Asus RT-N66U
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{{Languages|Asus RT-N66U}} | {{Languages|Asus RT-N66U}} | ||
[[Image:ASUS RT-N66U.jpg | right | 360px]] | [[Image:ASUS RT-N66U.jpg | right | 360px]] | ||
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- | =Preliminary= | ||
- | This 'Dark Night' is a very powerful piece of equipment and the NVRAM issue has been resolved, however, it presents significant risk (bricking) that requires careful adherence to the installation process. | ||
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- | Note on 26-Jan-2013: Until someone updates this page (with CFE update etc.), you may want to read here: http://charleswilkinson.co.uk/2012/12/22/dd-wrt-on-the-asus-rt-n66u-with-64k-cfe/ | ||
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- | ====NVRAM issue==== | ||
- | 22-February-2016. Stay away from K2.6 builds for this router. Chances are you don't have one with the original bootloader and even if you do, the K3.x-big-RT-N66U.trx build will work on the router regardless of bootloader. | ||
- | Use the builds in the ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2016/02-19-2016-r29134/broadcom_K3X/ folder | ||
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- | 15-May-2015 The command: [https://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Asus_T-Mobile_Cellspot#Procedure nvram get bl_version] can be issued to determine the CFE version if you have TELNET or SSH access. The Cellspot wiki contains links to many tools and articles to change the CFE. '''Please consider posting a link to a 64K CFE for future users if you have the knowledge \ resource to do so and delete this statement. | ||
- | ''' | ||
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- | 25-May-2013: Since BrainSlayer posted some experimental K3.X Images, the NVRAM Issue becomes almost obsolete. Please have a look at the [http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php?title=Asus_RT-N66U#Installation_Instructions Installation Instructions] for further instructions. | ||
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- | 9-Apr-2013: It seems more recently manufactured units come pre-loaded with the 64K v1.0.1.3 CFE and so are not compatible with standard DD-WRT builds. Flashing a standard DD-WRT build on these devices will result in a brick. If you don't know which CFE version your unit has when running the stock firmware,anyone wishing to flash DD-WRT on this device is advised to follow this guide: http://charleswilkinson.co.uk/2012/12/22/dd-wrt-on-the-asus-rt-n66u-with-64k-cfe/ | ||
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- | 1-Nov-2012: Fractal has indicated that the NVRAM is resolved and that 5Ghz is working. | ||
- | [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86437&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=otrw+light&start=1022] | ||
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- | 30-Oct-2012: [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=163479&start=217 RT-N66 CFE Thread] Link to discussion implementing 64K: not sure that this is ready for prime time yet, however, if you try this and feel it is ready, UPDATE THIS STATEMENT and publish the procedure, limitations, and results. | ||
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- | === DD-WRT Alternatives === | ||
- | As of this writing (June 30, 2012) user Merlin has implemented a solution, that lives with 32k NVRAM for CFE, but extends to ~60k NVRAM in firmware. | ||
- | * download: http://www.mediafire.com/asuswrt-merlin/ | ||
- | * source code: https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin/ | ||
- | * home page: http://www.lostrealm.ca/tower/node/79 | ||
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- | As of July 16, 2012, TomatoUSB, Shibby http://tomato.groov.pl/download/K26RT-N/build5x-097-EN/Asus%20RT-N66u%2064k/ also has implemented a 64k NVRAM solution that lives with 32K NVRAM for CFE | ||
=Hardware= | =Hardware= | ||
- | + | This 'Dark Night' presents significant risk (bricking) that requires careful adherence to the installation process. The NVRAM issue has been resolved, however, knowing what builds can be used must be understood well. | |
- | + | ||
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- | == | + | ==Specifications== |
* Dual Band Router - 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands | * Dual Band Router - 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands | ||
* Wireless controller [http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s474934 Broadcom BCM4331] | * Wireless controller [http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s474934 Broadcom BCM4331] | ||
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* Built-in Micro SDHC socket | * Built-in Micro SDHC socket | ||
* Power supply: DC Output, 19 V, max. 1.58 A current (=> max 30W) | * Power supply: DC Output, 19 V, max. 1.58 A current (=> max 30W) | ||
+ | * Serial header: 8, n, 1, no flow control, 115200. | ||
- | == | + | ====Reset button for Recovery==== |
- | + | Pressing the Reset button at powerup will put the N66U into recovery mode. | |
- | + | *Press and hold the reset button while plugging in the power, and keep pressing the reset button for about ten seconds until the power led is blinking slowly, then release the reset button. The router is now in recovery mode: go to 192.168.1.1. | |
- | + | ====WPS button to Clear NVRAM==== | |
+ | Pressing the Red WPS button at powerup will reset (clear NVRAM) to default settings. | ||
+ | *Press and hold the WPS button while plugging in the power, and keep pressing the WPS button for about ten seconds, then release the WPS button. All settings have now been wiped, and default settings will be used. | ||
- | ''' | + | ===NVRAM issue=== |
- | + | '''<font color="red">IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE K2.6 builds</font> if using CFE v1.0.1.3 (64K nvram) or NEWER!!!'''<br> | |
+ | At launch, the RT-N66U was limited to 32k nvram. However, CFE (bootloader) version 1.0.1.3 added 64k nvram support around April 2013, but was not compatible with DD-WRT firmware at that time. For details, see these forum links to historical nvram and 64K implemention discussions: [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86437&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=otrw+light&start=1022 Fractal comments] and [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=163479&start=217 "RT-N66 CFE Thread"] | ||
- | + | This was resolved with DD-WRT K3X builds (kernel 3.x) which extended nvram to 64k, and can be used for any CFE version. It was eventually [https://www.dd-wrt.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1112621#1112621 extended to 256k].<br> | |
+ | More historical info: http://charleswilkinson.co.uk/2012/12/22/dd-wrt-on-the-asus-rt-n66u-with-64k-cfe/<br> | ||
+ | '''For newer CFE version updates''' and procedures see here: [https://www.snbforums.com/threads/cfe-bootloader-update.8259/ SNB Forums]<br> | ||
- | = | + | ====CFE Version (or Update)==== |
+ | [[Asus_RT-N66U#DD-WRT_Alternatives|AsusWRT-Merlin]] can be installed to enable telnet and check the CFE version, and still be flashed directly to DD. | ||
+ | *In nvram: nvram get bl_version | ||
+ | *CFE partition: strings /dev/mtd0ro | grep bl_ver | ||
- | ===K3.X Builds=== | + | ====K3.X Builds==== |
*'''Read the New Build threads on the forums''', such as [https://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=311722 '''this''']. | *'''Read the New Build threads on the forums''', such as [https://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=311722 '''this''']. | ||
*Find new builds in the ''Broadcom_K3X'' build folder. | *Find new builds in the ''Broadcom_K3X'' build folder. | ||
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*#[ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2015/02-04-2015-r26138/broadcom_K3X/dd-wrt.v24-26138_NEWD-2_K3.x_mega_RT-N66U.trx Mega] | *#[ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2015/02-04-2015-r26138/broadcom_K3X/dd-wrt.v24-26138_NEWD-2_K3.x_mega_RT-N66U.trx Mega] | ||
- | ''' | + | ====K2.6 Builds==== |
- | + | '''<font color="red">IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE K2.6 builds</font> if using CFE v1.0.1.3 (64K nvram) or NEWER''', plus USB does not work in K2.6 builds. Any attempt to use a USB device will cause a kernel panic (see this [http://svn.dd-wrt.com/ticket/2580 SVN ticket]. For USB, use a K3.x build, which also works around the NVRAM issues. | |
- | '''25-May-2013''': | + | ==== DD-WRT Alternatives ==== |
- | + | User Merlin implemented a solution in mid-2012 to extend the original 32k NVRAM CFE to ~60k NVRAM in firmware. | |
+ | *Homepage: https://asuswrt.lostrealm.ca/ | ||
+ | *Download: https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuswrt-merlin/files/ | ||
+ | *Source code: https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin/ | ||
+ | TomatoUSB [http://tomato.groov.pl/ Shibby] also implemented a 64k NVRAM solution for 32K NVRAM CFE in 2012. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Historical Build Information==== | ||
+ | *'''25-May-2013''': With the new experimental [ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2013/05-27-2013-r21676/broadcom_K3X-EXPERIMENTAL/ K3.X Broadcom builds], the CFE version is irrelevant. DD-WRT detects it automatically to extend 32KB NVRAM to 64KB. ''Which Image you have to flash, depends on your previous Image (Stock, Merlin, DD-WRT K2.6).'' | ||
* For DD-WRT K2.6: It depends how much NVRAM ( 32KB / 64KB ) you currently have.<br>For 32KB, flash [ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2015/02-04-2015-r26138/broadcom_K3X/dd-wrt.v24-26138_NEWD-2_K3.x_mega_RT-N66U.trx 26138 mega]. | * For DD-WRT K2.6: It depends how much NVRAM ( 32KB / 64KB ) you currently have.<br>For 32KB, flash [ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2015/02-04-2015-r26138/broadcom_K3X/dd-wrt.v24-26138_NEWD-2_K3.x_mega_RT-N66U.trx 26138 mega]. | ||
- | * If you are already on a custom 64K Build like Fractal or Kong with CFE 1.0.1.3, you need to flash [ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2015/02-04-2015-r26138/broadcom_K3X/dd-wrt.v24-26138_NEWD-2_K3.x_mega-nv64k.bin 26138 mega nv64k]. Since K2.6 Builds have an embedded check, you need to use those special nvXXk trailed images. On K3.X this check has been removed and you can simply upgrade from a previous K3.X | + | * If you are already on a custom 64K Build like Fractal or Kong with CFE 1.0.1.3, you need to flash [ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2015/02-04-2015-r26138/broadcom_K3X/dd-wrt.v24-26138_NEWD-2_K3.x_mega-nv64k.bin 26138 mega nv64k]. Since K2.6 Builds have an embedded check, you need to use those special nvXXk trailed images. On K3.X this check has been removed and you can simply upgrade from a previous K3.X. |
+ | *'''8-Mar-2015: [http://www.desipro.de/ddwrt-ren/K26/r22000++/kingkong-nv64k-RT-N66U-broadcom.trx Kong 22000++] is a good (recommended) build for the RT-N66U with 64K CFE'''<br>with fix for the serious [http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/content/heartbleed-dd-wrtdd-wrt-online-services Heartbleed vulnerability]. | ||
+ | *'''9-Apr-2013:''' It seems more recently manufactured units come pre-loaded with the 64K v1.0.1.3 CFE and so are not compatible with standard DD-WRT builds. Flashing a K2.6 DD-WRT build on these devices will result in a brick. | ||
+ | *'''26-Jan-2013:''' Current versions of DD-WRT can quickly run out of 32k nvram. | ||
+ | *Build 18946 fixes the WAN port issue. | ||
- | = | + | =Installation Instructions= |
- | + | For recommended builds, read the [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486 Peacock Announcement], New Build, and model-specific threads. | |
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===Principle steps=== | ===Principle steps=== | ||
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* Reset to Factory Default Settings or clear NVRAM | * Reset to Factory Default Settings or clear NVRAM | ||
- | = Install an internal MicroSD card= | + | =Install an internal MicroSD card= |
- | + | Important note:''' USB (and thus MMC) is not supported on K2.6 builds - it causes a kernel panic. However it is working on K3.x builds. See [http://svn.dd-wrt.com/ticket/2580 SVN ticket] | |
- | USB (and | + | |
#Open the case | #Open the case | ||
#* Unscrew the four screws at the bottom | #* Unscrew the four screws at the bottom | ||
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In addition to the NAS features of DD-WRT, you can use the extra space to install Optware or [[Adding_Software_Packages_using_Entware-3X|Entware-3X (recommended over Optware)]]. | In addition to the NAS features of DD-WRT, you can use the extra space to install Optware or [[Adding_Software_Packages_using_Entware-3X|Entware-3X (recommended over Optware)]]. | ||
- | + | Without MMC on K2.6 builds, Optware can't be installed. Use K3.x builds: [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=156013 OTRW Take 2] | |
=Performance= | =Performance= | ||
- | This router is in the GigaBit Routing class, meaning it can route at quite a bit higher speeds than a 100mpbs internet connection can handle. | ||
- | |||
<pre> | <pre> | ||
Test Description RT-N66U | Test Description RT-N66U | ||
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Maximum Simultaneous Connections 34,925 | Maximum Simultaneous Connections 34,925 | ||
Firmware Version 3.1.0.3.90 (stock firmware number) | Firmware Version 3.1.0.3.90 (stock firmware number) | ||
- | </pre> | + | </pre> |
+ | [http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/31687-asus-rt-n66u-dark-knight-dual-band-wireless-n900-gigabit-router-reviewed?start=2 Sources] and [http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/lanwan-howto/31103-how-we-test-hardware-routers-revision-3 testing methods] | ||
- | + | ===Overclocking=== | |
- | Overclocking | + | Overclocking works since CFE 1.0.1.3, while underclocking worked prior to that. Overclocking may cause instability, or services (like QoS) to behave unpredictably |
- | + | *Recommended to improve cooling or ventilation when overclocking | |
- | + | *One report of QoS degradation at 632Mhz with K3.X big r27360 (06/18/15) | |
=Links and Notes = | =Links and Notes = | ||
Primary forum threads | Primary forum threads | ||
- | * [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86437&start=1155 Forum: RT-N66U General Discussion] | ||
- | * [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=163479&start=451 Forum: RT-N66 CFE Thread] – Information specifically about upgrading to the 64k CFE. | ||
* [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=171783 One User's Guide] - A users guide for flashing Rt-N66u | * [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=171783 One User's Guide] - A users guide for flashing Rt-N66u | ||
+ | * Possible ways to update CFE (once a 32k+ CFE is released for this router), see [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86437&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=496 LOM post] | ||
+ | *[[Linking_Routers| Linking Routers]] to cover a bigger area with WiFi | ||
+ | *Wireless tweaking: [[Basic_Wireless_Settings|Basic Wireless Settings]] and [[Advanced_wireless_settings|Advanced Wireless Settings]] | ||
+ | *External antennas: [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43810 The CATFISH thread] | ||
Additional forum threads | Additional forum threads | ||
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* [http://service.asus.com/demoui/RT-N66U/EN/index.html Asus Stock UI demo] | * [http://service.asus.com/demoui/RT-N66U/EN/index.html Asus Stock UI demo] | ||
- | + | ==More Links== | |
- | + | *[https://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Index:FAQ Frequently Asked Questions] | |
- | + | *[http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486 Peacock Announcement]: '''Required reading''' for DD-WRT on Broadcom routers! | |
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- | == | + | |
- | * [https://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Index:FAQ Frequently Asked Questions] | + | |
- | * [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486 Peacock | + | |
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[[Category:Asus guides]] | [[Category:Asus guides]] |
Revision as of 00:01, 23 January 2018
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Contents |
Hardware
This 'Dark Night' presents significant risk (bricking) that requires careful adherence to the installation process. The NVRAM issue has been resolved, however, knowing what builds can be used must be understood well.
Specifications
- Dual Band Router - 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
- Wireless controller Broadcom BCM4331
- MIMO 3x3 on both frequencies (see Forum, BrainSlayer)
- Gigabit LAN and WAN switching
- 2x USB 2.0 connectors
- CPU Broadcom 4706 @ 600MHz
- 256MB RAM
- 32MB FlashRAM
- Built-in Micro SDHC socket
- Power supply: DC Output, 19 V, max. 1.58 A current (=> max 30W)
- Serial header: 8, n, 1, no flow control, 115200.
Reset button for Recovery
Pressing the Reset button at powerup will put the N66U into recovery mode.
- Press and hold the reset button while plugging in the power, and keep pressing the reset button for about ten seconds until the power led is blinking slowly, then release the reset button. The router is now in recovery mode: go to 192.168.1.1.
WPS button to Clear NVRAM
Pressing the Red WPS button at powerup will reset (clear NVRAM) to default settings.
- Press and hold the WPS button while plugging in the power, and keep pressing the WPS button for about ten seconds, then release the WPS button. All settings have now been wiped, and default settings will be used.
NVRAM issue
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE K2.6 builds if using CFE v1.0.1.3 (64K nvram) or NEWER!!!
At launch, the RT-N66U was limited to 32k nvram. However, CFE (bootloader) version 1.0.1.3 added 64k nvram support around April 2013, but was not compatible with DD-WRT firmware at that time. For details, see these forum links to historical nvram and 64K implemention discussions: Fractal comments and "RT-N66 CFE Thread"
This was resolved with DD-WRT K3X builds (kernel 3.x) which extended nvram to 64k, and can be used for any CFE version. It was eventually extended to 256k.
More historical info: http://charleswilkinson.co.uk/2012/12/22/dd-wrt-on-the-asus-rt-n66u-with-64k-cfe/
For newer CFE version updates and procedures see here: SNB Forums
CFE Version (or Update)
AsusWRT-Merlin can be installed to enable telnet and check the CFE version, and still be flashed directly to DD.
- In nvram: nvram get bl_version
- CFE partition: strings /dev/mtd0ro | grep bl_ver
K3.X Builds
- Read the New Build threads on the forums, such as this.
- Find new builds in the Broadcom_K3X build folder.
- 8-Mar-2015: 26138 is a good (recommended) build for the RT-N66U:
K2.6 Builds
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE K2.6 builds if using CFE v1.0.1.3 (64K nvram) or NEWER, plus USB does not work in K2.6 builds. Any attempt to use a USB device will cause a kernel panic (see this SVN ticket. For USB, use a K3.x build, which also works around the NVRAM issues.
DD-WRT Alternatives
User Merlin implemented a solution in mid-2012 to extend the original 32k NVRAM CFE to ~60k NVRAM in firmware.
- Homepage: https://asuswrt.lostrealm.ca/
- Download: https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuswrt-merlin/files/
- Source code: https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin/
TomatoUSB Shibby also implemented a 64k NVRAM solution for 32K NVRAM CFE in 2012.
Historical Build Information
- 25-May-2013: With the new experimental K3.X Broadcom builds, the CFE version is irrelevant. DD-WRT detects it automatically to extend 32KB NVRAM to 64KB. Which Image you have to flash, depends on your previous Image (Stock, Merlin, DD-WRT K2.6).
- For DD-WRT K2.6: It depends how much NVRAM ( 32KB / 64KB ) you currently have.
For 32KB, flash 26138 mega. - If you are already on a custom 64K Build like Fractal or Kong with CFE 1.0.1.3, you need to flash 26138 mega nv64k. Since K2.6 Builds have an embedded check, you need to use those special nvXXk trailed images. On K3.X this check has been removed and you can simply upgrade from a previous K3.X.
- 8-Mar-2015: Kong 22000++ is a good (recommended) build for the RT-N66U with 64K CFE
with fix for the serious Heartbleed vulnerability. - 9-Apr-2013: It seems more recently manufactured units come pre-loaded with the 64K v1.0.1.3 CFE and so are not compatible with standard DD-WRT builds. Flashing a K2.6 DD-WRT build on these devices will result in a brick.
- 26-Jan-2013: Current versions of DD-WRT can quickly run out of 32k nvram.
- Build 18946 fixes the WAN port issue.
Installation Instructions
For recommended builds, read the Peacock Announcement, New Build, and model-specific threads.
Principle steps
For builds and more information, see here: Where do I download firmware?.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE K2.6 builds if using CFE v1.0.1.3 (64K nvram) or NEWER
- Older CFE (32K nvram) can use K2.6: see the above K2.6 and K3.X sections for details
- Reset or select Factory Default settings.
- Install the trailed ASUS RT-N66U version of DD-WRT (file name ends in .trx) using either the Web GUI method or the Recover Utility method. Both methods are described below
- Reset again
- "Upgrade" to your final version of DD-WRT (filename ends in .bin) using Web GUI or Recovery Utility
- Reset again
IMPORTANT: Reset to clear NVRAM (or Admin->Factory Default settings) BEFORE and AFTER firmware upload.
Upload Firmware via Web GUI
- Reset or select Factory Default settings.
- Upload the .trx file using the stock web GUI. See Where do I download firmware? for links. See the build threads on the forums for recommendations.
- When complete, wait until the router reboots itself, which can take at least 10 minutes. You want both ping response and web gui response to know that the router is fully rebooted.
- Hard reset or select Factory Default settings. Wait for the router to reboot itself!!! May take 10 minutes or more
Upload Firmware via Recovery Utility
- Set your computer to a static IP (e.g. 192.168.1.12), subnet 255.255.255.0, default gateway 192.168.1.1
- Put router into recovery mode by holding down the reset button while powering up the router, wait until the power led is blinking slowly, then release the reset button.
- In the Asus Recover utility Access the router’s built in recovery mode by issuing 192.168.1.1 in browser field.
- Flash the initial DD-WRT trailed build (with N66U in the name) and upload.
- When complete, wait until the router reboots itself, which can take at least 10 minutes.
- Enter recovery mode again and flash the final DD-WRT build (big or mega with N66U in the name).
- When complete, wait until the router reboots itself again.
- Enter recovery mode again and select to Restore defaults NVRAM values
- When it completes (should be quick), type this in the browser field then press enter:
- http://192.168.1.1/do.htm?cmd=nvram+commit
- Wait until the router reboots itself, which can take at least 10 minutes.
- Now you should be able to access the DD-WRT GUI at 192.168.1.1 to set a password.
Switching from Tomato
- Download the latest K3.x mega build. See Where do I download firmware? for links. See the build threads on the forums for recommendations.
- Navigate to the Tomato firmware update page
- Administration > Upgrade
- Upload the firmware you downloaded in step 1
- The router will reset several times and change its IP address to the default one (192.168.1.1).
- Navigate to http://192.168.1.1/Factory_Defaults.asp
- The login credentials have been reset to the default dd-wrt username/password (root/admin)
- Set "Restore Factory Defaults" to yes and click "Apply Settings".
- Note: Many settings will carry over from Tomato to DD-WRT, but it's highly advisable to reset to factory defaults after flashing, or you risk undesired behavior and instability.
Upgrade to newer DD-WRT
- Clear settings (Clear NVRAM)
- Use the DD-WRT web GUI : Administration -> Firmware upgrade
- Clear settings (Clear NVRAM)
- svn24461 BRICKS RT-N66U. Recover possible through mini CFE webinterface.
Revert to original ASUS firmware
- Download firmware from ASUS web site
- Reset to Factory Default Settings or clear NVRAM
- Use the DD-WRT web gui: Administration -> Firmware upgrade
- Reset to Factory Default Settings or clear NVRAM
Install an internal MicroSD card
Important note: USB (and thus MMC) is not supported on K2.6 builds - it causes a kernel panic. However it is working on K3.x builds. See SVN ticket
- Open the case
- Unscrew the four screws at the bottom
- Then you want to release the plastic clips that holds the top and bottom parts together.
- Pry the bottom case outward, which has the male clips.
- For future access, it is recommended to either snip off the female "U" clips on the top cover, or round off the square edges on the male part of the clip with a nail file.
- Install MicroSD card
- Make use of the MicroSD card
In addition to the NAS features of DD-WRT, you can use the extra space to install Optware or Entware-3X (recommended over Optware).
Without MMC on K2.6 builds, Optware can't be installed. Use K3.x builds: OTRW Take 2
Performance
Test Description RT-N66U WAN - LAN 732 Mbps LAN - WAN 729 Mbps Total Simultaneous 810 Mbps Maximum Simultaneous Connections 34,925 Firmware Version 3.1.0.3.90 (stock firmware number)
Overclocking
Overclocking works since CFE 1.0.1.3, while underclocking worked prior to that. Overclocking may cause instability, or services (like QoS) to behave unpredictably
- Recommended to improve cooling or ventilation when overclocking
- One report of QoS degradation at 632Mhz with K3.X big r27360 (06/18/15)
Links and Notes
Primary forum threads
- One User's Guide - A users guide for flashing Rt-N66u
- Possible ways to update CFE (once a 32k+ CFE is released for this router), see LOM post
- Linking Routers to cover a bigger area with WiFi
- Wireless tweaking: Basic Wireless Settings and Advanced Wireless Settings
- External antennas: The CATFISH thread
Additional forum threads
- Forum: Flashing discussion
- Forum: Reason for starting from Build 18946
- Forum: N66U and 32k/64k NVRAM issue
- Forum: open case, add MicroSD card. A 32Gb SD card tested, see Forum
- techinfodepot.info on RT-N66U
- SmallNetBuilder Review
- Asus Stock UI demo
More Links
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Peacock Announcement: Required reading for DD-WRT on Broadcom routers!