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firmware_basics_procedures [2022/02/20 17:27] – [What is Firmware and what do all those Terms Mean?] added Fresh to Tomato|FreshTomato IS the OS including it's programs djk44883firmware_basics_procedures [2022/04/26 14:00] – m_ars
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 === What's "flashing firmware" anyway? === === What's "flashing firmware" anyway? ===
  
-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. Just the same, with firmware, updates are released not just to improve usability, but to increase security and protect against vulnerabilities. The device can usually run a without them - however understand the risk this may expose your network.+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, firmware updates are released not just to improve usability, but to increase security and protect against vulnerabilities. The device can usually run a without them in a fairly stable way. However, you should understand the risks this may expose on your network.
  
 Firmware is "firm" because we don't apply changes or updates nearly so often and it's a bigger event to flash firmware than it is to to update software. This is because the Flash RAM memory which stores router firmware isn't designed to be written to frequently. It's also because more things can go wrong during firmware flashing. Firmware is "firm" because we don't apply changes or updates nearly so often and it's a bigger event to flash firmware than it is to to update software. This is because the Flash RAM memory which stores router firmware isn't designed to be written to frequently. It's also because more things can go wrong during firmware flashing.
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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 the entire installation is copied to the router's Flash RAM, a small portion at a time. This is the same as using a drive imaging programs such as Macrium Reflect or Acronis TrueImage for Windows, or Time Machine for the Macintosh or [[https://clonezilla.org/|CloneZilla]].+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 the entire installation is copied to the router's Flash RAM, a small portion at a time. This is the same as using a drive imaging programs such as Macrium Reflect or Acronis TrueImage for Windows, or Time Machine for the Macintosh or CloneZilla.
  
 === What's an Image? === === What's an Image? ===
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 === 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 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.+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.
  
 === 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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 Let's start by examining some methods for flashing firmware on Asus routers. Let's start by examining some methods for flashing firmware on Asus routers.
- 
  
 ===== Flashing Asus Hardware ===== ===== Flashing Asus Hardware =====
  
 For Asus hardware, several methods/tools are available for firmware flashing. For Asus hardware, several methods/tools are available for firmware flashing.
 +
 +
 +==== AsusWRT web GUI / Interface ====
 +
 +Note: This way is only possible for images starting with release 2022.3 and up.
 +
 +To upgrade the firmware please log-in to the router web GUI and navigation to Advanced Settings > Administration > Firmware Upgrade tab
 +At the New Firmware File field, click browse to select the FreshTomato image for your router.
 +Please wait until the upgrade process is completed!
 +
 +After the upgrade process is completed, please restart the router (turn off --> turn on). Next step is to clean nvram.
 +An easy way to do this is to wait until the router has fully started (usually 2-3 mins). After that, just press the reset button for at least 3 seconds. (router will erase nvram and reboot)
  
 ==== Asus Firmware Restoration Utility Method ==== ==== Asus Firmware Restoration Utility Method ====
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 If the router is still acting buggy or incorrectly at that point, we recommend you request help on the Tomato forum. If the router is still acting buggy or incorrectly at that point, we recommend you request help on the Tomato forum.
- 
  
 ==== TFTP Method ==== ==== TFTP Method ====
firmware_basics_procedures.txt · Last modified: 2024/05/21 06:49 by jamjax

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