Netgear WNDR4300

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-[[Image:wndr4300v1.jpg | right | 280px]]+[[Image:wndr4300v1.jpg | right | 380px]]
-==Versions==+__TOC__
- +{|style="text-align:center; position:relative; " width=50% border="1" cellspacing="0"
-The Netgear WNDR4300 is a powerful consumer simultaneous dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n router, sporting a fast Qualcomm Atheros (v1 & v2), good routing performance and transmit power capability, and a USB 2.0 port. To date there are 2 hardware revisions of this router, v1 & v2. v2 is not supported and there is no ETA, both of which requires its own firmware build, whether you use stock firmware or DD-WRT. Installation of DD-WRT is very simple and can be done in a few steps.+|+ Hardware Specifications
- +
- +
-'''Note''': factory.img is for worldwide (ALL!) units flashing from NETGEAR firmware to DD-WRT, or recovering from TFTP mode. Webflash is from upgrading an existing DD-WRT firmware to a newer build via update firmware option.+
- +
-----+
-===v1===+
-v1 units are not labeled at all and are just called "WNDR4300".+
- +
-Download DD-WRT for the WNDR4300 '''v1''' from here: +
- +
-World Wide (WW): ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2014/02-04-2014-r23503/netgear-wndr4300/wndr4300-factory.img+
- +
-Web Flash BIN: ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2016/01-25-2016-r28942/netgear-wndr4300/wndr4300-webflash.bin+
- +
- +
-'''Note''': <font color=red>If you try to install DD-WRT '''later than''' r23503 on v1 with initial factory firmware, the update will eventually fail with "CGI timeout error" Work-around for this problem is to first flash to DD-WRT using the r23503 build factory file provided above, then upgrading to the latest DD-WRT using the webflash from within DD-WRT GUI.</font>+
- +
-----+
- +
-===v2===+
-v2 units are labeled on the side of the box, in firmware, & under the router as "WNDR4300'''v2'''". Further info is TODO.+
- +
-If you have a WNDR4300 '''v2''', download from here following the same flashing steps:+
- +
-World Wide (WW): TODO+
- +
-Web Flash BIN: TODO+
- +
- +
-==DD-WRT Installation==+
-* '''Flashing''': Make sure you are connected to the router with an Ethernet cable. <font color=red>(Do not flash over a wireless connection.)</font> Then upgrade to DD-WRT firmware through the router's Web interface. The process will take a few minutes. <font color=red>Do not interrupt the upgrade process -- '''wait at least 1 minute after 100% is reached'''. </font>+
- +
-* '''Checking''': Wait while the router reboots. The lights should flash, and eventually the status light should go solid green. Then open http://192.168.1.1 in a Web browser, and if a DD-WRT screen appears, flashing is complete and successful.+
- +
-* '''30/30/30 Reset''':+
-**Press and hold the Reset button for 30 seconds. Do not release it.+
-**While still holding the reset button, <font color=red>'''unplug'''</font> the router and leave it unplugged for 30 more seconds.+
-**Still holding the reset button, plug the router back in and wait yet another 30 seconds.+
-**Unplug the router again and release the reset button+
-**Plug it back in and <font color=red>'''wait at least 1 minute'''</font>. This is critical as the router is building NVRAM settings.+
- +
- +
-To restore from the brick TFTP the stock firmware or a known working build of DD-WRT back from it (-factory.img file). To upgrade to a newer build of DD-WRT, use the web interface and selecting the "wndr4300-webflash.bin" file instead. Also, if you do partially brick your router, use [http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/TFTP_flash#Special_for_Vista.2C_Win7_and_Win_2008 this page] or '''see the very last FAQ question at the bottom of this page''', to unbrick it.+
- +
- +
-Now that DD-WRT is fully installed and NVRAM is cleared, ensure your PC does not have any internal '''static''' IP then point your browser to 192.168.1.1, this is the DD-WRT default IP and can be changed to any IP you like. You should be at the username and password screen, set them accordingly then proceed to setting up DD-WRT.+
- +
- +
-==Specifications==+
-{|+
! Feature ! Feature
! v1 ! v1
Line 79: Line 29:
! Max TX Power (2.4/5 GHz) ! Max TX Power (2.4/5 GHz)
| 26 dBm / 24 dBm | 26 dBm / 24 dBm
-| ?? TODO +| ??/?? TODO
|} |}
-Max TX Power assumes 40 MHz channel width (HT40) and regulatory domain of Canada/USA. Under 20 MHz (HT20) operation 2.4 GHz '''may''' have higher TX power due to reduced channel width.+Max TX Power assumes used regulatory domain is Canada/USA/Haiti. Others may or may not allow higher TX powers (up to 30 dBm).
 +=Introduction=
-==FAQ==+The Netgear WNDR4300 is a simultaneous dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n router, sporting a fast Qualcomm Atheros CPU, good routing performance and transmit power capability, and a USB 2.0 port. To date there are 2 hardware revisions of this router, v1 & v2. The v2 is not currently supported and there is no ETA. Both versions require its own firmware build, whether you use stock firmware or DD-WRT. Installation of DD-WRT is very simple and can be done in a few steps.
-'''Q: After flashing DD-WRT, the LAN LEDs are now green for all speeds 10/100/1000M?'''+==Version Information==
 +*v1 units are not labeled at all and are just called "WNDR4300".
 +*v2 units are labeled on the side of the box, in firmware, & under the router as "WNDR4300'''v2'''".
-''A: Currently an unfixed bug, previously they were all orange for all 3 speeds.+=DD-WRT Installation=
-''+
-----+
-'''Q: My wireless performance dropped after installing DD-WRT?'''+'''NOTE:''' The wndr4300-factory.img file is for worldwide (ALL!) units flashing from NETGEAR firmware to DD-WRT, or recovering from TFTP mode.<br>The wndr4300-webflash.bin is from upgrading an existing DD-WRT firmware to a newer build via ''Administration -> Firmware Upgrade''.
-''A: Refer to the [http://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/QCA_wireless_settings Qualcomm Atheros wireless settings wiki page], you are probably using default or incorrect settings such as WEP.''+'''NOTE:'''Do not consider these build recommendations, check New Build threads for recommendations.<br>See [[Index:FAQ#Which_router_should_I_buy.3F|Where do I download firmware?]] for firmware download links.
 +'''NOTE: <font color=red>If you try to install DD-WRT '''later than''' r23503 on v1 with initial factory firmware, the update will eventually fail with "CGI timeout error".</font>'''<br>Workaround for this problem is to first flash to DD-WRT using the r23503 wndr4300-factory.img file provided below, then upgrading to the latest DD-WRT<br>using the wndr4300-webflash.bin from within DD-WRT GUI.
---- ----
 +==Prerequisites==
 +===v1===
 +Download the following initial flash files:
 +*https://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2014/02-04-2014-r23503/netgear-wndr4300/wndr4300-factory.img
 +*https://ftp.dd-wrt.com/betas/2019/02-04-2019-r38570/netgear-wndr4300/wndr4300-webflash.bin
 +
 +===v2===
 +The v2 is not currently supported. This information will be updated if and when it DD-WRT support is added.
 +
 +----
 +==Procedure==
-'''Q: What is the default username and password for DD-WRT?'''+#Reset your NETGEAR router to factory defaults via reset button or WebUI.
 +#Connect your computer to your router with an Ethernet cable.
 +#*<font color=red>(Do not flash over a wireless connection.)</font>
 +#Launch a web browser and enter http://routerlogin.net (or http://192.168.1.1) into the address bar.
 +#*A login page displays.
 +#Enter the router admin user name and password.
 +#*The default user name is admin. The password is the one you specified the first time you logged in.<br>The user name and password are case-sensitive.
 +#Select ADVANCED > Administration.
 +#*Some models might use slightly different navigation, like Settings > Administration.
 +#Select Firmware Update or Router Update. The label varies depending on your router.
 +#Click Choose File or Browse, then locate and select the previously downloaded wndr4300-factory.img file.
 +#Click the Upload button.
 +#*The firmware update starts and the router restarts. The firmware update process takes up to five minutes.
 +#*'''<font color=red>WARNING</font>:''' After you start the firmware update, do not try to go online, turn off the router, or do anything else to the router until it finishes restarting.
 +#*'''Wait at least 1 minute after 100% is reached'''.
 +#*Wait while the router reboots. The lights should flash, and eventually the status light should go solid green.
 +#Open http://192.168.1.1 in your web browser, and you should be greeted by the DD-WRT password change page, indicating successful flash.
 +#Reset to defaults again by one of the following methods:
 +#*Press and hold the Reset button for ~10 seconds and then release it.
 +#*Set password (username is root) and go to ''Administration -> Factory Defaults'', select 'Yes' and click 'Apply Settings'.
 +#*Set password (username is root) and via telnet login and issue an `nvram erase && reboot`.
 +#*<font color=red>'''DO NOT 30/30/30 reset this router or you risk bricking it forever!'''</font>
 +#Open http://192.168.1.1 in your web browser, and you should be greeted by the DD-WRT password change page.
 +#Set password, then configure router as desired.
 +#*You may want to wait until you have upgraded after initial flash.
-''A: Username is "root" and password is "admin".''+==Upgrading DD-WRT==
 +#Download the desired wndr4300-webflash.bin file.<br>See [[Index:FAQ#Which_router_should_I_buy.3F|Where do I download firmware?]] for firmware download links.
 +#Connect your computer to your router with an Ethernet cable.
 +#*<font color=red>(Do not flash over a wireless connection.)</font>
 +#Launch a web browser and enter http:http://192.168.1.1 (or whatever IP you set during configuration) into the address bar.
 +#Go to ''Administration -> Firmware Upgrade''.
 +#Click 'Browse' and select the previously downloaded wndr4300-webflash.bin file.
 +#Click 'Upgrade'
 +#*The firmware update starts and the router restarts. The firmware update process takes up to five minutes.
 +#*'''<font color=red>WARNING</font>:''' After you start the firmware update, do not try to go online, turn off the router, or do anything else to the router until it finishes restarting.
 +#*The router should eventually return to the Setup -> Basic Setup page. If it does not, click back button or manually return to http://192.168.1.1 (or whatever IP address you set during configuration).
 +
 +=FAQ=
 +
 +See [[Firmware_FAQ|Firmware FAQ]] first before posting a question in the forums.
 +
 +'''Q: After flashing DD-WRT, the LAN LEDs are now green for 10/100M and orange 1000M? (v1/v2 only)'''
 +
 +''A: This is an intentional change by the DD-WRT developers, Netgear had the colors backwards as gigabit is usually orange (check any other NIC!).
 +''
---- ----
-'''Q: With stock firmware I was able to setup a guest AP or virtual AP, can I do this as well with DD-WRT?+'''Q: I heard some WNDR3700 radios were dying shortly after flashing DD-WRT? Does the firmware damage routers?'''
-'''+ 
 +''A: No DD-WRT does not damage routers, there is also reports as said above, of WNDR3700's having weak wireless even when DD-WRT was never put on it. It is a faulty hardware issue.''
-''A: Absolutely, and much more!'' 
---- ----
-'''Q: How come I cannot get 802.11n 300 Mbps speeds with a 300 Mbps client?+'''Q: Is there going to be a special version of DD-WRT for this router?'''
-'''+
-''A: You '''must''' use HT40 channel width & WPA2 AES when encrypting your wireless connection, otherwise the router will fallback to 802.11a/g speeds since WPA2 AES is a mandatory requirement of 802.11n specification as WPA2 AES is the only approved encryption method in the 802.11n standard.''+''A: No, there are no special versions anymore except for Buffalo routers.
 +''
---- ----
Line 125: Line 131:
See '''[http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/19841 Reinstall the firmware on a router without the setup CD recovery tool]''' See '''[http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/19841 Reinstall the firmware on a router without the setup CD recovery tool]'''
 +
 += Notes and Further Reading =
 +
 +*[https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=168633 What about the WNDR4300?]
 +*[https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=332925 DD-WRT on Netgear WNDR4300 V2]
[[Category:Netgear guides]] [[Category:Netgear guides]]

Current revision

Contents

Hardware Specifications
Feature v1 v2
CPU Atheros AR9344 560 MHz Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 750 MHz
RAM 128 MB 128 MB
Flash 128 MB 128 MB
Switch Atheros AR8327 Qualcomm Atheros QCA8337N
Radios (2.4/5 GHz) Atheros AR9344 / Atheros AR9580 Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563 / Atheros AR9580
Max TX Power (2.4/5 GHz) 26 dBm / 24 dBm  ??/?? TODO

Max TX Power assumes used regulatory domain is Canada/USA/Haiti. Others may or may not allow higher TX powers (up to 30 dBm).

[edit] Introduction

The Netgear WNDR4300 is a simultaneous dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n router, sporting a fast Qualcomm Atheros CPU, good routing performance and transmit power capability, and a USB 2.0 port. To date there are 2 hardware revisions of this router, v1 & v2. The v2 is not currently supported and there is no ETA. Both versions require its own firmware build, whether you use stock firmware or DD-WRT. Installation of DD-WRT is very simple and can be done in a few steps.

[edit] Version Information

  • v1 units are not labeled at all and are just called "WNDR4300".
  • v2 units are labeled on the side of the box, in firmware, & under the router as "WNDR4300v2".

[edit] DD-WRT Installation

NOTE: The wndr4300-factory.img file is for worldwide (ALL!) units flashing from NETGEAR firmware to DD-WRT, or recovering from TFTP mode.
The wndr4300-webflash.bin is from upgrading an existing DD-WRT firmware to a newer build via Administration -> Firmware Upgrade.

NOTE:Do not consider these build recommendations, check New Build threads for recommendations.
See Where do I download firmware? for firmware download links.

NOTE: If you try to install DD-WRT later than r23503 on v1 with initial factory firmware, the update will eventually fail with "CGI timeout error".
Workaround for this problem is to first flash to DD-WRT using the r23503 wndr4300-factory.img file provided below, then upgrading to the latest DD-WRT
using the wndr4300-webflash.bin from within DD-WRT GUI.


[edit] Prerequisites

[edit] v1

Download the following initial flash files:

[edit] v2

The v2 is not currently supported. This information will be updated if and when it DD-WRT support is added.


[edit] Procedure

  1. Reset your NETGEAR router to factory defaults via reset button or WebUI.
  2. Connect your computer to your router with an Ethernet cable.
    • (Do not flash over a wireless connection.)
  3. Launch a web browser and enter http://routerlogin.net (or http://192.168.1.1) into the address bar.
    • A login page displays.
  4. Enter the router admin user name and password.
    • The default user name is admin. The password is the one you specified the first time you logged in.
      The user name and password are case-sensitive.
  5. Select ADVANCED > Administration.
    • Some models might use slightly different navigation, like Settings > Administration.
  6. Select Firmware Update or Router Update. The label varies depending on your router.
  7. Click Choose File or Browse, then locate and select the previously downloaded wndr4300-factory.img file.
  8. Click the Upload button.
    • The firmware update starts and the router restarts. The firmware update process takes up to five minutes.
    • WARNING: After you start the firmware update, do not try to go online, turn off the router, or do anything else to the router until it finishes restarting.
    • Wait at least 1 minute after 100% is reached.
    • Wait while the router reboots. The lights should flash, and eventually the status light should go solid green.
  9. Open http://192.168.1.1 in your web browser, and you should be greeted by the DD-WRT password change page, indicating successful flash.
  10. Reset to defaults again by one of the following methods:
    • Press and hold the Reset button for ~10 seconds and then release it.
    • Set password (username is root) and go to Administration -> Factory Defaults, select 'Yes' and click 'Apply Settings'.
    • Set password (username is root) and via telnet login and issue an `nvram erase && reboot`.
    • DO NOT 30/30/30 reset this router or you risk bricking it forever!
  11. Open http://192.168.1.1 in your web browser, and you should be greeted by the DD-WRT password change page.
  12. Set password, then configure router as desired.
    • You may want to wait until you have upgraded after initial flash.

[edit] Upgrading DD-WRT

  1. Download the desired wndr4300-webflash.bin file.
    See Where do I download firmware? for firmware download links.
  2. Connect your computer to your router with an Ethernet cable.
    • (Do not flash over a wireless connection.)
  3. Launch a web browser and enter http:http://192.168.1.1 (or whatever IP you set during configuration) into the address bar.
  4. Go to Administration -> Firmware Upgrade.
  5. Click 'Browse' and select the previously downloaded wndr4300-webflash.bin file.
  6. Click 'Upgrade'
    • The firmware update starts and the router restarts. The firmware update process takes up to five minutes.
    • WARNING: After you start the firmware update, do not try to go online, turn off the router, or do anything else to the router until it finishes restarting.
    • The router should eventually return to the Setup -> Basic Setup page. If it does not, click back button or manually return to http://192.168.1.1 (or whatever IP address you set during configuration).

[edit] FAQ

See Firmware FAQ first before posting a question in the forums.

Q: After flashing DD-WRT, the LAN LEDs are now green for 10/100M and orange 1000M? (v1/v2 only)

A: This is an intentional change by the DD-WRT developers, Netgear had the colors backwards as gigabit is usually orange (check any other NIC!).


Q: I heard some WNDR3700 radios were dying shortly after flashing DD-WRT? Does the firmware damage routers?

A: No DD-WRT does not damage routers, there is also reports as said above, of WNDR3700's having weak wireless even when DD-WRT was never put on it. It is a faulty hardware issue.


Q: Is there going to be a special version of DD-WRT for this router?

A: No, there are no special versions anymore except for Buffalo routers.


Q: Is it possible to restore the factory or stock firmware that came with my router?

A: Yes. Refer to WNDR3700: Restore Factory Firmware in Five Easy Steps. This also works the same for WNDR4300, just be using the proper WNDR4300 files instead & make sure to have the ethernet cable plugged into the router & PC BEFORE putting it into TFTP or it WILL NOT WORK.

[edit] Unbricking

See Reinstall the firmware on a router without the setup CD recovery tool

[edit] Notes and Further Reading