Firmware FAQ

From DD-WRT Wiki

(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
Revision as of 18:33, 14 May 2008 (edit)
Xaric (Talk | contribs)
(Which router should I buy?)
← Previous diff
Revision as of 20:35, 18 May 2008 (edit) (undo)
Darthboy (Talk | contribs)
(Which router should I buy? - note on non-detachable WHR-G125 antenna)
Next diff →
Line 24: Line 24:
== Which router should I buy? == == Which router should I buy? ==
In short, the In short, the
-*'''Buffalo WHR-G125''' is the cheapest 100% compatible wireless router. For more information see [[Supported Devices]]+*'''Buffalo WHR-G125''' is the cheapest 100% compatible wireless router. For more information see [[Supported Devices]]. The antenna is not detachable on this router.
<br> <br>
Here are some other good choices: Here are some other good choices:

Revision as of 20:35, 18 May 2008

Contents

Before install

Is my router supported?

We have a page in the Wiki just for you. Supported Devices

I have a Linksys WRT54G version 5 or 6 router.

We have a page in the Wiki just for you. Version 5 And 6 Router Information

I have a Linksys WRT54GS version 7 router.

RC3 out now: The most interesting news might be that the WRT54G v8 and the WRT54GS v7 is now fully supported, but requires again a special flashing way, which is easier this time compared to the v5 and v6 vxworks killer.

Link to RC3 Download

Detailed Flash instructions: read posting by sigmaxix

I have a Linksys WRT54G version 8 router.

RC3 out now: The most interesting news might be that the WRT54G v8 and the WRT54GS v7 is now fully supported, but requires again a special flashing way, which is easier this time compared to the v5 and v6 vxworks killer. Be sure to update with RC5, RC3 and RC4 have a variety of issues.

v8.1 seems to be a special case. See this thread..

[Question] Once running RC3; can we use the "Firmware Upgrade" from the control panel to update or latest RC?

Which router should I buy?

In short, the

  • Buffalo WHR-G125 is the cheapest 100% compatible wireless router. For more information see Supported Devices. The antenna is not detachable on this router.


Here are some other good choices:

  • Linksys WRT54GL Both versions are fully supported.
  • Linksys WRT54G or WRT54GS Version 4 or lower are fine but anything newer than that is not recommended.
  • Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 It has better range than the Linksys routers due to a built in amplifier.
  • Asus WL-500G It has USB ports that can be used for network attached storage (NAS) or a USB printer.

As of November, 2007, Buffalo is not shipping 802.11a/b/g devices in the United States, pursuant to a court order. [1]

Where do I download firmware?

http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads.php

See What is DD-WRT?#File Versions to know which image to download.

What's the difference between generic, mini, micro DD-WRT versions?

See what is DD-WRT?#File Versions.

How do I access the router's settings?

If you have DD-WRT installed, your router's settings should be accessible by opening a web browser and typing http://192.168.1.1/ in the address bar. If you have changed the LAN IP address on the router, you'll need to type in the correct one instead. If your router doesn't have DD-WRT installed yet, try http://192.168.1.1/ or http://192.168.0.1/ or else consult the manufacturer's documentation. You can also attempt to obtain your router IP. Whether you have DD-WRT installed or not, make sure your computer has an IP address in the same scheme as the router. If your router is the DHCP server and successfully assigning IP adresses, look for the DHCP Server's address. This is easy enough in windows, right click on the network icon in the system tray, choose "status", choose the "Support" tab and click on the "Details" button. If a default gateway is displayed it should also be the router's IP address. Try pinging the router to make sure you have connectivity. Try accessing the settings using a network cable instead of accessing them wirelessly. Try clearing your browser's cache. If you've been messing with proxy settings, make sure you didn't leave some incorrect proxy settings in your browser. And last but not least, try holding the reset button in for 30 seconds. It will reset all your settings back to defaults, but it should let you back into the router. Also see the Wiki article on the Web Interface

During install

How can I tell if my router is truly bricked?

Since this question involves many variables, we do not have an article for it yet. Try a hard reset. See: Reset And Reboot.

If the power light flashes on and off, then the firmware is messed up, but the router should be recoverable. The CPU must be running in order for the power light to be flashing, which tells you the hardware is probably not toasted yet. To test this, give your computer a static IP address of 192.168.1.x where x is between 2 and 254. Set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. Then ping 192.168.1.1. If you get replies, then your router is not dead.

It may also be possible that your router has a different IP address. If you do not know the address, you can attempt to obtain the router IP. Also, try pinging the router while it is booting. If you're able to get a reply for a short time, you should be able to reflash the firmware while the router is booting.

I think I've bricked my router!

There are a lot of variables in answering this question and we don't have articles to cover all the different situations. But, for now, search the wiki and the forums for more information, just to verify that it's truly bricked. Try a hard reset. See Reset And Reboot. Then see Recovering from a bad flash.

How do I install DD-WRT firmware?

Make sure you have a compatible router. Make sure you follow all the instructions, especially the part about resetting your router before flashing and in between each additional flash. See Installation

Why has http stopped working on my router after flashing DD-WRT?

Verify that the computer is on the same subnet as the router. The router's IP address is probably 192.168.1.1. Verify that the computer is set to dynamically receive its address if it's not statically set to 192.168.1.x. If your computer's IP address is 192.168.0.50, you may not be able to access the interface.

What Are Firmware or Factory Defaults?

DD-WRT firmware default settings (sometimes called factory defaults) are stored in NVRAM. For more information, see Factory Defaults.

How do I upgrade my firmware with TFTP?

Flashing with TFTP must not be seen as the standard procedure for flashing: only use it when specifically told to do so (for example in the specific instructions for flashing your brand or type of device). Normally, the GUI flashing method should be used; this should be adequate for standard situations. See Installation.

Debricking for Asus WL-500G Deluxe

Debricking Asus WL-500G Deluxe after unsuccesfull DD-WRT flash or Corrupted NVRAM.

This guide applies ONLY when WL-500G Deluxe does NOT respond to the normal ASUS firmware restoration tool! (See your Driver CD for the utility)


Step 1: Download http://wl500g.dyndns.org/wl500g-clear-nvram.trx this restoration firmware was made by OLEG from http://www.wl500g.info . Rename it to nvram.trx!

Step 2: Download latest firmware from asus.com, rename it rom.trx

Step 3: Open your router by taking off the rubber nobs on the bottom, then unscrew the 4 screws.

Step 4: Configure your NIC with the IP 192.168.1.2 make sure that it is in 10MB half duplex mode!

Step 5: Look for a small chip called 29lv320 and short PIN 10 with the golden wireless plug using a paperclip. The router will show the powerlight blinking and one of your LAN interfaces should come active. Sometimes shorting PIN 9 and 10 at the same time helps..

Step 6: Ping 192.168.1.1 If no response go to step 5 and try again.

Step 7: Open the commandshell of windows and type: tftp -i 192.168.1.1 PUT nvram.trx, and wait 5 min. Reboot your router and do step 5 again.

Step 8: Open command shell and type: tftp -i 192.168.1.1 PUT rom.trx, and wait 5 min. Reboot your router, it should show you Power, Air and connected LAN interface.

Step 9: Praise the lord, and pass the ammunition. You just did an emergency flash recovery of your WL-500G Deluxe.

(Guide by Thomas Motshagen)

After install

What's the default username and password?

Starting with v23 SP1, the default username is root and the default password is admin. You can use http, telnet or ssh to log in.

  • Rootfs /
          o
                + This directory is saved in the firmware in the paper, can be amended here
    * Image_parts /
          o
                + Save the firmware is the core guide

rootfs / image_parts in writing what, I use the asp how to write a small program like this can be called « I do dd-wrt source, many are written by the asp, so I revised the number of documents, but is unable to find the location of storage Do not know how I like to amend the document to load the asp to the equipment inside it » I use the equipment netcore nw618 Please have a lot of expert guidance

Why does my router hang when using P2P applications? (BitTorrent, eMule,...)

You probably need a little tuning. We have a page in the Wiki just for you: Router Slowdown

Why can't I obtain an IP address from the WAN side via DHCP?

  • If you have just updated the firmware, you probably need to reset the router. The router is reading the old settings, and getting hung-up (stuck). See Reset And Reboot
  • Unplug the power from both the router and the cable modem. Plug back in the cable modem first and wait until it is online. Then plug in your router. Does this help?
  • If not: Clone the MAC address from the old router/computer. Some ISPs have a MAC address registered for service on their end. Since these ISPs usually assign only one dynamic address at a time, you may need to release the IP assigned to the old router/computer to allow the DD-WRT router to get a new one.
    • Now you may have an option to click the DHCP Release button and then turn off the MAC cloning.
  • (v23sp1 after upgrade from stock Linksys WRT54G v1.1)

Why can't I access the web configuration for my router?

  • If you have just updated the firmware, you probably need to reset the router! See previous question. See Reset And Reboot.

If you've read the previous question and it didn't help, then your router's HTTP Daemon might not be running. See hard reset The other problem that currently causes this is incorrect HTTP Redirector settings, found at "Administration" > "Hotspot". By default the HTTP Redirector is disabled. If you enabled the HTTP Redirector and you suspect you might have created a problem, see the fix on this page: HTTPRedirect

Why do I only get blank pages when I try to change a setting in the web interface and hit apply?

  • If you have just updated the firmware, you probably need to reset the router! See previous question. See Reset And Reboot.
  • Sometimes the address bar shows http://routerip/apply.cgi, and no content displays. Simply wait a few seconds for the router to make the change take, and go back to the page you were on with by using browser history. Some changes also requiring waiting for several seconds while the router implements them.
  • Clear out your web browser's cache and/or try another browser.
  • This is really odd, but try turning off your firewall temporarily while you're updating the pages. A friend of mine and I were experiencing this and we disabled Symantec Firewall temporarily and it allowed us to complete the configuration. I've also seen document on the web where others have had this problem with ZoneAlarm. I'm not sure of the mechanism where the firewall is interfering with the web page content, but somehow it is.

Why can't I save any changes after flashing to DD-WRT?

There are multiple possibilities here.

  • If you have just updated the firmware, you probably need to reset the router! See previous question.See Reset And Reboot.
  • Clear out your web browser's cache and/or try another browser.

How do I clear the NVRAM? Reset to factory/firmware defaults? Cold reboot?

See: Reset And Reboot.

After upgrading to DD-WRT, my Internet doesn't work anymore!

  1. First, you may need to release and renew your computer's IP assignment. For XP users, simply right-click your network connection and choose Repair.
  2. Then, most typically you are a DSL user, and need to go to http://192.168.1.1 (your router's network address), choose PPPoE and put in your login and password for your DSL account, and click Apply at the bottom. The DD-WRT firmware, by default, tries to acquire network information and a public IP (via DHCP protocol) over the router's WAN port; this primarily works with Cable Modem users. If you are a Cable Modem user, step one should be enough.

Help! My Internet still does not work!

A problem for which there is no single common fix. Understanding some basics about networking, subnets, NAT, etc. would be in your best interest to troubleshoot this issue. You may need to call your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for settings that are particular to your connection. Some ISPs not using PPPoE expect the MAC address (hardware address) of to router to match that of your computer, especially when you used your computer without the router to setup everything initially. You may need to use the "Clone MAC Address" feature. If using PPPoE, make sure you use the correct username and password. For cable and satellite users, generally DHCP is the correct setting. For Comcast Cable users, be sure to disable STP. For users trying to share a dial-up connection, you'll need to read the Wiki article Sharing Dialup. At any rate, it's a near 99% chance that the problem is not your DD-WRT firmware, but instead a lack of understanding with networking.

Why aren't DHCP served IP addresses on LAN sequential (100, 101, ...)?

This is normal. DD-WRT uses DNSMasq and does not give sequentially ordered IP addresses. The addresses are calculated based on your computer's MAC address and "a variable". It's just a little different from the way the original Linksys firmware worked. You can disable this behavior by disabling "Use DNSMasq for DHCP" in the Basic Setup page (although it is not recommended, as you would need to change also your DNS address). For those who want the details about DHCP variable, it's calculated using something like [lease_start + [[mac_hash + variable] % lease_max]]. The "variable" changes whenever DNSMasq sees a conflict.

Why is there no jffs-space left? Why can't I write to directories other than /tmp?

  • Usually the generic/standard dd-wrt takes up almost 100% of the 4 megabytes of flash space.

Why are LAN computers not shown in the local DHCP table, but are able to use network?

The lease table is cleared when the router is upgraded, unplugged, rebooted, and in situations where a config change requires a reboot. If your computer is already connected when this happens, it will remain connected but will not be in the lease table until the next time it tries to renew. You can disable this by enabling "Use NVRAM for client lease DB" on the Services page. This will store the lease database in the NVRAM.

What to do if you forget the password and you have SSH access to the router (using ssh pub key)?

You can clear the password in NVRAM by executing the following commands:

nvram set http_passwd=
nvram commit

After that you will be able to access the Web interface of your router without using a password. Don't forget to set a new password!

Why did the router reset its parameters to default values?

This problem affects Broadcom routers like Linksys WRT54Gx, Buffalo WHR-G54S, Asus WL-500 and others. After a power cycle suddenly your setup is gone and the router restarts in its default and unsafe state. This seems to be caused by a CFE bug, but it looks that other firmwares with the same CFE do not have this problem. To minimize the risk of incurring in a revert, check the power supply mains connection and the DC plug, the contacts should be absolutely reliable. If you can, use UPS. It's also possible to flash a customized firmware, which reloads parameters when needed. It can be found here. Remember: flash the new firmware only with jffs enabled (check if /jffs/tmp exists)

Why aren't there any man (help) pages for the busybox linux commands?

For example, when using Putty (ssh), "Why doesn't 'man syslogd' provide any output?" Or "Why doesn't 'syslogd --help' provide any output, and instead, goes back to the shell prompt?" DD-WRT uses BusyBox, a stripped-down version of linux for embedded devices. There is not enough space inside the typical 2 or 4 megabytes of flash-rom to store additional help files. Please see http://linux.die.net/man/1/busybox to get a complete list of supported commands and their switches inside the busybox shell.

Wireless questions

I'm having lots of TX (transmit) errors.

Try setting the ACK Timing to 0. If you have the transmit power turned up higher than 84 mW, turn it down to 84 mW. Other things that may contribute to a lower error rate: set beacon interval lower than the default of 100 (75, for example), use a different channel (aka frequency) for wireless (so not to clash with other 2.4 GHz devices). Use a better antenna than the stock antenna your device comes with, this actually helps you more than increasing output power as this option increases both output and sensitivity at the same time.

How high should I set the transmit power on my router?

Somewhere around 84 mW is considered to be the best setting for maximum power with minimum noise for most hardware. The Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 has a built-in amplifier. The amplifier is turned on by default; the radio power should not be set above 10 mW (on v23SP2), or 28mw on current firmwares (v24RCx). The forums have had discussions about what power level is safe, with little consensus. Use common sense and don't set the power higher than you really need to. If you're trying to get more range, consider using a different antenna and make sure you have a clear line of sight, two of the most critical factors in your router's range.

From a network security standpoint, the transmitter power level should be just enough to cover the intended area reliably. Optimal power settings can be determined by trial-and-error.

How can I increase my wireless range?

Many factors affect your range. What method you use to extend your range will depend on whether you are trying to increase the range inside a building or outside. Read the next two FAQs below.

Consider getting a good antenna and try setting up your wireless devices with a clear line of sight. Best range is achieved by using one directional parabolic dish or Yagi antenna and then disabling the other antenna on your router. For a cheap easy antenna option, try www.freeantennas.com. This site details how to make a directional antenna from household items which can result in 10 db or more in gain. For situations where you need omnidirectional distance instead of directional linking, be sure to use a good omnidirectional antenna and mount it high enough to broadcast signal in the area of focus. This is often 20 to 50 feet high, depending on the rated signal downturn of the antenna. This means how steep of an angle the donut of radiated signal is pitched down from the vertically-mounted antenna.

Also, try increasing your router's transmit power to 84 mW (unless you have a Buffalo with a built-in amplifier). DD-WRT also has settings for frame burst and afterburner. You may see an increase in range by turning these off. If you are mostly interested in Internet access, then 802.11b (as opposed to 802.11g) has longer range and may actually give you faster Internet speeds in long-range, low-signal situations.

Note: If you are using encrypted communication such as WPA, you can not use "802.11b Only" mode with WDS. If you are using unencrypted communication, "802.11b Only" mode will work for WDS. WPA encryption via WDS will only work if "Mixed" or "802.11 g Only" modes are set for WDS. "WPA Pre-shared Key" with "AES" encryption is the only currently known WPA encryption model to work with WDS setup.

How can I increase range indoors?

Some buildings do not allow your signal to pass through very well. The usual reason for this is foil-clad plasterboard or insulation. In an effort to insulate buildings and keep heat in, new plasterboard is foil clad to reflect infrared energy back into the room. However this means you effectively have huge metal sheets stopping all radio waves, so mobile phones, baby monitors, audio radios, and WiFi will all have problems with signal. Doors and windows usually allow wireless to pass through nearly unaffected, so positioning your antennas so the signal lines up through these openings will help. Also, you need to consider using a proper CAT5 cable between the points since the speed and reliability of this is far better. If you need wireless coverage, consider using more than one Access Point but wire them with network cable rather than attempting WDS repeater mode. Also, routers using RP-SMA (For example, Buffalo) and TNC (For example, Linksys WRT54Gx products) have a number of excellent 9 dB and 12 dB RP-TNC antennas available on eBay. A 9db antenna, meant for internal use [although it can be weatherized, otherwise must not be exposed to water!] can be purchased for about 11USD or 8.30€.

For transmission between floors, remember that the signal radiates away perpendicular from the antenna. This means that you can angle your signals up or down simply by angling the antennas, ideally so that both devices' antennas face each other on the same plane. For example, to broadcast directly upwards, point the length of the antennas used flat down. Also, on dual antenna routers, you can have one angled for upstairs and one for downstairs on the same device thereby giving each floor a targeted signal.

Why isn't WDS working?

WDS (Wireless Distribution System) is used to wirelessly connect multiple wireless access points (APs) in a mesh topology. Note that since most wireless access points use only one transmitter/receiver, performance is halved for each hop in the data path. It is best to start with only two access points: 1 - configure both as access points; 2 - turn off the 'spi firewall' on all but the access point that serves as the router for the Internet connection; 3 - disable wireless security on both APs; 3 - Set both to the same wireless channel; 4 - set both to use either "Mixed" or "802.11g Only" or "802.11b Only" mode; 4 - on the WDS page for each AP use "LAN" connection and make sure the MAC address is for the wireless interface on the other AP.

If after doing the above you have a WDS connection, you can now enable wireless security. As of SP2, you must pick "WPA Pre-shared Key" with "AES" encryption. "802.11b Only" mode will not support encryption for the wireless WDS.

If you are still having problems, check your IP configuration and wireless signal strengths.

How can I increase range outdoors?

The most important thing for making your signal go far outside is height! The higher in the building (i.e. less obstructions) you position your radio the further its signal will travel. Even a standard indoor unit with standard antennas can be used from 600 m (1,968 feet) away! To go farther you need to start using better antennas, the Access Point would work well with a 7 dB mounted just above roof height, this will give you a good 600 m (1,968 feet) to 1500 m (4,921 feet), it goes further in open areas and less far in built up areas. It's important to match the gain and height of your antenna to how far away you wish to receive your signal. You may end up picking up signals that you would be better off not being able to see. Also the use of too much height with a 12 dB antenna would mean your signal does not really come back to ground level for several kilometers past where you wish to use it. The effect of this is that it seems your signal is weak and does not go very far. This is an illusion: The signal could be going way over your head. A lesser gain antenna at a lower height would yield a far stronger local signal and immunity for interference from far away stray signals.

How do I read signal and noise ratings?

These numbers are given in decibels (dB) and are expressed as negative numbers. The more negative the number, the less strength it represents. Thus, -40 dB represents more strength than -70 dB. The values are logarithmic. A signal amplitude change of 3 dB is equivalent to a factor of two; 10 dB is a factor of ten.

Based on this Forum-post

Signal: A low negative number is good (-40 is good, -98 is bad, mathematically -10 is higher than -98.)

Noise: A high negative number is good (-98 is good, -40 is bad, -70 would be pretty bad in the real world)

SNR: High is good (should be the same as difference between noise and signal, a difference of 20 would be great, a difference of 1 may barely work)

Signal Quality: High is good (somewhat like SNR but indexed to 100 with noise as the base, percentage of the best theoretical ideal quality in regards to your local-noise)

Examples would be:

Signal Noise SNR Signal Quality
-82 -98 16 14%
Signal - Noise = SNR
  -82  -  -98  = 16
Signal / Noise * SNR = Signal Quality -82 / -98 * 16 = 13.4%

Typically, noise will be -92 which means you should get a connection with a signal as low as -92. However, expecting to hold a good connection with a signal less than -85 (e.g. -90), is expecting too much. The signal can be improved by -3 dB by doubling the power setting at the transmitting radio, e.g., 100 mW increased to 200 mW would improve your signal from -85 to -82. Antennas with increased gain will also help. Say you had the standard 3 dB antenna and changed it for a 12 dB antenna, that's a 9 dB increase, so your signal would increase from -82 to -73 which would be an excellent signal, probably capable of 54 Mbps. Using the term excellent in terms of running a WISP, it would probably be only 3 bars on a 5 bar signal strength meter. Don't worry if, as a WISP your signal quality is low, like 14%. It's not really a problem since -82 is considered acceptable.

What Wireless Security settings should I use at home?

For home or small network use, you probably won't have a RADIUS server ("enterprise"), so you'll be using pre-shared keys ("personal"), which use a common passphrase for the network.

Make sure your passphrase is sufficiently complex, e.g. at least five random words (such as from diceware).

The wireless security settings, in decreasing order of preference, should be the pre-shared key versions of the following:

  1. WPA2 + AES
  2. WPA + AES (only if all devices support it).
  3. WPA + TKIP (maximum security commonly supported by older wireless adapters)
  4. WEP (easily cracked in 5 minutes)
  5. Disabled (no security. Use some other security layer on top, like a VPN)

If your network includes a RADIUS server, you can use the RADIUS versions of the above.

WPA2 Mixed tries to fall back from WPA2 to WPA; similarly AES+TKIP tries to fall back as necessary. These may help support a mixed environment, but your ultimate security will be the lowest level.

WEP is easily cracked. It will stop the most casual roaming users but don't fool yourself into thinking you are secure. You're not.

MAC address filtering can be bypassed by cloning the MAC of an approved device on the network. MAC address filtering is not a substitute for encryption because all data is sent in the clear. Always use encryption when possible.

If you're using GNU/Linux on your laptop, you might encounter some problems with your wireless card and/or encryption. If both pose a problem, simply search on Google for a list of well-supported wireless USB-sticks (with working WPA). If the only problem is WPA encryption (wpa_supplicant won't work), there is always the (admittably complicated) fallback option of using OpenVPN to establish a secure, encrypted wireless connection.

To keep intruders out, you can filter out your own MAC address and install an IDS as a first line of defense. Using traffic shaping should also help if you're only using your wireless network for browsing, email, etc.

See also

  • Tutorials Many Walk-Throughs for Different DD-WRT Configurations
  • Glossary Wireless Networking Terms and Definitions along with DD-WRT Feature explanations
  • Changelog Track the Developer's changes to the firmware.
  • Roadmap See the plan for the next release.

External links