Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- firmware_basics_procedures [2024/10/10 21:06] – [Netgear R-series] -Condense, formatting hogwild
+++ firmware_basics_procedures [2024/11/10 21:30] (current) – [What is Firmware and what do all those Terms Mean?] -Condense, clarity hogwild
@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 Make sure to carefully choose a FreshTomato build appropriate for your hardware model. Choosing the wrong build/version could brick your router if it's not appropriate for your hardware. (See bricking section below).
- \\
+For help choosing an appropriate build for your hardware, see the [[hardware_compatibility|Hardware compatibility]] wiki page. For more guidance on how to choose a build, see the How Do I Choose a Build? section on the  page. If you're still unsure after you've read both those pages, we recommend you ask for advice on the Tomato forum.\\
-When choosing a build, you need to make note of:
+When choosing a build, you need to note:
   * The router/AP model
@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
  \\
-Some hardware models have two or more hardware versions/revisions. Some of these may contain different chipsets than others. Flashing the firmware to the "same" model hardware, but wrong version or revision could brick your hardware.
+Some router models have two or more hardware versions. Some of these may contain different chipsets than others. Flashing the firmware to the "same" model hardware, but wrong hardware version could brick your hardware.
-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 [[:hardware_compatibility|Hardware compatibility]] wiki page. For more guidance on how to choose a build, see the //How Do I Choose a Build?// section on the [[:faq|FAQ]] page. If you're still unsure after you've read both those pages, we recommend you ask for advice on the Tomato forum.
+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.
  \\
@@ Line 99: / Line 99: @@
 Yes, quite often, but not always. This depends on factors, including:
- \\
   - What went wrong
@@ Line 108: / Line 106: @@
  \\
-Once you're certain the router won't boot/work properly, follow these steps, in order:
+Once you're sure the router won't boot/work properly, follow these steps, in order:
  \\
@@ Line 114: / Line 112: @@
   - At least twice, follow the steps to hardware reset your router to factory defaults. \\ This usually involves a physical reset button on the case. \\ Sometimes, incorrect settings can be "sticky" in NVRAM \\ from previous firmware and need resetting for the router to work properly.
   - On Netgear hardware, try using the third-party nmrpflash utility program. \\ This unbrick program has saved many Netgear routers from the garbage. \\ [[https://github.com/jclehner/nmrpflash|https://github.com/jclehner/nmrpflash]]
-  - Use Tomato forum's Search box to get advice on unbricking/debricking your model. \\ Often, users know other tricks to get your model working.
+  - Use the Tomato forum's Search box to get advice on unbricking your model. \\ Often, other users know other tricks to get your model working.
   - If all else fails, you may want to try opening your router and checking for a \\ serial interface. This is usually a small group of 3-8 pins or pads on the \\ main circuit board to which you connect a USB-->serial interface converter. \\ If your router has one, check in the forum or Google for instructions.
@@ Line 145: / Line 143: @@
   * The brand/model/revision of your hardware.
   * The age of your hardware.
-  * Whether the vendor allows that hardware to be flashed from the \\ firmware it came with.
+  * Whether the vendor allows that hardware to be flashed \\ from the firmware it came with.
-  * Which firmware you're trying to flash: stock (vendor's), or FreshTomato.
+  * Which firmware you're trying to flash: stock (vendor), or FreshTomato.
@@ Line 156: / Line 154: @@
 In general, if your (FreshTomato-supported) Asus hardware has FreshTomato or another Tomato fork installed, such as Shibby or Toastman, you can upgrade straight to FreshTomato using the Upgrade menu.
+ \\
@@ Line 206: / Line 206: @@
 To flash using the Firmware Restoration utility:
-  - Ensure you have only an Ethernet connection between your PC and router. \\ Disconnect all other Ethernet cables from the router. They can cause problems. \\ Some people have flashed firmware via WiFi. 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 Asus' site:
-    - In the Support section of the Asus website, find your router/hardware model.
+  - Ensure you have only an Ethernet connection between your PC and router. \\ Disconnect all other Ethernet cables from the router-they can cause problems. \\ Some people have flashed via WiFi, but for maximum stability, flash only via Ethernet. \\ Never attempt to flash via a WAN connection. It's risky. \\ \\
-    - Click "Software and Utility" and specify your Windows version. \\ (Windows 11 users may have to choose Windows 10 for the program to appear.)
+  - Download and install Asus Firmware Restoration from the website:
-    - Find/download the latest version of the Firmware Restoration utility.
+    - In the Support section of Asus' website, find your router/hardware model.
+    - Click "Software and Utility" and specify your Windows version. \\ (Windows 11 users may have to choose Windows 10 for the program).
+    - Find/download the latest version of the utility.
     - Install the Firmware Restoration program. \\ \\
   - 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 [[:faq|FAQ]] for the file name \\ convention for builds. \\ See the [[:hardware_compatibility|Hardware Compatibility]] wiki page for help choosing \\ an appropriate image file for your hardware. \\ If you're still not sure after reading those, ask for help on \\ the Tomato forum:  [[https://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?forums/tomato-firmware.33/|Tomato Forum]]
-    - 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. \\ \\
+    - Download the latest Asus firmware for your router so that if the \\ FreshTomato flash fails, you can flash back to Asus firmware. \\  \\ Remember, with no working router, you might be unable 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's enough memory to perform a flash. The process of clearing NVRAM varies, depending on your model. \\ To wipe NVRAM settings within stock Asus firmware:
+    - Clear NVRAM by restoring factory defaults in the Asus interface. \\ This resets settings to defaults and ensures \\ there's 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/Save/Upload” Setting tab.
       - Beside “Factory Default”, click the Restore button. \\ \\ {{::asus_rt-ac68u-admin-restore_settings.jpg?614|Clearing NVRAM settings in Asus stock firmware}} \\ \\ \\ This method may not work perfectly. If it fails, try the hardware button method below. \\
-    - To wipe NVRAM on most current Asus models using the hardware button method:
+    - 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.
+      - 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's FAQ for your model. \\ \\
+      - Release the WPS button. All front LEDs should blink once \\ to signal NVRAM was cleared. \\ If you have trouble, check the \\ user manual or the manufacturer's FAQ for your model. \\ \\
-  - 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.  \\ In some cases, DHCP might prevent Firmware Restoration from completing the flash. \\ In some cases, DHCP prevents connection to the router after flashing, when the DHCP server isn't yet available. \\ \\
+  - Configure your PC with a static 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.  \\ In some cases, DHCP might prevent Firmware Restoration from \\ completing the flash. \\ In some cases, DHCP prevents connection to the router after flashing, \\ when the DHCP server isn't yet available. \\ \\
-  - Enable Rescue Mode on the router. Typically, for Asus routers, this is done as follows:
+  - 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.
+    - 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.
+    - 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't occur,  \\ you'll have to enable Rescue mode again. \\ \\
+    - Move quickly to step 7. Firmware Restoration has a timeout period.\\  If flashing doesn't occur,  \\ you'll have to enable Rescue mode again. \\ \\
   - Flash FreshTomato
     - Run Firmware Restoration. Click "Browse..."
     - Select the correct .trx firmware file for your router. Click "Open". \\ \\ {{::asus_firmware_restoration-browse.jpg?637}}  \\ \\
-    - Click "Upload". Ignore any warnings that the firmware is incompatible. Click "OK" to the prompt.
+    - Click "Upload". Ignore any warnings that the firmware is incompatible. \\ Click "OK" at the prompt.
-    - The utility should begin scanning for your router device, then slowly uploading the firmware. \\ \\
+    - 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.  \\ Flashing is complete only when the power LED comes back on. \\ Be patient. This portion can take up to 45 minutes. \\ DO NOT PANIC if the program says the upload isn't complete, or if it hangs. Wait another 10 to 15 minutes. \\ When the process is complete, the router should automatically turn on and off.
+  - Wait until flashing is complete. **The completion progress bar isn't accurate**.  \\ Flashing is complete only when the power LED comes back on. \\ Be patient. This portion can take up to 45 minutes. \\ DO NOT PANIC if the program says the upload isn't complete, or if it hangs. \\ Wait another 10 to 15 minutes. \\ When the process is complete, the router should automatically turn on and off.
-    - 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.\\ \\
+    - 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, clear NVRAM contents again:
     - Under Administration, click Configuration.
-    - Under Restore Default Configuration, select //Erase all data in NVRAM memory(thorough)//. Click "OK". \\ \\ {{freshtomato-erase_nvram.jpg?654}}
+    - In Restore Default Configuration, choose //Erase all data in NVRAM memory//. Click "OK". \\ \\ {{freshtomato-erase_nvram.jpg?654}}
  \\ At this point, the router should function properly.
-Sometimes on the first boot after flashing, FreshTomato may seem buggy or strange things may happen.
+ \\
+Sometimes on the first boot after a flash, FreshTomato may seem buggy or weird things might happen.
 In such cases:
   - Reboot the router once or twice more.
-  - Clear your browser cache before putting the router into operation. \\ Web browsers may cache data that shouldn't be cached.
+  - Clear your browser cache before putting the router in operation. \\ Web browsers may cache data that shouldn't be cached.
-  - Refresh the page. Any problems caused by cached browser data should be gone.
+  - Refresh the page. Any problems caused by cached browser data \\ should disappear.
  \\
@@ Line 260: / Line 264: @@
   - Reboot the router at least twice more.
-If the router is still acting strangely at that point, it is advised that you request help on the Tomato Web forum.
+ \\
+If the router still acts strangely at that point, you should request help on the Tomato Web forum.
  \\
@@ Line 277: / Line 283: @@
  \\
-  * Reset the router's NVRAM to defaults, as described above.
+  - Reset the router NVRAM to defaults, as described above.
-  * Put the router into Rescue Mode, as described above.
+  - Put the router into Rescue Mode, as described above.
-  * Put the FreshTomato firmware file in the same folder as your tftp program.
+  - 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.
+  - Open a command prompt, and change directories to the folder \\ containing the firmware. Then type: \\ ''“tftp –I  PUT filename.trx <IP address of router>"''  \\ but **DO NOT** press Enter.
-  * Type ''“tftp –I  PUT filename.trx <IP address of router>"''  but **DO NOT** press Enter.
+  - (Replace "filename.trx" with an appropriate image file name for \\ your model)
-    * (Replace "filename.trx" with an appropriate image file name for your model)
+  - Unplug the AC adapter from the router. Hold down the Reset button \\ while reconnecting the AC adapter.
-  * Unplug the AC adapter from the router.
+  - When the power light starts slowly blinking, let go of the Reset button.
-  * Hold down the Reset button while reconnecting the AC adapter.
+  - Press enter at the above command line to start the tftp upload process.
-  * When the power light starts slowly blinking, let go of the Reset button.
+  - Wait at least 10 minutes for the upload to complete.
-  * Press enter at the command line above to start the tftp upload process.
+  - If successful, you'll be taken to the FreshTomato logon screen.
-  * Wait at least 10 minutes for the upload to complete.
+  - Log on to FreshTomato and reset NVRAM, as in the above screenshot.
-  * If 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.
  \\
@@ Line 389: / Line 393: @@
 The "R-series initial file" for R7000:
-[[https://freshtomato.org/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2023/2023.2/Netgear%20initial%20files/freshtomato-R7000-2023.2-initial-64K.zip|https://freshtomato.org/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2023/2023.2/Netgear%20initial%20files/freshtomato-R7000-2023.2-initial-64K.zip]]
+[[https://freshtomato.org/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2023/2023.2/Netgear%20initial%20files/freshtomato-R7000-2023.2-initial-64K.zip|/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2023/2023.2/Netgear%20initial%20files/freshtomato-R7000-2023.2-initial-64K.zip]]
 This .zip file has MD5SUM value: e3ef483d088215e9abe4888e0dd36d37
@@ Line 397: / Line 401: @@
 The normal R7000 AIO build file:
-[[https://freshtomato.org/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2023/2023.2/K26ARM/freshtomato-R7000-ARM-2023.2-AIO-64K.zip|https://freshtomato.org/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2023/2023.2/K26ARM/freshtomato-R7000-ARM-2023.2-AIO-64K.zip]]
+[[https://freshtomato.org/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2023/2023.2/K26ARM/freshtomato-R7000-ARM-2023.2-AIO-64K.zip|/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2023/2023.2/K26ARM/freshtomato-R7000-ARM-2023.2-AIO-64K.zip]]
 This .zip file has MD5SUM value: ec63c869fe14f5b46cbb13813c1699bf
@@ Line 446: / Line 450: @@
   - Wait again 2-5 minutes until the router finishes rebooting. \\ \\ \\ \\
   - Open a browser and type: 192.168.1.1. Log on with your Username/Password. \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-logon_prompt.jpg?640}} \\ \\ \\ \\
-  - Disable DHCP. Go to Advanced--> LAN Setup and uncheck "Use Router as DHCP Server". Save.\\ \\ {{::netgear-r70000-lan_settings-disable_dhcp.jpg?635}} \\ \\ \\ \\
+  - Disable DHCP. Go to Advanced--> LAN Setup and uncheck "Use Router as DHCP Server". \\ Click Save.\\ \\ {{::netgear-r70000-lan_settings-disable_dhcp.jpg?635}} \\ \\ \\ \\
-  - Go to the Advanced TAB > Administration > Router update. \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-router_update-browse-highlight.jpg?635}}
+  - Go to the Advanced TAB > Administration > Router update. \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-router_update-browse-highlight.jpg?635}}  \\
     - Browse to the .CHK file above (freshtomato-R7000-20xx.x-initial-64K.chk) then click UPLOAD. \\ \\ \\ \\
   - When prompted to continue, click OK. \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-router_update-continue_prompt-2023.2.jpg?603}} \\ \\
@@ Line 453: / Line 457: @@
   - The Router Update screen then shows: "Rebooting the router now, please wait". \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-rebooting_the_router_please_wait.jpg?608}} \\ \\
   - Wait 2-5 minutes until you're presented with a login. **Do NOT** log on.
-    - If the PC address changes to: "169.254.x.x", Windows set it, because it \\ couldn't find a DHCP server.
+    - If the PC address changes to: "169.254.x.x", Windows set that \\ because it couldn't find a DHCP server.
     - Wait 5 minutes, then go to the next step.\\ \\ \\ \\
   - Press the Reset button once briefly with a paper clip.  \\ \\ {{netgear-r7000-reset-button.jpg?639}} \\ \\ \\ \\
@@ Line 466: / Line 470: @@
     - 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 probably didn't reset the device, or you wait long enough. \\ Please repeat Step 13. \\ \\ \\ \\
   - You should now be logged in. You should see "System" on the Overview menu.  \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-first_logon-overview-2023.2.jpg?648}} \\ \\ \\ \\
   - Under Configuration > Restore Default Configuration > choose "Erase all data in NVRAM memory". \\ Click OK.  \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-erase_nvram_thorough-2023.2_initial.jpg?584}} \\ \\ \\ \\
@@ Line 472: / Line 476: @@
   - Eventually, the initial build is installed and NVRAM cleared. Now, upgrade to a normal build. \\ \\
   - Continue in (or open) "192.168.1.1" in a browser window. \\ \\ \\  \\
-  - Under Administration > Firmware Upgrade, click Browse... and find the .TRX firmware file above.  \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-upgrade_firmware-initial-2023.2.jpg?600}}
+  - Under Administration > Firmware Upgrade, click Browse... and find the .TRX file above.  \\ \\ {{::netgear-r7000-upgrade_firmware-initial-2023.2.jpg?600}} \\
   - This was the .trx file at the time this was written. Select it, then click Upgrade. \\ \\ \\ \\
   - Wait. You'll see a timer, and: "Please wait while the firmware is uploaded and flashed." \\ \\ {{::netgear_r7000-please_wait_while_the_firmware_is_flashed.jpg?600}} \\ \\ \\
@@ Line 478: / Line 482: @@
   - Eventually, you'll be asked to Click "continue". Do so, and you return to \\ FreshTomato's main menu. \\ \\ \\ \\
   - Under Administration > Configuration > select "Erase all data in NVRAM memory", \\ and click OK. \\ \\ {{netgear-r7000-erase_nvram_thorough-2023.2_initial.jpg?584}} \\ \\
-  - You should see: "Please wait while the defaults are restored..." and a countdown timer. \\ \\ \\ \\
+  - You should see: "Please wait while the defaults are restored.." and a countdown timer. \\ \\ \\ \\
   - Eventually, you should be be prompted to click "Continue". Click "Continue". \\ \\ {{netgear_r7000-please_wait_while_the_defaults_are_restored.jpg?613}} \\ \\ \\
-  - You should now be back at the Upgrade Firmware menu. \\ The flashing process is complete. \\ \\
+  - You should now be back at the Upgrade Firmware menu. The flashing \\ process is complete. \\ \\
  \\
@@ Line 492: / Line 496: @@
 A Netgear router with FreshTomato installed can't be directly flashed back to original Netgear firmware from within normal builds. Some Netgear models can be flashed back to Netgear firmware using special "Netgear back to OFW" builds. Check if your Netgear model is supported in the "Netgear Back to OFW" folder in the appropriate FreshTomato downloads folder:
+ \\
 [[https://freshtomato.org/downloads/freshtomato-arm/Netgear%20back%20to%20OFW/|"Netgear back to OFW" firmware]]
@@ Line 498: / Line 502: @@
 ===== 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.
+In 2015, The US FCC (Federal Communications Commission) passed legislation designed to block people from changing certain WiFi settings, to avoid radio interference with other devices. WiFi radio power had to be implemented in hardware so that end users couldn't modify it. For example, the FCC wanted to make sure end users didn't override country settings or power limits which might affect radio power.
-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' hardware could not be flashed with third-party firmware from within the interface of the stock firmware. If you tried to do so, you'd simply receive an error stating it wasn't possible.  This resulted in a lot of controversy.
+Some hardware vendors reacted to the legislation in an extreme way, blocking third-party firmware from being flashed at all. (The FCC //did not// actually require anything like this). As a result, some companies' hardware could not be flashed with third-party firmware from within the factory firmware interface. If you tried to do so, you'd simply receive an error stating it wasn't possible.  This resulted in a lot of controversy.
+ \\
 ArsTechnica.com: FCC: Open source router software is still legal under certain conditions:  \\  [[https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/09/fcc-open-source-router-software-is-still-legal-under-certain-conditions/]]
  \\  SLATE: FCC Support for hackable routers is a win for all of us:  \\  [[https://slate.com/technology/2016/08/fcc-support-for-hackable-wireless-routers-is-a-win-for-all-of-us.html]]
 ===== Installing FreshTomato Notes =====
-  * Some devices might need to be flashed with a special "initial" firmware build first before you can install a regular FreshTomato build. Please read about this above **before** installing FreshTomato.
+  * Some devices must be flashed with a special "initial" firmware build first before you can install a regular FreshTomato build. Please read about this above **before** installing FreshTomato.
-  * On some models, like the Asus-AC3200, you should first install a specific version of stock firmware to get the full 128K of NVRAM formatted before attempting FreshTomato installation. Failing to do so will limit NVRAM to 64KB. The same applies to other models, to obtain their full 64K instead of only 32K.
+  * On some models, like the Asus-AC3200, you should first install a specific version of stock firmware to get the full 128K of NVRAM formatted before attempting FreshTomato installation. Failing to do so will limit the NVRAM to 64KB. The same applies to other models, to obtain their full 64K instead of only 32K.
   * On some models, flashing may take a long time, as much as 10-15 minutes before FreshTomato is ready. Occasionally, you may need to power cycle and even press the physical factory reset button to make FreshTomato boot properly after flashing. This generally only happens once.
   * 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.

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