Routers lose their native firmware for various reasons. The desire to add functionality, solder a USB port, or simply add stability to the operation of the router.
In my case, a router on the latest stable native firmware with 1-5 WiFi and 1-2 Ethernet consumers hung up 1-2 times a week. It's not very scary, but it's tired of rebooting it. I wanted stability. After a long search and reading reviews, the choice fell on OpenWRT. The article already provides step-by-step instructions without trial and error that I had to go through.
Step 0
I hope that when you take up the firmware of the router, you understand that at one of the steps you can lose access to the Internet. So, I strongly advise you to read the entire article, download all the necessary files in advance and after that proceed with the firmware.Step 1
The first thing to do is update and install the latest native firmware.you can find the latest firmware for TL-WR741ND, for the corresponding hardware version.
- Turn the router over and check the version of the hardware in it, focusing on the sticker on the case.
- Download the archive with the latest firmware.
- Flash the router with the firmware from the archive in the usual way (System Tools -\u003e Firmware Upgrade).
Step 2
Next, you need to select the OpenWRT firmware version.You should use exactly the file that matches the hardware version of your model. Do not neglect this rule! There are two boot file systems available: JFFS2 and SquashFS. Judging by the reviews, you should opt for SquashFS files. Word factory in the file name means that you should upload such a file to your device over the factory (native) firmware. file with word sysupgrade only applicable for updating OpenWRT, i.e. poured after factory firmware.
Downloading factory firmware and sew in the usual way (System Tools -\u003e Firmware Upgrade).
Step 3 or it's all gone
After successful flashing, we get a working router with a disabled web interface. Therefore, it will no longer be possible to enter the settings through the browser. Further actions are as follows:We open PuTTY, choose Telnet protocol, address 192.168.1.1 port 23 , click "Connection".
root no password.
We type the command:
passwd root
root... Then we write:
exit
We open WinSCP, choose SCP protocol, address 192.168.1.1 port 22 , User name: root, Password is the one that was set earlier, click "Login".
We answer all vague questions and we see a window with files on your computer and on the router. Next, we take the second part of the firmware (the one that is sysupgrade), rename it to code.bin and upload it to the router in the / tmp folder. We close the program.
We open PuTTY, choose SSH protocol, address [email protected]
port 22
, click "Connection". We type the password that we set earlier for root. We enter the router and type the command for its firmware:
sysupgrade -n /tmp/code.bin
We are waiting for the router to flash and reboot. We focus on light bulbs. Then we repeat the step:
We open PuTTY, choose Telnet protocol, address 192.168.1.1 port 23 , click "Connection".
We enter the router. You are initially a user root no password.
We type the command:
passwd root
And we write a new password for the user twice root.
Turn off the router, turn on the router.
The LuCI web interface is available at 192.168.1.1. We go under the root user and the password that was set earlier for root.
UPD. After a long time of operation, a single glitch was noticed. When changing the MAC address on the WAN port, it is reset to the factory one after 1-2 days. Otherwise, the router shows miracles of stability.
Good afternoon friends! Welcome to our training portal "From the computer to" YOU "... In the previous article, we examined the procedure for configuring a router (router). Today, as I promised, I will tell you in detail about such an important topic as .
Many of our readers will say that there is no need to update the router's firmware. I bought a device, connected it, set it up. Everything works - so you can forget about it. But sometimes there are such cases (device failure) that you cannot do without updating the firmware. The article will also be useful to those who wish to use the capabilities of the purchased device to the maximum.
We will consider the main reasons that prompt us to make a change to the factory settings of the router, we will analyze in detail the process of changing the firmware using the example of the DIR300 router, and also, especially for our readers, I will tell you about alternative (not from the manufacturer) firmware. As a rule, they have a wide range of additional functions and are often more reliable.
The operation of any modern device is based on the coordinated interaction of software and hardware components. The router is no exception. The stability and speed of the router depends on these two components. Changing the hardware is very difficult, but reflashing (or changing router firmware) the device is easy, and besides, you can thus expand the functionality of the device and extend its life.
1. Security. Like any software, the firmware needs some work. Vulnerabilities in older firmware versions play into the hands of scammers. If the problem of the safety of personal data is quite acute for you, then it's time to think about updating the router's firmware.
2. Data transfer rate. With the development of new technologies, the speed of data transmission over the Internet is increasing. Having switched to a new tariff with a higher speed, we may face such a fact that our old router does not support such speeds. What to do: buy a new one? And can you still try to reflash it?
3. Additional functions. Replacing the router firmware can significantly expand the basic functionality of the device. For example, most models with a USB port with factory firmware only allow you to connect a 3G modem. And if you use an alternative firmware, you can connect a flash drive to the router, thus adding a network storage function.
4. Stability of the device. By replacing the firmware with a more recent version, you will get a faster, more stable and functional device. After all, as a rule, developers in new versions of the program fix the shortcomings and vulnerabilities of previous versions.
flashing the router using the example of "D-Link DIR300"
Before reconfiguring the device, I recommend that you establish a direct cable connection between the router and your computer. And also, if possible, ensure their uninterrupted functioning by connecting them to an uninterruptible power supply. The process of changing the firmware for different models of routers is approximately the same and contains the following steps.
1. First of all, you need to go to the manufacturer's website and find updates for your specific model (usually the new firmware version should be found in the "Support" section).
In my case, you need to go to ftp://ftp.dlink.ru/pub/Router/DIR-300_NRU/Firmware/ and download the file with the extension “.bin”. The file should be downloaded for a specific model (in my case, for a model marked B1).
You can also additionally download the firmware russifier file.
ATTENTION! Do not confuse the device model (located on the back of the router). Otherwise, there is a high probability of getting a non-working device.
2. The next step is to go to the web interface of the router. In the documentation for the router, the default IP address is indicated. Most often this is the address 192.168.0.1. Next, a login and password entry window will open.
In the “Firmware upgrade” section, click on the “Select file” button and specify the firmware file downloaded from the server.
4. Then click on the “Upload” button. The firmware update process begins.
At this step, it is very important not to disconnect the computer and the router from the power supply, and also not to break their network connection, as this may damage the device.
After completing the firmware update process, the router will reboot. And it will be ready to go.
alternative router firmware
It often happens that we cannot find the necessary functions in the firmware from the manufacturer. But as they say, a holy place is never empty. If there is demand, there is supply. So there were specialists who "clip" their firmware for the most famous models of routers, in which the capabilities of the built-in tor-client, FTP, NFS, IP-telephony server can be realized, the ability to connect a flash drive or a network printer, and much more.
The most common are firmware from three companies - OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato.
1. DD-WRT is the most popular and complete solution. Typically supported by many routers (see dd-wrt.com for a list). The resulting set of additional functions is quite impressive. The stability and reliability of DD-WRT firmware operation is evidenced by the fact that they are used on a number of routers as "native" ones.
2. OpenWRT - provides the user with a fully configurable system, assembled according to needs. The user himself chooses what functions he needs and installs the appropriate packages. You can expand the functionality of the device without changing the firmware: new packages are added in console mode. Among the main features are wireless repeater and access point mode, print server, IP-PBX. You can find a complete list of available functions at openwrt.org.
3. Tomato is also a free alternative firmware version built on the Linux kernel. The main features of the configuration file include flexible access and traffic control, the ability to work with torrent networks and a DLNA media server. For more information, visit tomatousb.org.
trying to apply an alternative firmware to the router
Let's look at this process using the example of DD-WRT firmware version. Everything is done in much the same way as in the case of the manufacturer's firmware.
1. Find and download the latest firmware version from dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database, choosing the DIR300 model (download the dlink-revb-factory-webflash.bin file).
2. Next, we perform all the same steps that we discussed above when we considered flashing the router with the factory firmware (only now we will reflash the file not from the manufacturer, but the current algorithm downloaded in step 1).
3. After successful installation, the router will reboot. It now has a new IP address 192.168.1.1. Therefore, you need to change the IP address of the computer to 192.168.1.2. Having established a connection, you can proceed to configuring the router.
how to return the factory firmware to the router
Anything happens: the light in the house could be turned off, and the network sometimes fails, and it happens that the alternative firmware did not work, you always need to be prepared for such moments. Let's take a closer look at the option to return to the factory firmware.
1. We reset the router settings by pressing the “reset” button.
2. Disconnect the router from the Internet by disconnecting the appropriate cable. It is necessary to leave only the network connection with the computer (the cable connecting the PC and the LAN1 port of the router).
3. Set the static address 192.168.0.2 on the computer, the subnet mask 255.255.255.0.
4. Disconnect the power supply from the network, hold down the “reset” button and, without releasing the button, connect the power supply from the network, wait for the router to boot (about 10-15 seconds). We release the "reset" button.
5. Open Firefox or Chrome browser (IE, Opera didn't work for some reason), go to 192.168.0.1. We select the firmware file downloaded from the official website of the equipment manufacturer (I don’t know whether it affects or not, but the path to the file was in English, such as C: \\ temp \\ DIR300B1_v201_97rg.bin) and click the “Upload Now” button. The process of restoring the factory firmware will begin. After rebooting the router, we get a working router in its original form.
Every day the Internet is more and more firmly entrenched in our lives. Therefore, high-quality and fast access to the network is the key to success. But often when connecting, problems and various questions may arise that in every possible way prevent the achievement of the goal. One of them is a failure in the firmware of the router. With such a malfunction, most of the owners of their devices carry them to the service center, but you can reflash the router at home.
What is it for?
Why does the router need a software update? The need to flash a device is usually caused by the following reasons:
- Disable Wi-Fi.
- Router hangs.
- The DHCP service does not work, to automatically configure the network connection.
- VPN connection is not established.
- Slow data transfer rate.
It should be noted that the process of updating the router's firmware is almost identical on all devices, regardless of the manufacturer's brand. Therefore, this article will discuss the general course of action that must be followed in order to update the router's firmware.
Finding the right firmware
First of all, you need to determine the model of the router. To do this, you just need to turn the device over. There will be a sticker on the bottom cover of the case, which indicates its model and version. All this information needs to be remembered, it will come in handy when choosing a firmware.
Where and how to download firmware for routers - video:
On the manufacturer's website
It should be noted that a larger segment of the market in Russia is occupied by TP-Link and D-Link routers, therefore, most likely, you will have to look for the firmware there. Also, the manufacturer's website is indicated on the bottom cover of the device.
On the website of your internet provider
Recently, large companies such as Beeline or MTS have been selling internet routers on behalf of their brand. For such models, the firmware is usually created separately. It is located on the website of the Internet provider, similar to the previous item, in the "Downloads" section.
On third-party Internet resources
You can also find improved or so-called modified firmware. To do this, you just need to drive the router model into the search bar. But no one can guarantee that the files that get to the computer will not be a virus or will not disable the router at all during firmware. This method is not recommended for those who are reflashing for the first time.
Preparing the device
In order to update the router, you must disconnect the provider's network cable, as well as disable Wi-Fi on all devices that are connected to it. These measures will protect the device from possible interference and interference from outside.
Thus, the device must only be connected to the electrical network and the computer from which the router's firmware will be updated.
IMPORTANT! Since the device turns on and off several times during the flashing, it cannot constantly support one Wi-Fi network. That is why the firmware is performed only via a network cable and cannot be performed via a Wi-Fi network.
The process of updating the firmware of a Wi-Fi router
First you need to go to the web interface of the router itself. This is done quite simply: there is another sticker on the same back cover of the router case, which contains data that allows you to get into the internal settings of the device.
Additional video on flashing the router:
Typically, this data is contained under the heading "Default settings", which means that these settings were preset by the manufacturer by default. Under the heading are the IP address, as well as the login and password for accessing the internal settings of the router.
The IP address must be entered into the address bar of the browser (standard 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). After that, the web interface of the router will start and will prompt you to enter a username and password to access the settings (standard admin and admin).
After you have obtained access to the router settings, you need to make a restore point. To do this, go to the "Device Operation" or "System Tools" tab and look for the "Backup and restore" or "Restore settings" section there. Then you need to click on the "Backup" button and save the file with the current settings to any convenient location on your hard disk.
IMPORTANT! For any manipulation of the software, it is recommended to create a restore point for parameters. This is done in order to restore existing settings in case of unforeseen situations. This can save you not only nerves, time, but also money that can be spent on calling a specialist Internet provider.
Next, we proceed directly to the firmware. You need to go back to the "Device Operation" or "System Tools" tab and find the "Firmware update" or "Software update" section there. Select the file of the new firmware that was downloaded earlier by clicking the "Select file" button. After that, you need to flash the router, confirm the selected actions and wait until the end of the firmware.
IMPORTANT! You cannot perform any actions with the router during the firmware. This can lead to a crash, during which the old firmware will be removed and the new one will not be installed yet. In such cases, the chances of restoring the device at home will be very small.
After flashing, the router will reboot and be ready for further configuration of the new firmware.
Restoring previous work parameters
After a successful router update, you need to restore the previously existing settings. For this, the file that was created earlier will just come in handy.
You need to enter the "Backup and restore" section and just load the file with the previous settings by clicking the "Restore" button.
Thus, the procedure for flashing a router is quite simple and does not require a lot of time, however, it must be done with a certain degree of care, since incorrect actions can lead to damage to the device. After correct flashing of the router, the device will work stably, quickly and without any failures, providing the signal quality declared by the manufacturer.
A router (also called a router) is a device for organizing Internet access from several computers. In everyday life, many people use routers today. As a rule, if the device works properly and distributes the Internet without problems, few people seek to understand in detail the mechanisms of its operation. However, if Wi-Fi suddenly disappears, you may need to rewrite the router.
What is router firmware
Firmware is the software that the router runs under. It is written into the device memory when it is manufactured. If this software fails over time, it must be updated. This process is called flashing. To make this easier to understand, imagine that the Windows operating system has ceased to function normally on your home computer or laptop. In this case, it is often necessary to reinstall it. The software on the router is reinstalled in about the same way.
The firmware version of the router is often indicated on its body along with the serial number and MAC address
Why you need to update the firmware
Periodic firmware updates are mainly necessary to ensure reliable operation of the device. Any software initially has built-in errors that multiply and accumulate during the operation of the device, leading to a slowdown in its operation. In especially advanced cases, the router may stop working altogether. Manufacturers are constantly working on software that they install in their devices. Found errors are corrected, algorithms are improved, technologies are changed, drivers are updated and a new version of software is released, which, in turn, also has certain errors. These errors will be eliminated in the next version of the software and so on in a circle. That is why it is important to update the firmware periodically until one day you decide to update the device itself and replace it with a more advanced device.
In practice, a firmware update is necessary in the following cases:
- the router freezes or works intermittently (the network is lost, the Internet is lost);
- the new software version adds functions that you fundamentally need to fine-tune the device.
The sequence of actions for flashing the router
The flashing procedure is almost the same for devices from different manufacturers. Only the names of menu items or buttons on the device can change.
Preparatory operations
Before you can start the firmware process, you need to complete some preliminary steps:
- Prepare a LAN cable (you can buy it online or at any computer store).
It is necessary to prepare a cable with which the router will connect to the computer
- Make sure that the router has at least one free LAN port (such ports are highlighted in yellow), and plug one of the cable connectors into any free LAN port.
If all ports of the router are busy, you can free any of them for the time of flashing
- Connect the other connector of the cable to the network card of the computer to the corresponding port.
- Check that the indicator on the router lights up, confirming the success of the LAN cable connection.
The indicator LED of the LAN port to which the computer is connected should be on
- Disconnect the WAN cable from the router through which the router gains access to the Internet from the provider. On the device, the corresponding connector is visually separated from the LAN connectors and has a WAN signature.
The cable connected to the WAN port (usually this port is marked in blue) must be disconnected from the router
- Disable Wi-Fi on your computer. To do this, in the lower right corner of the computer screen, right-click on the wireless network icon and in the menu that opens, select "Open" Network and Internet settings "(screenshots and menu item names are given for Windows 10. Depending on the version of the operating system installed on your computer system of names of points may change, it is necessary to focus on their general meaning).
- In the menu that opens, select the Wi-Fi item, and then on the right side of the screen, move the corresponding slider to the "Off" position.
To disable or enable Wi-Fi, move the slider to the desired position
You can turn off Wi-Fi on a laptop with just one click, for this there is a special key combination Fn + F2.
You can quickly turn Wi-Fi on or off on a laptop using a special key combination
It is important that the router remains turned on throughout the entire system update process.
How to find out what firmware you need and where to find it
You can find the latest firmware on the router manufacturer's website, knowing the specific device model (this information is on a sticker pasted on the back of the router). Enter the details of your router on the manufacturer's website and download the proposed file. Do not experiment with third-party programs or router models other than yours. These experiments can damage the device.
The back side of the router case contains the information necessary for its configuration and operation.
After the installation file is found, you need to download it to your computer. Most often, this file will be presented as an archive, which must be opened with any standard archiver, for example, WinRAR (you can download it for free from the official website). The next step is to enter the settings of the router.
Once I had to search for software for a router that was already out of production. I couldn't find the file I needed on the manufacturer's website on my own, so I had to contact technical support for help. After a while, the file was found, and a link to it was sent to me in messages on the site.
Entering the router settings and updating the firmware
Here is a step-by-step instruction for updating the firmware using the example of a TP-Link device:
- In the browser, enter the IP address to access the control page: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (it is indicated on the sticker on the back of the router). In the form that opens, enter the login and password to access the settings (if you have not changed the factory settings, admin is used by default as both the login and password).
Enter your username and password to access the router settings
- In the menu that opens, select the item "System Tools" - "Firmware Upgrade" (System Tools - Firmware Upgrade).
- Click "Browse ...", select the previously downloaded and unpacked file with updates and click "Open".
Select the pre-unpacked file
In the window that appears, click on the "Upgrade" button and start the upgrade process.
Click the "Update" or Upgrade button depending on the version of the router software
After completing the process, the router will automatically reboot. Now, the next time you try to enter the settings, you will be prompted to enter your username and password again. When flashing, all the default settings are reset to factory defaults, so you will need to enter the admin / admin combination to enter.
Other manufacturers may have a slightly different name for the menu items. For example, in D-Link devices it is, respectively, Maintenance and Firmware Update ("Maintenance" and "Firmware update"), and in the Russian versions of ASUS - "Firmware update". However, understanding the process logic described above, it is easy to guess what needs to be done even by the modified names of menu items and buttons.
On my home router, I never change the factory passwords, since unauthorized people do not have access to it. But I always set the password for the Wi-Fi network to a non-standard one so that neighbors, mothers who are bored in the playground, or taxi drivers relaxing in their cars under the windows cannot connect to my wireless Internet.
Saving the previous device settings
When upgrading, all user settings are canceled, and the default factory values \u200b\u200bare set instead, so if you have any special wishes for the operation of the device, you will have to do additional fine tuning of the system. However, there is a way that will save your settings for future use:
I rarely save files in the default locations that the system offers. To store service files, I always use a separately created folder, in which I regularly clean up and delete unnecessary files. In addition, I try to give the files such names that will allow me to easily remember their content and purpose of creation in a year.
Restore previous settings
After updating the firmware to restore the previously saved settings, you must:
- Enter the settings management page as we did earlier.
- In the menu, select the item "System Tools - Backup & Restore" (System Tools - Backup & Restore).
- A form for selecting a previously saved file with settings will open on the right side of the screen. In the line "Configuration File" click the "Browse" button.
Start restoring settings from a file by clicking the Restore button
- Confirm the start of the restore settings by clicking OK.
By pressing the OK button, confirm your consent to restore the settings from the file
After the process of restoring the settings is completed, the router will automatically reboot and all the previous settings (type of connection, login and password for access to Wi-Fi) will become valid again, but already in the router with the updated software.
Video: how to flash a Wi-Fi router
The firmware of the router is a simple procedure that, given the instructions, even a user with minimal experience of interacting with computer equipment can handle. At the same time, regular flashing will allow the router to work as quickly and efficiently as possible, and the user will be saved from unpleasant surprises with the suddenly disappeared Internet.
Updating the firmware of any computer / network device is an important parameter in the stable operation of the entire system. Since, thanks to updates, it is possible to correct errors in the code, thereby ensuring more stable operation of the device, closing security holes and sometimes adding new functions to the device. That is why, when buying a device, the first thing I recommend is to update the firmware. In this article, I will describe step by step the process of updating the firmware of the TP-Link WR841N router.
After that, we connect the network cable to any of the 4 ports (except WAN), the other end of the cable to the computer / laptop. We turn on the power to the router.
Important!!! You should not update the router's firmware by connecting to the WEB interface via Wi-Fi.
We launch the browser (you can use any browser IE, Mazzila, Opera, Chrome ...) in the address bar, enter 192.168.0.1 and press "Enter".
A login and password entry window will appear to connect to TP-Link WR841N. Enter your login admin, password- admin(login and password used by default).
By connecting to the web interface of the router in the window States you will see the firmware version that is installed, you also need to see the hardware version.
The next step is to go to tP-Link official website , we find the version of the equipment that is used in your router and click " Firmware".
A window will open with available firmware versions, select the latest firmware and download it to your computer. Since the file you downloaded is an archive, it must be unzipped.
After that, go to the tab with the TP-Link WR841N web interface, on the right in the menu, select "System Tools" - "Firmware Update".
By pressing the button "Overview"specify the path where we have the downloaded file with the latest firmware (unzipped folder). Push the button "Refresh".
A window will appear asking you to confirm the firmware update for TP-Link WR841N, click "OK".
The router firmware update process will take a few minutes. At this time, in no case should you turn off the router from the power supply, as this can take it out of the working state.
At the end of the process, you will see the latest firmware installed in the Firmware version line.
Now you can start setting up the Internet and Wi-Fi, since the TP-Link WR841N web interface has a button " Quick setup"- it makes it easier to configure the router, the whole process will take no more than 2 minutes. In the router menu, select" Quick setup"and click "Further".
Then, depending on your provider, select the required connection type. If you do not know the type of connection, you can select Auto detection, if your type of connection requires entering a username and password, prepare a provider agreement and find the required username and password there.
The next step after setting up the internet is setting up Wi-Fi. The table lists the main Wi-Fi parameters and their recommended parameters.
| Parameter | Recommended setting | Explanation |
| Wireless broadcast | turn it on (you can turn it off using the switch on the back of the router) | Setting allows you to turn on Wi-Fi |
| Wireless network name | website | Your Wi-Fi network name |
| Region | Russia | Region where TP-Link WR841N will be used |
| Mode | 11 bgn | IEEE 802.11 is a set of communication standards for communication in the wireless LAN area of \u200b\u200bthe frequency bands 0.9, 2.4, 3.6, and 5 GHz. |
| Channel width | Auto | The channel width setting allows you to control the amount of bandwidth available for data transmission. |
| Channel | Auto | This setting controls the channel used by the Wi-Fi router to communicate. Auto selects the most suitable channel automatically. You can also manually select a channel. |
| Maximum transfer rate | 300 Mb / s | Determines the maximum speed of Wi-Fi |
| Wireless Security | WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK (specifying a complex password containing letters, capital characters and special characters [email protected]#$/...) | The security setting controls the types of authentication and encryption used by the Wi-Fi router. This setting allows you to control access to the wireless network, as well as specify the required level of confidentiality of data transmitted over the wireless network. |
