Asus RT-N16

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ASUS RT-N16 :

Image:Rt_n16_209.jpg

Specs :

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 :

RT-N16 REQUIRES the K26 Firemware build per the Broadcom Announcment and is found here: FTP

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 initial firmware located here : dd-wrt.v24-14929_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_RT-N16.trx. Details of the build variations are found here

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.

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 [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

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. Download and flash the full featured Firmware (here the mega build) Note: DDNS will not work with Build 16994 Mega Build. [2]. 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 15778 which is what the link above points to. Read the peacock announcement at the commencement of the broadcom forum. This will give you a link to getting build 14929 will allow you to use loopback again. As of this date ??/??/???? 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 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

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

Links :