Asus RT-N16

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=Installation Instructions= =Installation Instructions=
-==How to Install==+==Out-of-the-box factory firmware upgrade==
-RT-N16 REQUIRES the K26 Firemware build per [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=52043 the Broadcom Announcment] and is [ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2010/08-12-10-r14929/broadcom_K26/ found here: FTP]+The RT-N16 '''REQUIRES''' the K26 Firemware build per [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=52043 the Broadcom Announcment]. Details of the build variations are [http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/What_is_DD-WRT%3F#Which_V24_build_do_I_flash_onto_my_router found here]
-1. Do a factory reset in the Asus GUI. Let the router reboot. Disconnect all cables (WAN, USB, etc.) and plug the Ethernet cable from your PC into the LAN1 port on the router.+#Do a factory reset in the Asus GUI. Let the router reboot. Disconnect all cables (WAN, USB, etc.) and plug the Ethernet cable from your PC into the LAN1 port on the router.
 +#Download the current firmware located here :
 +#* Stable Build: [ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2010/08-12-10-r14929/broadcom_K26/dd-wrt.v24-14929_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N16.trx dd-wrt.v24-14929_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N16.trx]
 +#* Current Build: [ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2011/12-20-11-r18024/broadcom_K26/dd-wrt.v24-18024_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N16.trx dd-wrt.v24-18024_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N16.trx]
 +#Connect to the DIR-632 using an Ethernet cable.
 +#Flashing the new rom to the router
 +## Using Internet Explorer (IMPORTANT: NOT FIREFOX), Flash the downloaded firmware file through the router's GUI at http://192.168.1.1/. This process takes about 60 seconds. Asus factory default username/password is admin/admin.
 +##ALTERNATE - I was unable to get the initial firmware flashed on a stock router containing the latest RTN-16 firmware. Alternatively you can use the ASUS Firmware Restoration Utility (included on router CD or downloadable from [http://www.thesystemownsyou.com/mirror/UT_RT_N16_4090.zip]) to flash the initial firmware. If you've already set a static IP on your computer, you need to set it back to accept DHCP assignment for the utility to work. Install the application, load up the initial firmware, then unplug the router, and replug it in with the black RESTORE button depressed. The power light should now be blinking slowly, meaning the router is in restore mode and ready for the new firmware. Upload and wait for router reset. This was the only method that allowed me overwrite stock firmware. Follow remainder of instructions normally. -ApatheticNow
 +##ALTERNATE 2 - It seems to be not uncommon for the RESTORE process for uploading mini DD-WRT to fail part way through. Additionally, the router may refuse to go into RESTORE mode afterward leading you to not be sure what to do. If you'd like to try RESTORE again, you can unplug the router, press the WPS button while plugging it back in, then wait a few seconds. Unplug the router and it should then be able to get into RESTORE mode normally. Instead of using RESTORE mode to load DD-WRT mini, you can use the RECOVERY upload method that is outlined in the "Other - Recovery Mode" section below.
 +#After the reboot from flashing, wait for the device to show the password change screen for DD-WRT. Enter '''root''' as the user and anything for the password as you will do the user/pass procedure again after the final flash.
 +#Do a Factory Reset to clear the NVRAM. This is located under Administration -> Factory Defaults in the DD-WRT Web-GUI, or open up a telnet session to your router and type '''erase nvram''' followed by the command '''reboot''' (This is the preferred method). You will be presented with the password change screen again after this step is complete.
 +#Do not skip this step! This procedure should be done BEFORE and AFTER every firmware upgrade/downgrade. Do a [http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Hard_reset_or_30/30/30 30-30-30 reset] on the router using the red WPS button on the rear of the unit. The following procedure will clear out the NVRAM and set dd-wrt back to default values:
 +#*With the unit powered on, press and hold the WPS button on back of unit for 30 seconds
 +#*Without releasing the WPS button, unplug the unit and hold reset for another 30 seconds
 +#* Plug the unit back in STILL holding the WPS button a final 30 seconds
 +#Reward yourself for reading and following these instructions with a cold beverage of your choice. Enjoy DD-WRT on the RT-N16 ! Also, please think about donating to DD-WRT as we are an open-source community and charge nothing to turn sub $100 consumer routers into $600 -$1000 commercial grade routers.
 +#Consider OTRW to add useful services such as pixelserv and stophammer. Asterisk with Gtalk has been known to be successful installed.
-2. Download the initial firmware located here : [ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2010/08-12-10-r14929/broadcom_K26/dd-wrt.v24-14929_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N16.trx dd-wrt.v24-14929_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N16.trx]. Details of the build variations are [http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/What_is_DD-WRT%3F#Which_V24_build_do_I_flash_onto_my_router found here]+NOTES:
- +*IF you require more features than are in the firmware you flashed in step 3, download and flash the full featured Firmware (here the mega build) [ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2011/12-20-11-r18024/broadcom_K26/dd-wrt.v24-18024_NEWD-2_K2.6_mega.bin dd-wrt.v24-18024_NEWD-2_K2.6_mega.bin]. After upgrading to this firmware make sure to reset to the default setting:
-3a. Using Internet Explorer (IMPORTANT: NOT FIREFOX), Flash the downloaded firmware file through the router's GUI at http://192.168.1.1/. This process takes about 60 seconds. Asus factory default username/password is admin/admin.+**in the Firmware Upgrade Tab where it says "After flashing, reset to"
- +**choose "Reset to Default settings".
-3b. ALTERNATE - I was unable to get the initial firmware flashed on a stock router containing the latest RTN-16 firmware. Alternatively you can use the ASUS Firmware Restoration Utility (included on router CD or downloadable from [http://www.thesystemownsyou.com/mirror/UT_RT_N16_4090.zip]) to flash the initial firmware. If you've already set a static IP on your computer, you need to set it back to accept DHCP assignment for the utility to work. Install the application, load up the initial firmware, then unplug the router, and replug it in with the black RESTORE button depressed. The power light should now be blinking slowly, meaning the router is in restore mode and ready for the new firmware. Upload and wait for router reset. This was the only method that allowed me overwrite stock firmware. Follow remainder of instructions normally. -ApatheticNow+*loopback does not work using any build above 15778 including the mega svn linked above. Read the peacock announcement at the commencement of the broadcom forum. If loopback is needed flash the 14929 build. There is a link in the peacock announcement to the 14929 build which will allow you to use loopback again. Note the Asus RT-N16 needs a K26 build! Build 14929 is the currently recommended broadcom build.'''
- +*For the final flash (Upgrade), it is wise to walk away for ~5 minutes while the Mega Firmware is flashing. This ensures all NVRAM variables are successfully loaded by the Kernel before the user configures.
-3c. ALTERNATE 2 - It seems to be not uncommon for the RESTORE process for uploading mini DD-WRT to fail part way through. Additionally, the router may refuse to go into RESTORE mode afterward leading you to not be sure what to do. If you'd like to try RESTORE again, you can unplug the router, press the WPS button while plugging it back in, then wait a few seconds. Unplug the router and it should then be able to get into RESTORE mode normally. Instead of using RESTORE mode to load DD-WRT mini, you can use the RECOVERY upload method that is outlined in the "Other - Recovery Mode" section below.+
- +
-4. After the reboot from flashing, wait for the device to show the password change screen for DD-WRT. Enter '''root''' as the user and anything for the password as you will do the user/pass procedure again after the final flash.+
- +
-5. Do a Factory Reset to clear the NVRAM. This is located under Administration -> Factory Defaults in the DD-WRT Web-GUI, or open up a telnet session to your router and type '''erase nvram''' followed by the command '''reboot''' (This is the preferred method). You will be presented with the password change screen again after this step is complete.+
- +
-6. IF you require more features than are in the firmware you flashed in step 3, download and flash the full featured Firmware (here the mega build) [ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2011/12-12-11-r18000/broadcom_K26/dd-wrt.v24-18000_NEWD-2_K2.6_mega.bin]. To flash: under Administration -> Firmware Upgrade. NOTE : in the Firmware Upgrade Tab where it says "After flashing, reset to" choose "Reset to Default settings".+
- +
-NOTE: loopback does not work using any build above 15778 including the mega svn linked above. Read the peacock announcement at the commencement of the broadcom forum. If loopback is needed flash the 14929 build. There is a link in the peacock announcement to the 14929 build which will allow you to use loopback again. Note the Asus RT-N16 needs a K26 build! Build 14929 is the currently recommended broadcom build.'''+
-NOTE2: For the final flash (Upgrade), it is wise to walk away for ~5 minutes while the Mega Firmware is flashing. This ensures all NVRAM variables are successfully loaded by the Kernel before the user configures. +
- +
-7. Do not skip this step! Do a [http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Hard_reset_or_30/30/30 30-30-30 reset] on the router using the red WPS button on the rear of the unit. The following procedure will clear out the NVRAM and set dd-wrt back to default values:+
- +
-* With the unit powered on, press and hold the WPS button on back of unit for 30 seconds+
-* Without releasing the WPS button, unplug the unit and hold reset for another 30 seconds+
-* Plug the unit back in STILL holding the WPS button a final 30 seconds+
- +
-This procedure should be done BEFORE and AFTER every firmware upgrade/downgrade.+
- +
-8. Reward yourself for reading and following these instructions with a cold beverage of your choice. Enjoy DD-WRT on the RT-N16 ! Also, please think about donating to DD-WRT as we are an open-source community and charge nothing to turn sub $100 consumer routers into $600 -$1000 commercial grade routers.+
- +
-9. Consider OTRW to add useful services such as pixelserv and stophammer. Asterisk with Gtalk has been known to be successful installed.+
== Uninstallation : - If you ever choose to do so == == Uninstallation : - If you ever choose to do so ==

Revision as of 11:58, 7 January 2012

Contents

Hardware

Asus RT-N16 offers a good throughput performance but cannot cope with the stress test. The route is equipped with 128MB RAM and 480 MHz CPU and can support different third party operating systems and we also have to say that it performs better in running DD-WRT which is one of the well known open source firmware options based on Linux. If you are not bothered about using a third party firmware, then for the $100, the router offers lot features that you might expect. On the other hand, if you are looking for establishing a wireless network easily without any hard work then it is better to go with one of the single band Wireless N Gigabit router.

Specifications

Stock Power Supply = 12V - 1,25A max (**)

Ethernet Ports = WAN x 1 RJ-45 for 10/100/1000 Base T, LAN x 4 RJ-45 for 10/100/1000 Base T

Antennas = 3 x external detachable antennas

USB ports = USB2.0 x 2

WiFi Operating Frequency = 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz

802.11n Draft = up to 300Mbps

802.11g = 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps

802.11b = 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps

Unit RAM = 128 MB (2x 64MB - Samsung K4N511163QZ-HC25 or 2x 64MB - Samsung K4T51163QG-HCE6)

Unit Flash = 32 MB (MACRONIX MX29GL256EHTI2I-90Q)

Unit CPU = Broadcom4718A, 533 MHz (Factory clocked to 480MHz)

Unit Switch Chip = Broadcom BCM53115SKFBG

Color of LEDs = Blue

root@myrouter:~# cat /proc/cpuinfo

system type  : Broadcom BCM4716 chip rev 1 processor  : 0 cpu model  : MIPS 74K V4.0 BogoMIPS  : 239.20 wait instruction  : no microsecond timers  : yes tlb_entries  : 64 extra interrupt vector  : no hardware watchpoint  : yes ASEs implemented  : mips16 dsp shadow register sets  : 1 VCED exceptions  : not available VCEI exceptions  : not available

dcache hits  : 2147483648 dcache misses  : 3719954431 icache hits  : 2147483648 icache misses  : 1051981515 instructions  : 2147483648

Installation Instructions

Out-of-the-box factory firmware upgrade

The RT-N16 REQUIRES the K26 Firemware build per the Broadcom Announcment. Details of the build variations are found here

  1. Do a factory reset in the Asus GUI. Let the router reboot. Disconnect all cables (WAN, USB, etc.) and plug the Ethernet cable from your PC into the LAN1 port on the router.
  2. Download the current firmware located here :
  3. Connect to the DIR-632 using an Ethernet cable.
  4. Flashing the new rom to the router
    1. Using Internet Explorer (IMPORTANT: NOT FIREFOX), Flash the downloaded firmware file through the router's GUI at http://192.168.1.1/. This process takes about 60 seconds. Asus factory default username/password is admin/admin.
    2. ALTERNATE - I was unable to get the initial firmware flashed on a stock router containing the latest RTN-16 firmware. Alternatively you can use the ASUS Firmware Restoration Utility (included on router CD or downloadable from [1]) to flash the initial firmware. If you've already set a static IP on your computer, you need to set it back to accept DHCP assignment for the utility to work. Install the application, load up the initial firmware, then unplug the router, and replug it in with the black RESTORE button depressed. The power light should now be blinking slowly, meaning the router is in restore mode and ready for the new firmware. Upload and wait for router reset. This was the only method that allowed me overwrite stock firmware. Follow remainder of instructions normally. -ApatheticNow
    3. ALTERNATE 2 - It seems to be not uncommon for the RESTORE process for uploading mini DD-WRT to fail part way through. Additionally, the router may refuse to go into RESTORE mode afterward leading you to not be sure what to do. If you'd like to try RESTORE again, you can unplug the router, press the WPS button while plugging it back in, then wait a few seconds. Unplug the router and it should then be able to get into RESTORE mode normally. Instead of using RESTORE mode to load DD-WRT mini, you can use the RECOVERY upload method that is outlined in the "Other - Recovery Mode" section below.
  5. After the reboot from flashing, wait for the device to show the password change screen for DD-WRT. Enter root as the user and anything for the password as you will do the user/pass procedure again after the final flash.
  6. Do a Factory Reset to clear the NVRAM. This is located under Administration -> Factory Defaults in the DD-WRT Web-GUI, or open up a telnet session to your router and type erase nvram followed by the command reboot (This is the preferred method). You will be presented with the password change screen again after this step is complete.
  7. Do not skip this step! This procedure should be done BEFORE and AFTER every firmware upgrade/downgrade. Do a 30-30-30 reset on the router using the red WPS button on the rear of the unit. The following procedure will clear out the NVRAM and set dd-wrt back to default values:
    • With the unit powered on, press and hold the WPS button on back of unit for 30 seconds
    • Without releasing the WPS button, unplug the unit and hold reset for another 30 seconds
    • Plug the unit back in STILL holding the WPS button a final 30 seconds
  8. Reward yourself for reading and following these instructions with a cold beverage of your choice. Enjoy DD-WRT on the RT-N16 ! Also, please think about donating to DD-WRT as we are an open-source community and charge nothing to turn sub $100 consumer routers into $600 -$1000 commercial grade routers.
  9. Consider OTRW to add useful services such as pixelserv and stophammer. Asterisk with Gtalk has been known to be successful installed.

NOTES:

  • IF you require more features than are in the firmware you flashed in step 3, download and flash the full featured Firmware (here the mega build) dd-wrt.v24-18024_NEWD-2_K2.6_mega.bin. After upgrading to this firmware make sure to reset to the default setting:
    • in the Firmware Upgrade Tab where it says "After flashing, reset to"
    • choose "Reset to Default settings".
  • loopback does not work using any build above 15778 including the mega svn linked above. Read the peacock announcement at the commencement of the broadcom forum. If loopback is needed flash the 14929 build. There is a link in the peacock announcement to the 14929 build which will allow you to use loopback again. Note the Asus RT-N16 needs a K26 build! Build 14929 is the currently recommended broadcom build.
  • For the final flash (Upgrade), it is wise to walk away for ~5 minutes while the Mega Firmware is flashing. This ensures all NVRAM variables are successfully loaded by the Kernel before the user configures.

Uninstallation : - If you ever choose to do so

1. Download the latest ASUS firmware from Asus's site. Go to ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-N16 with a client FTP.

2. Rename the asus file from .trx to .bin

3. Go into the DD-WRT firmware upgrade page, set it to reset defaults, and select the ASUS firmware you renamed.

4. After the flash finishes, and you see the ASUS GUI, do a Factory Reset to clear the NVRAM.

5. Try to enjoy ASUS's firmware, and keep missing DD-WRT. (you can just flash back to dd-wrt if you ever want)

Current Known Issues and Bugs

  • UPNP is currently not working for the RT-N16, so for now leave the feature disabled unless you want a full CPU Load. FIXED with SVN trac Changeset #13527
  • Access Restriction with MAC-Filter doesn't work on Asus RT-N16. FIXED trac Ticket #1319 (as of 12/18/09)
  • On this router reset button will only bring you to recovery mode. If you wish to restore defaults, use Red WPS button while plugging power in. Post By Eko

Other

Overclocking

By factory default the cpu is clocked at 480 MHz and the Ram at 240 MHz. Overclocking at CPU 532 MHz / Ram 266 MHz can be achieved with these commands in a Telnet/SSH session :

nvram set clkfreq=532,266
nvram commit
reboot

Note : some users have had overheating issues, so adding a fan may be a good idea if you want to try the overclocking.

More informations here with pictures to prevent overheating issues with heat sinks :

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=69261 and

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=70202 or

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=442803 again

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=73175&highlight=rtn16

Note : other instability issues may also arise from overclocking. Overclocking is NOT a good idea.
Note : See also Overclocking BCM 47xx CPU's for more info.

Recovery Mode

This router does have a recovery mode if ever needed for flashing, and to access it, press the WPA button (not the reset button like other ASUS), then plug in power, and tftp the firmware you want to flash. Don't forget to do a Factory Reset in the GUI before and after every flash to make sure you don't have any nvram problems or conflicts. On this router reset button only resets the nvram partition. If you wish to use tftp to restore defaults, use wps button while plugging power in.

If you have bricked your Asus RT-N16

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=388920#388920

Special thanks to Eko for making this possible !

See also :

(**) Note : A higher amperage about the power supply (adapter) for the Asus RT-N16 is possible. Please take a look at this : http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=77149

Support