Asus T-Mobile Cellspot

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-== WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT ROUTER TO THE INTERNET==+==CFE Downgrade is necessary to enable flashing firmware ==
-At least wait until you finished flashing your device. Failure to heed this warning can result in the device automatically configuring itself to block DD-WRT flashing.+This upgrade is a little trickier than most because the procedure involves not only navigating DD-WRT firmware, but navigating the [http://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/CFE_backup CFE] The newsgroups document that CFEs are able to control / deny firmware upgrades, which is the reason for 'downgrading' to firmware that does not prevent firmware changes.
- +
-==Asus Cellspot TM-AC1900RT-AC68U == +
- +
-!!!!! WORK IN PROGRESS !!!!+
- +
-'''This wiki's purpose is to provide an up-to-date and concise how-to for first-timers.''' Kudos to contributors have taken the time to document this guide by consolidating and condensing postings from newsgroups. Please add content if you had success flashing your cellspot. Otherwise,''' please try to successfully flash your cellspot before contributing to the wiki.''' For your convenience this page can be easily referenced with:+
- +
-http://tinyurl.com/asuscellspot+
- +
-Key contributors to developing and organizing this content include: UKEE, Mysticales, cdmarshall, madman999+
- +
-==CFE Issue == +
-This upgrade is a little trickier than most because the procedure involves not only navigating DD-WRT firmware, but navigating the [http://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/CFE_backup CFE] The newsgroups document that CFEs are able to control / deny firmware upgrades, which is the reason for 'downgrading' to firmware that does not have this capability.+
[http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=73690012&postcount=3895 ******Updated guide to CFE Mod ****** here but doesn't mention flashing firmware] [http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=73690012&postcount=3895 ******Updated guide to CFE Mod ****** here but doesn't mention flashing firmware]
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==Links: verified firmware == ==Links: verified firmware ==
-1) '''FIRST''' [http://download1.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2014/06-23-2014-r24461/asus-rt-ac68u/asus_rt-ac68u-firmware.trx asus_rt-ac68u-firmware.trx] '''THEN''' flash [http://desipro.de/ddwrt/K3-AC-Arm/25015M/dd-wrt.v24-K3_AC_ARM_STD.bin dd-wrt.v24-K3_AC_ARM_STD.bin] [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=268632&start=12 (per cdmarshall)] 
-2) BRAINSLAYER BUILD: [ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2015/06-22-2015-r27413/asus-rt-ac68u/ RT-AC68u 27413 ] [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=976567#976567 (per MDA400 and gatorback)]+There are numerous choices each with its strengths. DD-WRT / Kong are filled with features. Merlin to stay as close to the original firmware to ensure maximum performance.
-3) KONG BUILDS: [http://www.desipro.de/ddwrt/ Link to Kong Builds.] [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=264152 Kong Build information] Please update as you see fit.+* '''DD-WRT''' builds: FIRST flash a '''.trx''' build from the '''asus ac68u folder''', to upgrade use the '''.bin''' file. [https://secure.dd-wrt.com/site/support/other-downloads?path=betas Beta downloads]
 + 
 +* '''Merlin''' and '''Tomato''' Builds: can be found in the [http://www.filedropper.com/tmo2ac68u tmo2ac68u package]
 + 
 +:: [http://asuswrt.lostrealm.ca/changelog Merlin Changelog documents newest updates and firmware candidates]
==Links to tools and other files == ==Links to tools and other files ==
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==Procedure == ==Procedure ==
-Before starting the process, obtain the [http://www.filedropper.com/tmo2ac68u tmo2ac68u package]. Tools and Firmware used in this process must be obtained and unzipped. Copy the mtdwrite utility to a flash drive. +Before starting the process, obtain the [http://www.filedropper.com/tmo2ac68u tmo2ac68u package]. Tools and Firmware used in this process must be obtained and unzipped. Copy the mtdwrite utility and the target CFE to a flash drive. Fortunately, there is a (lengthy) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI6D0LMkm3s YouTube video] that demonstrates the different processes below. gatorback: because it is lengthy I skimmed through it ONLY when I was stuck. After you have installed \ downgraded T-Mobile's software, you will want to change the firmware: [http://elatov.github.io/2014/11/dd-wrt-on-asus-rt-ac68u-router/ there is a good article discussing the various versions of firmware here.]
-Fortunately, there is a (lengthy) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI6D0LMkm3s YouTube video] that demonstrates the different processes below. gatorback: because it is lengthy I skimmed through it ONLY when I was stuck. + High Level Steps:
 + * Gain Telnet Access: flash TMO 1703 firmware via CFE webserver
 + * Copy original CFE to USB memory stick
 + * Copy data from original CFE to target CFE
 + * MTD-write target CFE to boot sector
 + * mtd-erase2 nvram
 + * nvram get bl_version
 + * Flash final target firmware via CFE Webserver
-After you have installed \ downgraded T-Mobile's software, you will want to change the firmware: [http://elatov.github.io/2014/11/dd-wrt-on-asus-rt-ac68u-router/ there is a good article discussing the various versions of firmware here.] +1) Enable Telnet: Place router in [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=268581&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=42 recovery mode] and upload TMobile firmware xxx.1703 ([http://www.filedropper.com/tmo2ac68u found in tmo2ac68u package]) through the CFE web UI. Enable telnet by navigating: Administration -> System -> Enable Telnet=Yes -> click 'Apply'
 + [[Image:Snap1_CFE_Webserver.png]]
-1) [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=976430 Enable Telnet if it is not enabled.] If you enable telnet, then erasing the NVRAM will disable what you have done to enable Telnet. In hindsight, downgrading firmware to T-Mobile's xxx.1703 (see step 4) would be preferable at this point of the process. Always perform a NVRAM reset after flashing firmware, reboot and allow 5 minutes to rebuild variables.+Alternative method: [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=976430 An alternative to flashing 1703 to enable Telnet] Caution: If you enable telnet, then erasing the NVRAM may disable efforts that enable Telnet.
 +Always perform a NVRAM reset after flashing firmware, reboot and allow 5 minutes to rebuild NVRAM variables.
 + * [http://slickdeals.net/f/7193262-t-mobile-personal-cellspot-ac-router-by-asus-free-for-postpaid-25-deposit '''HARDWARE NVRAM RESET:''']
 + ** Power off the router
 + ** Hold the '''WPS Button'''
 + ** Power on the router and keep the WPS pressed for 10-15 seconds
 + ** Reboot as necessary
-2) Check your CFE Version via telnet and [http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=73690012&postcount=3895 change the CFE to 1.0.2.0]:+2) Check your CFE Version via telnet and [http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=73690012&postcount=3895 change the CFE to 1.0.2.0. PRINT THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THS LINK AND CHECK OFF EACH STEP PERFORMED]:
nvram get bl_version nvram get bl_version
-This process involves telnetting and copying the existing CFE to retrieve data, paste this data into another CFE file, and writing the new CFE file back to the router. +This process involves telnetting and copying the existing CFE to retrieve data to USB stick, paste this data into the target downgrade CFE file, and writing the modified target CFE file back to the router.
-3) Perform [http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Hard_reset_or_30/30/30 Hardware] or Software NVRAM Reset, always allow time (5 minutest) after reboot to initialize NVRAM. +
- +3) Place router in recovery mode and install [[Merlin firmware]] via through the CFE Webserver [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=268581&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=42 recovery mode] (easier).
-4) Place router in [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=268581&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=42 recovery mode] and upload TMobile firmware xxx.1703 through web UI. Hint-look in the [http://www.filedropper.com/tmo2ac68u tmo2ac68u package]+
-5) Perform NVRAM reset, place router in recover mode and install Merlin firmware via Asus Firmware Install utility +4) Perform NVRAM reset
-6) Perform NVRAM reset+5) Flash DD-WRT and perform NVRAM reset
-7) If you have successfully installed Merlin's FW, Go to your fridge and reward yourself with your favorite beverage and sign your username here:+6) Go to your fridge and reward yourself with your favorite beverage and add your username here:
gatorback gatorback
-==Optware Installation==+==Entware Installation==
-[http://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Optware_on_K3-AC-ARM Optware Installation Wiki]+OTRW / Optware does not work on ARM CPUs. Entware is compiled for ARM. Links are provided to Optware articles because SOME of the information may be useful.
-[https://mydevtutorials.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/how-to-install-optware-on-asus-rt-ac68u/ Optware for Merlin Firmware in 3 steps:]+[https://mydevtutorials.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/how-to-install-optware-on-asus-rt-ac68u/ Entware for Merlin Firmware in 3 steps:]
1.Mount the ext4 formatted disk; 1.Mount the ext4 formatted disk;
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3.Once successfully installed, uninstall it (not disable). The Optware package will remain installed 3.Once successfully installed, uninstall it (not disable). The Optware package will remain installed
-[https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin/wiki/Initialize-OPTWARE OPTWARE per Merlin]  
-[https://mydevtutorials.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/how-to-install-transmission-for-optware-on-asus-rt-ac68u/ Install Transmission on Optware via SSH Commandline] 
-[http://infodepot.wikia.com/wiki/OTRW_Package_Tutorial OTRW Package Tutorial]+OTHER RESOURCES
-[http://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?threads/script-clean-lean-and-mean-adblocking.68464/ Ad Blocking Script]+* [http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=284490 R7000 Install Entware-ARM opkg succeccfully!]
 + 
 +* [http://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Optware_on_K3-AC-ARM Optware Installation Wiki]
 +
 +* [https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin/wiki/Initialize-OPTWARE OPTWARE per Merlin]
 + 
 +* [https://mydevtutorials.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/how-to-install-transmission-for-optware-on-asus-rt-ac68u/ Install Transmission on Optware via SSH Commandline]
 + 
 +* [http://infodepot.wikia.com/wiki/OTRW_Package_Tutorial OTRW Package Tutorial]
 + 
 +* [http://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?threads/script-clean-lean-and-mean-adblocking.68464/ Ad Blocking Script]
==Tests to perform after installing DD-WRT firmware== ==Tests to perform after installing DD-WRT firmware==
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* Optware (OTRW) compatibility * Optware (OTRW) compatibility
* Please update any other meaningful or useful test metrics / measurements * Please update any other meaningful or useful test metrics / measurements
 +
 +[[Category:Networking hardware]]
 +[[Category:Asus guides]]

Revision as of 20:42, 30 November 2017

Contents

CFE Downgrade is necessary to enable flashing firmware

This upgrade is a little trickier than most because the procedure involves not only navigating DD-WRT firmware, but navigating the CFE The newsgroups document that CFEs are able to control / deny firmware upgrades, which is the reason for 'downgrading' to firmware that does not prevent firmware changes.

******Updated guide to CFE Mod ****** here but doesn't mention flashing firmware

Version 2827 is firmware locked to only TMobile branded firmwares. Not only is the firmware locked (disabled Telnet), it installs CFE 2.1.2.2, which locks the router from any non TMobile branded firmware via recovery mode and GUI mode. The only way to change firmwares is to downgrade to an older TMobile firmware (1703 for example), enable Telnet, and then replace the CFE (preferrably with an Asus RT-AC68U version - such as 1.0.2.0).

Many details in this guide including links to the older 1703 firmware and all CFE's and utilities needed


if you're on CFE 2.1.2.1, which is not locked, and try to use the latest Asus branded firmwares, it will update your CFE and, lockout out all non TMobile firmware's again. Once you get to DD-WRT, doesn't matter anymore unless you decide to go (back) to Asus stock RT-AC68U firmware, latest copies.

For more information see UKEE's post here.

Links: verified firmware

There are numerous choices each with its strengths. DD-WRT / Kong are filled with features. Merlin to stay as close to the original firmware to ensure maximum performance.

  • DD-WRT builds: FIRST flash a .trx build from the asus ac68u folder, to upgrade use the .bin file. Beta downloads
Merlin Changelog documents newest updates and firmware candidates

Links to tools and other files

Asus tools to revert FW ("Engineer" or UKEE to verify this).

Links: verified CFEs

Verified: 1.0.2.0 from the tmo2ac68u package.

CFE_ASUS_RT-AC68U_1.0.2.0 (US).txt

CFE_ASUS_RT-AC68U_2.1.2.1 (US).txt (??? user to verify)

Procedure

Before starting the process, obtain the tmo2ac68u package. Tools and Firmware used in this process must be obtained and unzipped. Copy the mtdwrite utility and the target CFE to a flash drive. Fortunately, there is a (lengthy) YouTube video that demonstrates the different processes below. gatorback: because it is lengthy I skimmed through it ONLY when I was stuck. After you have installed \ downgraded T-Mobile's software, you will want to change the firmware: there is a good article discussing the various versions of firmware here.

    High Level  Steps:
      * Gain Telnet Access: flash TMO 1703 firmware via CFE webserver
      * Copy original CFE to USB memory stick
      * Copy data from original CFE to target CFE
      * MTD-write target CFE to boot sector
      * mtd-erase2 nvram 
      * nvram get bl_version
      * Flash final target firmware via CFE Webserver

1) Enable Telnet: Place router in recovery mode and upload TMobile firmware xxx.1703 (found in tmo2ac68u package) through the CFE web UI. Enable telnet by navigating: Administration -> System -> Enable Telnet=Yes -> click 'Apply'

      Image:Snap1_CFE_Webserver.png

Alternative method: An alternative to flashing 1703 to enable Telnet Caution: If you enable telnet, then erasing the NVRAM may disable efforts that enable Telnet.

Always perform a NVRAM reset after flashing firmware, reboot and allow 5 minutes to rebuild NVRAM variables.

    * HARDWARE NVRAM RESET:
    ** Power off the router
    ** Hold the WPS Button
    ** Power on the router and keep the WPS pressed for 10-15 seconds
    ** Reboot as necessary 

2) Check your CFE Version via telnet and change the CFE to 1.0.2.0. PRINT THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THS LINK AND CHECK OFF EACH STEP PERFORMED:

    nvram get bl_version

This process involves telnetting and copying the existing CFE to retrieve data to USB stick, paste this data into the target downgrade CFE file, and writing the modified target CFE file back to the router.


3) Place router in recovery mode and install Merlin firmware via through the CFE Webserver recovery mode (easier).

4) Perform NVRAM reset

5) Flash DD-WRT and perform NVRAM reset

6) Go to your fridge and reward yourself with your favorite beverage and add your username here:

gatorback

Entware Installation

OTRW / Optware does not work on ARM CPUs. Entware is compiled for ARM. Links are provided to Optware articles because SOME of the information may be useful.

Entware for Merlin Firmware in 3 steps:

1.Mount the ext4 formatted disk;

2.Go to router’s web interface -> USB Application and install Download Master

3.Once successfully installed, uninstall it (not disable). The Optware package will remain installed


OTHER RESOURCES

Tests to perform after installing DD-WRT firmware

  • NVRAM available immediately after install
  • Speed Test measurements in 2.4 and 5 Ghz bands
  • Verify USB 3.0 speed measurement
  • Optware (OTRW) compatibility
  • Please update any other meaningful or useful test metrics / measurements