GazGuzla

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Tomato, DD-WRT, and X/Open-WRT, and a few others are free alternatives to factory Router Firmware. Depending on your preference and the model you have, installing free Firmware alternatives is fairly simple. Information on supported models can be found using the GazGuzla 4+MB Master Router List.

For most models, the install can be performed by downloading the correct .trx or .bin file for your model, loading and pressing the upgrade button from the current Firmware’s GUI upgrade page. This next section contains install instructions that can be used for/when:

• All alternative installs, all firmware, most routers**.
• The cases where you have the right firmware, but its the wrong .trx or .bin extension, and don’t want to risk corruption or spend the time renaming.
• Something went wrong with the GUI upgrade, and your left with no connection, and flashing router lights.

This Windows method has been performed hundreds of times on various Linksys, Buffalo, and Asus models, and should work on others not listed. If you run Linux, mimic the steps on the command line using the sudo ifconfig and tftp commands. line Use this at your own Risk!

Preparation

• Download the latest version of the firmware for your router model to a local file on your PC, extract the zip to a folder. if necessary.
• If your performing the upgrade from Windows, you may have to download tfp.exe. This is used to install to the router’s flash.
• Write down or create a document containing your current settings, as none of this will be available after the flash. Things like your wireless SSID key, any forwarded ports, etc.

Flash Firmware

• Disconnect from Wireless if your using it.
• Configure your PC’s LAN port for a static IP of 192.168.1.10, Netmask of 255.255.255.0.
• Set up tftp.exe with a Server IP of 192.168.1.1, no password, and the link to the folder and file you downloaded.
• Unplug the router, preferably at the router end.
• While the router is unplugged:
  • Using a Ethernet cable, connect your PC to one of the routers 4* LAN ports, not the WAN port.
  • Depress the router’s reset button and hold.
  • Press the tftp.exe upgrade button, and immediately proceed quickly to the next step.
• With the reset button still depressed, tftp.exe just started, plug the router in.
• When you see a progress bar within tftp.exe, you can let go of the reset button. DO NOT touch anything for 5-10 mins, doing so will “brick” the router!!!!. Its not unusual to have to repeat these steps, or even reboot your PC for proper static IP asignment, so be patient.

Cleaning up

• Set your browser to 192.168.1.1. The default login should be admin, and the password will be “admin” or “password”, depending on the model.
• Customize to your preference.

Note(s):** Linksys WRT54G and GS, v5 – current, need extra steps to change the “Linkux-like”, or “Linux-based” OS from vxworks to BusyBox. Info can be found Here for v5,6, and Here for v7,8. What your looking for are the “vxworkskiller” executables required prior to installing the firmware.

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