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firmware_basics_procedures [2021/12/26 03:59] – [What is Firmware and what do all those Terms Mean?] hogwild | firmware_basics_procedures [2023/11/12 18:22] – [Netgear R-series] -formatting hogwild | ||
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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 compilation of the firmware. | + | A build is one compilation of firmware. |
Each build is: | Each build is: | ||
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* Includes a certain set of features (e.g. " | * Includes a certain set of features (e.g. " | ||
- | The features included depend on both the router' | + | 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 carefully choose a FreshTomato build appropriate for your hardware model. Choosing the wrong build/ | + | Make sure to carefully choose a FreshTomato build appropriate for your hardware model. Choosing the wrong build/ |
+ | |||
+ | When choosing a build, you need to make note of: | ||
* The router/AP model | * The router/AP model | ||
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Some hardware models have two or more hardware versions/ | Some hardware models have two or more hardware versions/ | ||
- | 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 [[: | + | 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 [[: |
=== What's " | === What's " | ||
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" | " | ||
- | Never interrupt a firmware flash until it's completely finished. Never turn off the router/ | + | Here are some rules for successful firmware flashing: |
+ | |||
+ | * Never interrupt a firmware flash until it's completely finished. | ||
+ | * Never turn off the router/ | ||
+ | * Never reboot your PC until a flash has completed. | ||
+ | * Never disconnect the network connection with the router | ||
+ | * Never cancel/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | | ||
=== What's NVRAM and why should I erase it before and after flashing? === | === What's NVRAM and why should I erase it before and after flashing? === | ||
- | NVRAM is the form of non-volatile memory in routers where settings and parameters are stored. | + | NVRAM is the part of non-volatile memory in routers where settings and parameters are stored. |
- | Tomato | + | FreshTomato |
=== What's a "Dirty Flash" and why should I avoid doing one? === | === What's a "Dirty Flash" and why should I avoid doing one? === | ||
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There are several methods used to flash firmware on modern routers. The method you use depends on several things. | There are several methods used to flash firmware on modern routers. The method you use depends on several things. | ||
- | * Which brand/ | + | * The brand/ |
- | * The age of your hardware | + | * The age of your hardware. |
- | * Whether | + | * Whether the vendor allows |
- | * Which firmware you're trying to flash: stock, or FreshTomato firmware | + | * Which firmware you're trying to flash: stock (vendor' |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Flashing Asus Hardware ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | For Asus hardware, several methods/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Flashing from Tomato Firmware ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | In general, if your (FreshTomato supported) Asus hardware has a version of FreshTomato installed, or another Tomato fork, such as Shibby or Toastman, you can upgrade straight to FreshTomato using the Upgrade menu. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== AsusWRT Web Interface Method ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | This flashing method is only possible for builds of release 2022.3 and later. | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | Let's start by examining some methods for flashing firmware on Asus routers. | + | Here are the steps to follow:\\ |
+ | - 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 " | ||
+ | - Wait until the upgrade process is 100% complete. Do NOT interrupt the process. \\ \\ | ||
+ | - When the upgrade process completes, reboot the router (by turning it off and on again). \\ \\ | ||
+ | - Now, reset the router to factory defaults. Press 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. | ||
- | ===== Flashing Asus Hardware ===== | + | \\ |
- | For Asus hardware, several methods/ | + | === Notes about Flashing via AsusWRT === |
- | ==== Asus Firmware Restoration Utility Method ==== | + | \\ |
- | Asus provides a Windows program called | + | * 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-AC19000U upgrades may require FreshTomato firmware for the Asus RT-AC68U. | ||
- | [[https:// | + | \\ |
- | This program is used to flash firmware, and to recover from failed firmware flashes. The program finds the router' | ||
- | For Asus models built in 2014 and older, the Asus Firmware Restoration utility | + | ==== Asus Firmware Restoration utility |
- | Asus Firmware Restoration Utility method | + | \\ |
- | //Step 1. Download and install | + | Asus provides a Windows program called |
- | * In the Support section of the website, find your router/ | + | For Asus models built in or before 2014, the Firmware Restoration utility |
- | * Click " | + | |
- | * Find and download the latest version of the Firmware Restoration utility | + | |
- | * Install the Firmware Restoration | + | |
- | | + | \\ |
- | Download | + | To flash using the Firmware Restoration utility: |
- | It's strongly recommended that you also download the latest version of stock firmware | + | - 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 Wi-Fi connection. However, for maximum stability, |
+ | - 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. That way, if the FreshTomato | ||
+ | - Clear the NVRAM | ||
+ | - Clear NVRAM by restoring factory defaults in the Asus interface. This resets all settings to defaults and ensures the device has enough memory to perform a flash. The process of clearing NVRAM varies, depending on your model. To wipe NVRAM settings within stock Asus firmware: | ||
+ | - 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 | ||
+ | - 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 respond to communications. 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, | ||
- | | + | |
- | The next step is to clear the router' | + | Sometimes on the first boot after flashing, FreshTomato may seem buggy or strange things may happen. |
- | 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: | + | In such cases: |
- | | + | |
- | | + | |
- | | + | |
- | * Beside “Factory Defaults”, check " | + | |
- | * Click " | + | If problems persist, try the following: |
+ | |||
+ | - Clear your web browser cache again. | ||
+ | - Erase NVRAM once more. | ||
+ | - Reboot | ||
+ | |||
+ | If the router is still acting strangely at that point, it is advised that you request help on the Tomato | ||
\\ | \\ | ||
- | {{: | ||
- | | + | ==== TFTP Method ==== |
- | To wipe the NVRAM on current Asus models: | + | " |
- | * Unplug | + | The TFTP method is useful when the manufacturer' |
- | * 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' | + | To prepare to flash via tftp: |
- | \\ //Step 4. Assign | + | * Reset the router' |
+ | * 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 containing the firmware. | ||
+ | * Type '' | ||
+ | * (Replace " | ||
+ | * Unplug the AC adapter from the router. | ||
+ | * Hold down the Reset button while reconnecting the AC adapter. | ||
+ | * When the power light starts slowly blinking, let go of the Reset button. | ||
+ | * 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. | ||
- | In Rescue Mode, the DHCP server is not available. For this reason, assigning your PC a static IP is recommended. Also, there have been cases in which a DHCP appeared | + | Note that Rescue Mode has a timeout period, so there is a limit as to how long you have to upload |
- | 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 using over a WAN connection. That involves much more risk. The flashing process could be incomplete or corrupt. The potential result is either having to attempt the flash again, or bricking the hardware. Finally, before flashing, make sure the hardware you want to flash is the only router/AP hardware on the network to avoid IP address conflicts. | ||
- | | + | ==== Broadcom CFE miniWebserver Method ==== |
- | For Asus routers, this usually means: | + | TBD. |
- | * Remove the AC adapter plug from the back of the router | + | {{: |
- | * 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 | + | |
- | * Move quickly to step 6. Firmware Restoration has a timeout period and if the flash doesn' | + | |
- | | ||
- | Now, run Firmware Restoration. Select the correct firmware .trx file. You can safely ignore any message warning you that the firmware is incompatible. Click OK to agree to the prompt. The utility should begin scanning for your router/ | + | ===== Flashing Linksys Hardware ===== |
- | | ||
- | 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 | + | ==== Flashing |
- | | + | If your hardware has a fork of Tomato already installed, you can simply use the // |
- | - Under Administration, | ||
- | - Under Restore Default Configuration, | ||
- | {{: | + | ==== 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/ |
- | However, sometimes on the first boot after flashing, the hardware may seem buggy or unexpected things may happen. If this happens, reboot the hardware once or twice more, and clear your browser cache before installing | + | Some models might need to be flashed with a special " |
- | If problems continue, try the following steps, in order: | + | 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: |
- | - Cleared your web browser cache at least twice | + | === For models: === |
- | - Erased NVRAM at least twice, and | + | |
- | - Rebooted the router at least three times | + | |
- | If the router is still acting buggy or incorrectly at that point, we recommend that you request help on the Tomato forum. | + | * ea6200 |
+ | * ea6350v1 | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
- | ==== TFTP Method ==== | + | \\ |
- | " | + | === For models: === |
- | To prepare to flash via tftp: | + | * ea6300v1 |
+ | * ea6400 | ||
+ | * ea6500v2 | ||
+ | * ea6700 | ||
+ | * ea6900v1 | ||
- | * Reset the router' | + | [[https:// |
- | * Put the router into Rescue Mode, as described above | + | |
- | * Put the FreshTomato firmware file in the same folder as your tftp program | + | \\ If you you are still not sure how to proceed, it is recommended that you post an inquiry on the [[https:// |
- | * Open a command prompt, and change directories to the folder which contains | + | |
- | * Type “tftp –I PUT filename.trx IP address of router" | + | You are also advised to read the Notes section at the bottom |
- | * Unplug the AC adapter plug from the router | + | |
- | * Hold down the Reset button while reconnecting | + | |
- | * When the power light starts blinking, let go of the Reset button | + | ===== Flashing Netgear Hardware ===== |
- | * Press enter to start the tftp upload process | + | |
- | * Wait at least 10 minutes for the upload to complete | + | |
- | * Log on to Tomato' | + | |
- | 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 and restart the flashing process. There is no need to reset the hardware to defaults again. | + | ==== Netgear R-series ==== |
\\ | \\ | ||
- | ==== Broadcom CFE miniWebserver Method ==== | + | === When Netgear firmware is already installed |
- | TBD. | + | If you have a Netgear R-series router with Netgear firmware installed, **you must** first flash with one of the " |
- | {{: | + | As an example, the following steps review the process for flashing an R7000 with an initial build, and then a normal build. |
\\ | \\ | ||
- | === FCC Regulation Change Affecting Wireless Routers === | + | First, download the two files you'll need to flash the R7000: |
+ | |||
+ | The " | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | This .zip file has the following MD5SUM value: | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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 files 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. | 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. | ||
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| | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 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. | ||