DD-WRT:All Asus WL-500xx series routers

Flashing DD-WRT
It is extremely important to follow the guidelines for your specific modem. Please see Installation for more information. Remember to follow the peacock thread first for background, use this page to identify your modem model correctly, and use the dd-wrt download search page (DD-WRT Downloads page or secure version) to ensure that you are getting the correct file (or files, as often is required) for the job.

A major clean-up of the Asus Install section was needed (and done) in the fall of 2009 - see Asus WL500-- old descriptions for the old but working guides. Valuable information from the old guides should be generalised, summarised and added to the Install list below, in an manner that would keep the Initial Install page looking good.

All Asus WL-500xx series routers


 * For all Asus WL-500xx series routers there are a number of ways to do the initial flash.
 * The TFTP method using the two Asus specific clean-up files is the "works every time-almost" way.
 * Other methods like using the Asus Recovery tool (recommended). or even using the web-GUI (not recommended) have also been reported to work for some, for the initial dd-wrt flash. So your mileage may vary.
 * Pick the one that is easier and works for you - You have now been notified of the method that is guaranteed to work!


 * The firmware files for the Asus WL-500xx series initial flash and the main builds are found under Downloads › others › eko › BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2 › 09-08-09-r12874 › broadcom. You will need the mini-asus.trx for the initial flashing  - Read on to see when the ...asus.trx file should be used and then how to upgrade the build for your needs.

Clock Timing Bug

See this thread about a clock timing bug that affects many of these models. Check that you are affected by the bug before applying the fix.

The TFTP recommended Asus way for all WL-500xx routers

NOTE: This method should only be used when you're not a windows user or do not have Administrative privileges in Vista or Windows 7. The better method is using the provided Asus Firmware recovery Utility that came with the router. You may also obtain it from Asus' website See below this entry for instructions.


 * Links to the TFTP method of doing the initial flash of the WL-500xx series routers:
 * Asus TFTP Flash. A very detailed step by step description of using the TFTP way with the extra Asus specific steps of doing the initial flash.
 * From Linux using ATFTP This description may also work for OS X.
 * How to Install DD-WRT onto Asus WL-500xx Using Ubuntu Linux. Includes a couple of hints to get TFTP working under Ubuntu 8.10 and 9.04.



Asus Recovery Utility

You can get the utilities here, or you can browse the Asus site to download the latest version. Asus only seem to provide these for Windows.


 * Under Vista and Win7 this utility must be run as administrator.


 * In case you have multiple network interfaces and are unable to find you router, disable all but the one that is connected to your router.


 * You should also turn off your firewall, in order to allow the Asus Recovery Utility to be able to connect and send data from your PC to the Router.

Steps:
 * 1) Remove the power connector of the WL series router.
 * 2) While holding the reset button, plug the power connector back in. (WL500gP - button labeled "restore")
 * 3) When the power LED flashes, release the reset button. The router is now in recovery mode.
 * 4) You  need to manually set the address of your Pc Network LAN card to 192.168.1.10 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0
 * 5) Use the Asus recovery utility to upload the DD-WRT mini-asus.trx file.
 * 6) After the upgrade the Utility will ask for a router reboot.  Give it about a minute to be on the safe side before removing the power.  Once plugged back in, you should be able to access the web interface.
 * 7) DO NOT use Firefox for upgrading builds!  Use Internet Explorer!!!!
 * 8) Type 192.168.1.1 into your browser and set your username as root and pick a password.
 * 9) Navigate to Administration->Firmware Upgrade and upload either the recommended build provided on the main page of the site, or another of your choice.

IMPORTANT:

If flashing with a WL500xx (not 520xx) Mega or Big build (Firmware image 5MB or larger) it will take ~ 3-5 minutes AFTER the timer has reached 0 for the firmware to complete. The best thing to do is hit Upgrade and walk away for 10 minutes so you don't inadvertently disturb the upgrade process.