a web browser to 192.168.1.1 and net mask: 255.255.255.0 . \\ You should see a login screen. Enter username: “root”, and password “admin” to log on.\\ \\ | ||
+ | - From within FreshTomato, | ||
+ | - Under Administration, | ||
+ | - Under Restore Default Configuration, | ||
- | For Asus routers, | + | \\ At this point, the router should function properly. |
- | * Remove the AC adapter plug from the back of the router | + | Sometimes |
- | * Press and hold the Reset button while plugging in the power cable again so the power turns on | + | |
- | * Continue to hold Reset until the Power LED starts to flash on and off. Then, release the Reset button | + | |
- | You can safely ignore any message suggesting warning you that the firmware is incompatible. Click OK to agree to the prompt. The utility should begin scanning for your router/ | + | In such cases: |
- | Wait until the flashing is complete. The flashing is complete only when the power LED comes back on, not necessarily when the progress bar on the update tool indicates it has finished. BE PATIENT! This can take as long as 45 minutes to complete. Even if the utility says the upload is not completed, | + | - Reboot |
+ | - Clear your browser cache before | ||
+ | - Refresh the page. Any problems caused by cached | ||
- | Now, erase the NVRAM settings one more time: | + | \\ |
- | - Under // | + | If problems persist, try the following: |
- | - Under //Restore Default Configuration//, | + | |
- | At this point, | + | - Clear your web browser cache again. |
+ | - Erase NVRAM once more. | ||
+ | - Reboot the router at least twice more. | ||
- | Somtimes, however, on the first boot after flashing, the hardware may seem buggy or unexpected things may happen. | + | If the router |
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
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" | " | ||
+ | |||
+ | The TFTP method is useful when the manufacturer' | ||
To prepare to flash via tftp: | To prepare to flash via tftp: | ||
- | * Put the router into Rescue Mode, as described above | + | |
- | * Put the FreshTomato firmware file in the same folder as your tftp program | + | |
- | * Open a command prompt, and change directories to the folder | + | * Put the FreshTomato firmware file in the same folder as your tftp program. |
- | * Type “tftp –I PUT filename.trx <IP address of router>" | + | * Open a command prompt, and change directories to the folder |
- | * Unplug the AC adapter | + | * Type '' |
- | * Hold down the Reset button while reconnecting the AC adapter | + | * (Replace " |
- | * When the power light starts blinking, let go of the Reset button | + | * Unplug the AC adapter from the router. |
- | * Press enter to start the tftp upload process | + | * Hold down the Reset button while reconnecting the AC adapter. |
- | * Wait at least 10 minutes for the upload to complete | + | * When the power light starts |
+ | * Press enter at the command line above to start the tftp upload process. | ||
+ | * Wait at least 10 minutes for the upload to complete. | ||
+ | * If flashing is successful, you will be taken to the FreshTomato logon screen | ||
+ | * Log on to the FreshTomato web interface and reset NVRAM, as in the screenshot above. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Note that Rescue Mode has a timeout period, so there is a limit as to how long you have to upload the firmware. If the timeout period expires, you may need to put the hardware into Rescue Mode again and restart the flashing process. | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ \\ | ||
- | Note that there is a time limit on how long you have to upload the firmware file. If the timeout period expires, you may need to put the hardware into Rescue Mode again. | ||
==== Broadcom CFE miniWebserver Method ==== | ==== Broadcom CFE miniWebserver Method ==== | ||
+ | |||
TBD. | TBD. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Flashing Linksys Hardware ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Flashing when Tomato is already installed. ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | If your hardware has a fork of Tomato already installed, you can simply use the // | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Flashing From Stock (OEM) Firmware ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Flashing Linksys hardware can, in some cases, be a little more complicated than flashing other brands of hardware. It is recommended that you first check the Notes section of the [[hardware_compatibility|Hardware compatibility]] list for important details before flashing. This section includes warnings about important issues such as NVRAM sizes/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Some models might need to be flashed with a special " | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are no official wiki HOWTOs for flashing Linksys hardware. However, there are several unofficial HOWTOs on the Tomato forum which have been used successfully many times: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === For models: === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * ea6200 | ||
+ | * ea6350v1 | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | === FCC Regulation Change Affecting Wireless Routers | + | === For models: |
- | Starting in 2015, The US FCC (Federal Communications Commission) passed legislation designed to block people from changing certain Wi-Fi settings, to avoid creating radio interference with other devices. Wi-Fi radio power had to be implemented in hardware so end users could not modify it. For example, the FCC wanted to make sure end users didn't override country settings or power limits. | + | * ea6300v1 |
+ | * ea6400 | ||
+ | * ea6500v2 | ||
+ | * ea6700 | ||
+ | * ea6900v1 | ||
- | Some hardware vendors reacted to the legislation in an extreme way, blocking third-party firmware from being flashed entirely. It's important to note that FCC //did not// require anything like this. Some companies' | + | [[https://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php? |
+ | |||
+ | | ||
+ | |||
+ | You are also advised to read the Notes section at the bottom | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Flashing Netgear Hardware ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Netgear R-series ==== | ||
- | ArsTechnica.com: | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | [[https:// | + | |
+ | === When Netgear firmware is already installed === | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you have a Netgear R-series | ||
+ | |||
+ | As an example, the following steps review the process for flashing an R7000 with an initial build, and then a normal build. | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | SLATE: FCC Support | + | |
+ | First, download the two files you'll need to flash the R7000: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The " | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | This .zip file has the following MD5SUM value: | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | [[https:// | + | |
+ | The normal R7000 AIO build file: | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | This .zip file has the following MD5SUM value: ec63c869fe14f5b46cbb13813c1699bf | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Verify integrity of both .zip files by running a hash check program against them. On Windows, HashMyFiles works well. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If the MD5 has found in the hash check program matches the number listed above, the file is good. If it does not match the value above, the file has been corrupted during download and should be downloaded again. Do not flash using the contents of .zip files that fail a hash check. | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Now, unzip the .zip files. The two files inside should look like this (for this particular router model/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you're not sure which build file to download, | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Check the [[hardware_compatibility|Hardware compatibility]] list for your model | ||
+ | * Read the "//How Do I Choose a Firmware Build//" | ||
+ | * A table there illustrates the naming scheme of FreshTomato builds. | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the case of the R7000, the data in the table describe these specifications: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * CPU: The R7000 contains an ARM chipset | ||
+ | * NVRAM: The R7000 contains 64KB | ||
+ | * AIO = All in One build (contains all feature available). | ||
+ | * Thus, we choose firmware with filename freshtomato-R7000-ARM-[version]-AIO-64K.trx (only after we flash an initial build). | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Now, let's perform the flash procedure: | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | - Connect an Ethernet cable to a LAN port on your router and your computer' | ||
+ | - Disconnect all other Ethernet connections. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Power on the router. Wait 2-5 minutes for it to finish booting. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Reset the router to defaults by holding down Reset with a paperclip for 30 seconds. Follow the user guide for specifics.\\ \\ {{:: | ||
+ | - Wait again 2-5 minutes until the router finishes rebooting. \\ \\ \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Open a Web browser and enter: 192.168.1.1 . Log on with your current Username/ | ||
+ | - Now disable DHCP. Go to Advanced--> | ||
+ | - Go to the Advanced TAB > Administration > Router update. \\ \\ {{:: | ||
+ | - Browse to the .CHK file above (freshtomato-R7000-20xx.x-initial-64K.chk) then click UPLOAD. \\ \\ \\ \\ | ||
+ | - When prompted to continue, click OK. \\ \\ {{:: | ||
+ | - At the Router Update Warning screen, click YES. Then, the screen shows: "The Router is updating its firmware" | ||
+ | - The Router Update screen then shows: " | ||
+ | - Wait 2-5 minutes until presented with a login. **Do NOT** log on. | ||
+ | - If your PC's IP address changes to 169.254.x.x, | ||
+ | - Wait 5 minutes, and proceed with the next step.\\ \\ \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Press the Reset button once briefly with a paper clip. \\ \\ {{netgear-r7000-reset-button.jpg? | ||
+ | - While the router reboots, configure your PC with a static IP address of 192.168.1.9 and gateway of 192.168.1.1 . | ||
+ | - This step may not be necessary, as the router should be running DHCP, and should assign your PC an IP address. \\ \\ \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Ping the router' | ||
+ | - Wait until the ping results show that it rebooted (" | ||
+ | - Flashing is finished, and with the router rebooted, you can connect to its Web interface. \\ \\ \\ \\ | ||
+ | - In a web browser, enter: 192.168.1.1 . Enter Username: " | ||
+ | - If this fails: | ||
+ | - Use a private browser (incognito) window. | ||
+ | - Clear the browser cache. | ||
+ | - You probably didn't reset the device, or you didn't wait long enough. Please repeat Step 13. \\ \\ \\ \\ | ||
+ | - You should now be logged in. You should see " | ||
+ | - Under Configuration > Restore Default Configuration > select "Erase all data in NVRAM memory" | ||
+ | - You should see: " | ||
+ | - Eventually, the initial build is installed and NVRAM cleared. Now, upgrade to a normal build. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Continue (or open) 192.168.1.1 in a browser window. \\ \\ \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Under Administration > Firmware Upgrade, click Browse... and find the .TRX firmware file above. | ||
+ | - This was the .trx file at the time this was written. Select it. Now, click Upgrade. \\ \\ \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Wait..You will see a timer, and: " | ||
+ | - Wait...You' | ||
+ | - Eventually, you'll be asked to Click " | ||
+ | - Under Administration > Configuration > select "Erase all data in NVRAM memory", | ||
+ | - You should see: " | ||
+ | - Eventually, you should be be prompted to click " | ||
+ | - You should now be back at the Upgrade Firmware menu. The flashing process is complete. \\ \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | === When FreshTomato is already installed === | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you already have FreshTomato installed on your Netgear, you can upgrade to newer releases using regular build files. These .zip archives contain firmware files ending with the .trx file extension. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Flashing Netgear Routers back to Original Netgear (Genie) Firmware ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | A Netgear router with FreshTomato installed cannot be directly flashed back to original Netgear firmware with normal builds. Some Netgear models can be flashed back to Netgear firmware using special builds called " | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== FCC Regulation Change Affecting Wireless Routers ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Starting in 2015, The US FCC (Federal Communications Commission) passed legislation designed to block people from changing certain Wi-Fi settings, to avoid creating radio interference with other devices. Wi-Fi radio power had to be implemented in hardware so end users could not modify it. For example, the FCC wanted to make sure end users didn't override country settings or power limits. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Some hardware vendors reacted to the legislation in an extreme way, blocking third-party firmware from being flashed entirely. It's important to note that FCC //did not// require anything like this. Some companies' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ArsTechnica.com: | ||
+ | |||
+ | | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Installing FreshTomato Notes ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Some devices might need to be flashed with a special " | ||
+ | * On some models, like the Asus-AC3200, | ||
+ | * On some models, flashing may take a long time, as much as 10-15 minutes before FreshTomato is ready. Occasionally, | ||
+ | * If other methods fail, flashing via TFTP is almost always possible. This requires an Ethernet connection, TFTP server software running on router and a TFTP client program on the client device. Generally, this should be attempted only as a last resort, when all other methods have failed. | ||