Peacock Thread

THIS IS BROADCOM ONLY!

I called this the peacock thread so it can be searched for easily. It contains a lot of information, so it is up to you to read carefully. (Take notes, if you want! Your router will be giving you a test later! Laughing )

I am seeing the same common problems and confusion arising over and over again. Here are some comments on common problems:

Required Reading: Note 1- Hard Reset and DD-WRT UPGRADE Flashing Info Note 2- Backup files can't be reused Note 3- Recommended builds Note 4- Understanding dd-wrt build options Note 5- The Wiki Note 7- Required Posting Info Note 9- How to backup your CFE - DO IT! Note 18- Miscellaneous Useful Info

Notes for Specific Issues Note 6- Test for bricked routers Note 8- Don't Pin Short! Note 10- Memory Issues/P2P Note 11- How to Tftp Note 12- Limiting Bandwidth Note 13- Blank Webgui/White Page Note 14- Modem/Wan IP Issues Note 15- Bridging Routers Note 16- Supported Routers Note 17- Power Supply/Hardware Issues

Hard Reset and DD-WRT UPGRADE Flashing Info
1. DO A HARD RESET *BEFORE AND AFTER* YOU FLASH FIRMWARE. This does not mean hitting the reset button and saying you are done. This means doing the 30-30-30 reset. To do a 30-30-30 reset you must push the reset button with your router powered on. Hold it for 30 seconds with the router powered on. STILL holding it, pull the power cord for 30 seconds. Still holding it, plug the router back in and continue to hold the reset button for 30 more seconds. You will have held the button for a full 90 seconds without releasing it.

Note: WRT54GS v1.1, GS v2, and GS2.1 models can brick after a hard reset no matter how it is done. See this thread and the solution in Vulcan's post: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45024

Note: WRT320N has a faulty reset button. See this post about using the WPS button to erase nvram: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=63004

After you have done this, if you haven't been asked to change your password when you login to the webgui,(presuming you are doing a hard reset on a dd-wrt build newer than 9707, June 14, 2008, when the auto reconfig password was introduced) you haven't done the hard reset properly.

Failing to do a hard reset and failing to wait after flashing are the two most common NOOB errors that lead them to a world of unnecessary dd-wrt pain! This is not a minor optional step. The firmware writes information to the Nvram. This step clears that information. If you don't clear it properly, parts of the old information be present with the new firmware, which can make it not operate properly. Don't cut corners. Doing it before you upgrade can be very important; a hard reset is not just for after upgrades.

Hard resets will not remove dd-wrt from your router!

BELOW IN THIS NOTE ARE THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR UPGRADING TO A DIFFERENT BUILD OF DD-WRT ONCE YOU HAVE DD-WRT ON THE ROUTER. YOU MUST FOLLOW THE WIKI INSTALL FOR YOUR ROUTER (NOTE 5 BELOW)IF YOU DO NOT ALREADY HAVE DD-WRT ON THE ROUTER. ONCE DD-WRT IS INSTALLED, AND YOU WANT TO UPGRADE, USE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND FLASH THE RIGHT BUILD FOR YOUR ROUTER (NOTE 4 BELOW)

The proper process for flashing when upgrading existing dd-wrt firmware is:

a.Set your computer to a static IP of 192.168.1.8. (or to whatever subnet the router is on) Disable all firewalls and security. Disable wireless on your computer and only have the router connected to the flashing computer by the ethernet cable between the two. b. Hard reset prior to flashing. Wait. Check for password page on re-login and change password. c. Flash firmware. You should use the dd-wrt webgui upgrade page except if you have a belkin router. (For belkin use tftp.exe to flash) d. Wait...at least three minutes. Lights should return to normal. See important2, below. Failing to wait is how most people brick their routers. e. Do a power cycle of the router. (Unplug the cord, count to 30 and plug it back in.) f. Wait for the lights to return to normal usually about 2 minutes. g. HARD reset again. Wait. Check for the password page and re-login to change the password. Then you can reconfigure your settings manually. h. Once configured set your computer back to autoIP and autoDNS.

Important: This 30-30-30 hard reset works fine for Asus router, but you do have to power cycle after the reset....however, the RT-N16 model you do the 30/30/30 using the WPS button instead of the Restore button.

Important2: After you flash the firmware, and before you do the hard reset, the router will be building some nvram settings. YOU MUST WAIT FOR THIS TO FINISH PRIOR TO DOING ANYTHING WITH THE ROUTER INCLUDING A HARD RESET. Usually, you can tell when this process is completed by the WAN light coming on, but it does take several minutes. Go have a beer. There are starting to be more and more people who BRICK their routers by not waiting until the nvram is rebuilt, PRIOR to doing a hard reset. YOU NEED TO WAIT!

If you have done a hard reset on the router, and received the change password screen, make sure you mention this in your post if you still have a problem....otherwise everyone will be telling you to do a hard reset.

Wanna see what happens if you don't follow each and every step? http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=55693

Backup files can't be reused
2. You CANNOT install old configuration files made on one svn build on any other firmware without risking large problems. Don't do it. Restoring backups after changing builds can brick your router! Delete your old configuration files once you are sure the newer firmware is stable. They are useless. Also, it should not even have to be mentioned but you cannot use backup files from one router model on another router model. You should also not re-use old config files IF you are having any problems, or you could put the problem back in. This does mean you have to re-enter ALL your configurations again. Don't bitch about this. It's the FUN of third party firmware. Plus you might see some options you missed before. If this is a hassle for you, try using Imacros for firefox to automate the process.

Frater has also championed some scripts that can be used to restore some parts of the nvram: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=44324

Recommended builds
3. Upgrade to a recommended newer build, especially if you are running SP1 or v24 final (05/21/08 ). Newer builds contain fixes for bugs. At the time of writing, the latest official build is v.24 SP1. SP1 has a LOT of issues. It will spontaneously brick the Asus WL500W router. These issues are fixed with some of the later builds. However, sometimes new builds have new bugs. New builds are BETA and not "finished" yet. Although you use them at your own risk these builds have been pretty thoroughly tested and work well, certainly better than SP1. Browse the forums and see what others are saying.

Prior to upgrading, understand how builds work by reading note 4, below, and ALWAYS follow the wiki install for your router when initially flashing it from oem firmware!

These are the recommended builds: Brainslayer 13525 or 13527. This build has worked fine in most configurations and should be used in most cases.

Here is a link to the NEWD BS 13525 builds: ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/older/12-28-09-r13525/broadcom/

If you have installed 13525/27 and are having problems, try dropping back to either BS12874 or EKO 12548 Both of those builds have a long track record of being very stable and work well on most routers. This is a link to these the new EKO builds. Click on the link and open the folder with the same number as the recommended build you wish to use:

EKO: ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/V24_TNG/

Here is the direct link to the newer BRAINSLAYER builds:

Brainslayer: ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/

Be sure to understand whether you need a VINTage driver, NEWD driver OR NEWD2/K26 BEFORE you upgrade. Some newly supported routers can ONLY use K26 builds, but don't use K26 unless you have to.

If you HAVE to use k26 (which you can tell by whether when you originally flashed the router, you were required to use a build with K26 in the name) here is the link to the k26 builds. Putting these on a router that isn't supported WILL brick it.

ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/older/12-28-09-r13525/broadcom_K26/

Use one of the recommended builds mentioned here NOT 13064 (Build date 10/10/09) or SP1, regardless of what the router database recommends!

Note that if you need VINT for your router, (see note 4 on this) you must use EKO builds since new BS builds do not include the VINT driver. Since build 12548, a decision was made not to overlap BS and Eko builds. So, if BS already creates a generic standard build, for example, EKO will NOT be compiling that build in his build folders. Additional differences between EKO and BS are explained in the thread linked in note 18.

Due to the exploit that is discussed in the following link, if you wish to use older builds, you should modify your startup script according to the instructions. Otherwise, you should use one of the latest builds. See the development announcements here:

http://dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/

If you do not wish to have to patch the firewall script, use one of the above recommended builds.

You should not put SP1 or 13064 (Build date 10/10/09) on your router....use one of the builds recommended here. You can get Beta Builds at Downloads, Other, Eko, TNG_24, and then go to the folder number that matches the recommended build number. There is a direct link below

Sometimes, a wireless encryption type doesn't work, so you might have to try another one if one is not working. I believe most if not all encryption are working with the later recommended builds. WPA2-AES is secure and working well.

Each build has a thread on the forum. These new builds have worked out well, and have many changes that improve dd-wrt compatibility with Wireless N/Dual Radio setups. If you need wireless N speed, or have a dual radio definitely check out the build threads and see what others are saying.

SECURITY settings often do NOT work properly with v.24SP1. SP1 also does not forward DHCP properly in bridged mode.

Builds that are newer than the recommended ones listed here are not necessarily better. If you see a newer folder and think you will try that, even though it's not one of the builds recommended in this announcement or Redhawk's, be sure you have a jtag cable and a place to attach it.

Some people are jumping ahead to the newer NEWD-2 builds (builds with NEWD-2 in the name) even though they are not recommended builds and without reading the build threads that are available for each new release. Do NOT put NEWD-2 on your router without reading the build threads and knowing what you are doing. Noobs are best advised to stay away from Newd2. We are not seeing any significant benefit from the Newd2 driver. NEWD-2 will brick many routers. See these threads for guidance: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=54711 http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=55625 And this wiki article: [dd-wrt-wiki:NEWD2_Support_on_some_models

Some newer routers MUST use K2.6 builds. If you originally had to flash a build with k2.6 in the name, you likely will ALWAYS have to flash a k2.6 build. K2.6 builds always use the Newd-2 driver. See note 4, below for further info on this.

Make sure your firewalls and virus protection are disabled prior to upgrading. Some people have had problems accessing their router due to not disabling their computer security.

Remember that newer is not necessarilly better!!!

The router database has recommended some less stable builds, including SP1 and 13064 (10/10/09) build. I suggest using the builds that are recommended here or in Redhawk's announcement above, rather than the ones in the router database. SP1 is full of bugs, and while 13064 is not nearly as bad, some are reporting connection issues fairly regularly. Sometimes the router database also has had the wrong build type. The router database is being worked on improve the recommendations. Do not skip over reading the install wiki for your router just because you got the files from the router database. You need to KNOW what to do with those files. The wiki usually has the right builds for particular routers. READ THE WIKI!

Understanding dd-wrt build options
4. CHECK and UNDERSTAND the proper build for your router. The ROUTER memory (flash memory...not RAM) determines what build you can put on it. It is simple math. If you have a 4mb flash chip, you can't put a build larger than 4mb on it because it won't fit, even if you wish to have advanced features. In other words, don't look at the features and decide which one you want and then install it. You will often brick your router. This is bad.

Trailed builds are builds with the router model in the name. BS builds are often, but not always trailed builds. These builds are often necessary for initial flashing of a virgin router. Once dd-wrt is installed, you should not use a trailed build, and can use a generic build instead.

FOLLOW THE PROCESS FOR FLASHING YOUR ROUTER THAT IS IN THE WIKI. [dd-wrt-wiki:Installation Once you have dd-wrt installed on your router, you can change to any generic stable build that the flash will support by upgrading using the webgui. You should not use use a trailed build once dd-wrt is installed on the router, and you do not have to stick with the build in the wiki install for your router.

Read the rest of this note to understand builds to flash to your router, once dd-wrt is installed according to the wiki, and to make sure you are flashing a supported build for your router.

To pick a build, there are three things you need to know. The process for flashing, the build type (micro, mini, standard or mega) and whether you need newd, K26, or vint. Then you can pick the build svn (13525, 13637, 12533, 12548 etc.) that you want to flash.

You don't have to use the build VERSION that are recommended in the wiki but it is a good practice to do so unless you undestand how all this works. You should use the build TYPE. (See below in this note.)

You need to know whether you can put micro, mini, standard or mega on your router. You can determine what TYPE of build is supported on your router by going here: [dd-wrt-wiki:Supported_Devices

The supported devices wiki will also tell you the FLASH size that your router has. (DON'T Confuse flash with ram size). Your router will have 2, 4 or 8mb of Flash. The generic builds are not based on router models; trailed builds are only used for initial flashing.

To determine what version TYPE to flash, use this guide:

If you have 2mb of flash, you MUST use Micro.bin. (See below for how to determine if you need NEWD_Micro.bin or VINT_Micro.bin). You cannot use micro PLUS on ANY router unless it has a compressed CFE. If you didn't compress your CFE, or don't know what a compressed CFE is, DON'T USE MICRO PLUS. Info on compressed CFEs can be found here: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=38844

If you have 4mb of flash, you can use any mini or standard build as long as you get the newd/vint OR K26 (for routers that require it) choice right (see below in this note). You cannot use Mega on a router with 4mb of flash. Some of these builds have different features built in. If you don't need KAID, then you can get a NOKAID version, for example, which frees up more flash for other things.

IF you have 4mb of flash, and you don't know what build to use, just use MINI.bin. You can always reflash later.

If you have 8mb of flash, you can use any generic build you wish. (NOT K26 unless you have one of the newer routers that can ONLY use K26). It has been suggested that micro builds are not recommended for 8mb flash routers and you CAN'T put micro on an N router.

So..Do NOT put a micro build on a router with an N radio. Using micro on an N router can brick some N routers.

Maximum firmware size To be on a safe side, please check the size of new firmware file before flashing it to your router. Flashing too large firmware file can brick your router. 2MB flash chip / normal cfe (256k) : 1769472 bytes 2MB flash chip / compressed cfe (128k): 1900544 bytes 4MB flash chip (not Netgear): 3801088 bytes 4MB flash chip Netgear routers: 3735552 bytes 8MB flash chip: 7995392 bytes

Newd vs Vint vs Newd2 vs K26

NEWD is the NEW Driver based on the kernel 2.4. Many routers use this. Vint is the old Vintage driver for really early Linksys router from about 10 years ago, also based on kernel 2.4. Newd-2 is a newer driver that is available both in a kernel 2.4 and a kernel 2.6. It offers no real benefit in the kernel 2.4. It will brick many routers. K26 is the new kernel that some very new routers MUST use and it has the newd-2 driver. Using K26 on a router that doesn't support it, or failing to use K26 on a router that requires it will both brick the router.

NEWD has only NEWD (NOT NEWD2) in the filename of the bin file...DON'T CONFUSE THIS WITH NEWD2. NEWD-2 has NEWD2 in the filename. K26 has K26 in the filename of the .bin file. VINT has the word VINT in the filename.

Most routers should use NEWD when they can. VINT is for old routers that cannot support the new wireless drivers. Some new routers can ONLY use Newd2 builds

You should use VINT builds if you have a corerev=4 or less. If your router is a v.1, REALLY check to ensure whether you need VINT or not.

Here the command that you send to the router to check:

nvram get wl0_corerev

Do this from a telnet session or putty terminal window. It can also be done from the Administration>>Commands tab.

EKO has stated this:

NEWD won't work only on corerev=4 radios. You can run it on 5 and 7, just virtual wireless interfaces won't work in AP mode. All the rest work.

CHECK all of this (VINT, Build allowed etc.)and be sure. However, some of the information in the Wiki is out of date in that there are sometimes newer builds. If your device says you are to use generic_micro, then any later "micro" build should ok, unless your router has specific instructions. If it says you can use generic_standard, then any standard build can be used.

So, if it says that you can use, for example Generic_Standard v.24 12548 you could also use NEWD_Standard svn12874, or, if you need a VINT build, VINT_Standard svn12548. You should never use builds that have a specific name of the router in the name of build that is not the name of YOUR router! (These are also called 'trailed builds') Ie. Don't use v24-10700_NEWD_mini_wr850g-v2-v3.bin (which is for a wr850 v.2 router, in a WRT54gl router! If there is not a specific build for your router, use flash size to determine the build, as explained above.

If you want to know the differences between the versions, and what each of the different builds includes, see this page in the wiki: [dd-wrt-wiki:What_is_%22DD-WRT%22%3F#File_Versions (DHC_Darkshadows has done some good work to keep that page detailed and up to date.}

NEWD-2, used in the k2.6 builds, is for new routers. Safe advice is simply do NOT use NEWD-2 (A bin file with NEWD2 in the name) unless you have to.

There are kernel24 newd-2 and kernel26 newd-2. Don't use a kernel24 newd-2. There is no benefit that we have found. However, some routers MUST ONLY use K26, but make sure you see this thread and check if your router can use K26 before flashing:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=63757&start=0

HOWEVER, some very new routers sometimes MUST ONLY use K26. If you originally (in the install wiki for your router) were told to use a K26 or a NEWD2 build, you must continue to ALWAYS use a k26/Newd2 build.

IF you are wondering if you should use a build with olsrd in the name, then the answer is no. This is a case of "if you don't know what it is, you don't need it". OLSRD is for mesh networks.

IF you have looked, and are not sure, ASK.

The Wiki
5. Read the WIKI. There has been a lot of work recently to improve the wiki for broadcom devices and the wiki is now mostly up to date and using good files. Don't flash firmware based on youtube or instructions on another non dd-wrt website. Often they are out of date/incorrect! Read and follow the instructions here in the dd-wrt wiki. One thing you REALLY need to look at is the procedure for installing to your router. This is extremely important as there are a lot of subtle variations. Some routers must use a different ip address than 192.168.1.1. Who knew? If you haven't read about YOUR router, go here now: [dd-wrt-wiki:Installation

DO NOT USE THE "ROUTER DATABASE" AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR READING THE WIKI! The router database is still recommending builds that are not optimum. SP1 is not a good build, and 13064 (10/10/09) while better, is still causing problems for some people. In addition, the router database only provides the files (and not good ones), not the instructions. YOU NEED BOTH GOOD FILES AND GOOD INSTRUCTIONS, so follow the wiki install for your router. This is not optional.

Here's a trick for navigating the wiki. Stuff can be hard to find. To find what you are looking for, open any page, and then click on the bottom where it says "English Documentation". You will find a list of articles listed alphabetically. Likely what you are looking for is there.

If you find an install article that is confusing or out of date (ie. suggests using SP1 or any build prior to 12548) please report it in this thread: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=57056

Please do not delete material from the wiki unless you are fully knowledgeable about the information. If you are not sure, but want to change the information, ADD the information above the material that is there as a suggested edit. Please report the fact that you have changed the wiki in the same thread: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=57056

Test for bricked routers
6. Is your router bricked? A bricked router is a router that you can no longer communicate with through wireless or wired connections. It will give no response. Just because a router doesn't seem to be fully working, doesn't mean it is bricked. Most of the time when we refer to a bricked router, we mean that it is not responding to a wired connection and needs a jtag flash to fix it.

A brick will not respond to pings at all. Often, all the lan lights and the power light are lit when a router is bricked, even those with no cable in the lan port. If you can get your router to respond to pings, there is hope.

When pinging the router:

If reply has TTL of 100, the bootloader (CFE) is responding. This is the best time to start the TFTP transfer. In most cases you should be able to flash dd-wrt firmware if you are getting any ttl=100 responses, as long as you flash at the start of these ping responses. See note 11 about how to flash. Timing can be tricky.

If reply has TTL of 64, the operating system firmware(i.e. Linux, dd-wrt) is responding. The good news here is that there IS operating system firmware on your router.

Routers with boot wait enabled will give you a few ping responses of ttl=100, while the operating system is loading, prior to changing to ttl=64. This enables you to flash firmware at bootup with tftp if you wish to.

If there is no operating system firmware (dd-wrt) on the router (flash of firmware did not take for some reason), you will only get ttl=100 from the bootloader.

If you get "destination host unreachable", you likely have your computer on a different sub-network than the one you are trying to ping. Check to make sure that you have your computer set to the same static IP subnet (eg.192.168.1.10) as the address you are trying to ping.

If you only get "request timeout" responses, and you are pinging properly to the correct IP of the router from the same subnet,this is not good (router might be bricked) but we can still try TFTP just in case. Here's what to do:

Try to ping at ALL the ip addresses that your router has ever had. Make sure that you set the IP on your computer to the same first three octets of the IP you are trying to ping. Usually, you will set the IP of the computer to 192.168.1.8. Then, at your command prompt, ping -t 192.168.1.1. Watch and report the results, if you have a problem.

Be SURE to check your power supply and make sure it is the correct one for your router. We often see that people have used the wrong power supply and then find their router doesn't work.

Specifically, here are the steps to see whether you have a brick and need to jtag:

a. Make sure your computer hardware, especially your lan cable are working properly. Make sure your network adapter is working. b. Disable all virus protection and firewalls on the computer. Also, disable any wireless cards. c. Connect one computer to the router with a cable. Have no other connections to the router except one computer and one cable to that computer. d. Set your computer ip address to 192.168.1.10 (if that is the same subnet as the router is supposed to be at). e. Try to ping the router using the command "ping -t 192.168.1.1" (presuming that 192.168.1.1 is the address your router was set to.) See if there are ANY responses. (There WILL be A response...you are looking for a ttl= response) f. If there are no ttl= responses, do a hard reset on your router. Make sure you get this right. (See note 1.) This should set your router back to dd-wrt defaults. Check to see what the dd-wrt default is for your router. Usually this is 192.168.1.1. Some routers are 192.168.10.1 and some are 192.168.1.245. You then need to redo steps d. and g. using the new ip address. Make sure if the subnet has changed, your have changed your computer to match the subnet. h. Start continuous pings to your router again. Note the responses. If they are not ttl=64, you have a problem. While the pings are continuing, power cycle your router. (This means unplug it, count to 30, and plug it back in). Watch the lights and wait until they come back on or for any changes. This could take a minute. Carefully watch for any ttl= responses during this time. i. If there are no ttl= responses, do a hard reset on your router, while the pings continue. Again. watch for any ping responses. If you get none, you likely need to jtag or use one of the recovery methods listed below in this note. Your router is bricked.

If you get a few ping responses of ttl=100, or even 1, that is the CFE saying "Send me a firmware! NOW!" But you have to hit it with a tftp right then, when the ping responses start.

Some routers can be bricked even if they do give some ttl=100 responses to pings, but this is less common. Some routers can be bricked if the lights are not all lit, but again, this is not common. However, if the lights are all lit, and you cannot get a ping response, the router is definitely bricked. Time to jtag.

DON'T PIN SHORT A BRICKED ROUTER. It can cause harm that cannot be fixed. A bricked router can be fixed with a jtag, if there is a jtag terminal in the router. Not all have them. See note 8.

If someone has sent you to note 6 of the peacock thread, it is because they are asking you to post the exact message you get from your initial ping attempt, the message you get during and after a power cycle, and the message you get when pinging during and after a hard reset. Be sure to post this information in your thread. You will ALWAYS get a message/response when you try to ping;(see the first paragraph for note 6, above) be sure to post exactly what those responses are. Also post what each light in the front of the router is doing, and whether something is plugged into any lan port. Finally we will need to know what operating system you are using on your computer to assess the message you get. POST ALL THIS INFORMATION IF YOU WANT USEFUL ASSISTANCE

Here is a link on how to put your router in management mode, that has saved some people who thought that their router is bricked: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=47536

EKO has posted this for the Linksys 610N (Not sure if it works for other Linksys routers too?) http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=54286

If you need to jtag, here is a link to the wiki article on jtag: [dd-wrt-wiki:JTAG

You can do some router recovery with a serial adapter IF you have a working CFE on the router. Here is a thread on that: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=56739

Required Posting Info
7. ALWAYS put the version number of the dd-wrt you are using in your post [/b]if you are asking for help. It matters. Tell the version number, the SP, if any, and the subversion (e.g. 11296 or 12060) and/or date of the build. This information can be found in the top right corner of your webgui, or on the status page. And DON'T say you have the "latest build" on your router. "Latest build" can mean many different things. Put the version NUMBER or DATE.

(This is a test, btw. If you don't post your build properly, you fail the test, we all know you haven't really read this thread, and you will be sent back to read it more carefully.)

Also always post your router Make Model and Version. (There are about 15 Linksy WrtGS router and the version is critically important information). This information should be on your router label.

Don't Pin Short!
8. DON'T do a pin short until you are ready to throw the router out. Do a JTAG first. YES, you have to wait and be patient....either have to build or buy a JTAG. BUT pin shorting can do irreversible harm. A JTAG will not. If you haven't done a pin short, it is LIKELY you will be able to fix your router. If you pin short your router too many unknown very bad things can happen. Many forum members won't waste their time helping you sort out a bricked router after a pin short. The only time that it seems to have worked at all is with the Asus WL500w, where it should still be a LAST resort. So DON'T PIN SHORT! See this post: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=55577

How to backup your CFE - DO IT!
9. Backup your CFE file. Your flash is composed of three parts. The CFE file, which is the program that boots the router and is specific to your router, the NVram which is the memory for settings (simplistic explanation, I know) and the kernel which is the firmware. You can erase the nvram. You can reflash the kernal But if you don't have a CFE file FOR your specific model of router, you are pooched. Instructions for doing this are here: [dd-wrt-wiki:CFE_backup

This is SUPER easy and REALLY important. All you have to do to backup is click on this link: http://192.168.1.1/backup/cfe.bin

Do it. You'll likely be glad you did when you need your CFE. (Change the IP address in the link to your router IP address, if it is not at 192.168.1.1). If you have more than one router, make sure you rename your CFE.bin file so you can identify which router it is from, later. (e.g Asus520GUCFE.bin)

It would be nice if people would share this online in the CFE collection project sticky, but your MAC address is stored in the CFE file so some are reluctant to post this. You will lose your MAC address in CFE if you use someone elses CFE. There are ways to fix the MAC address though.

This site can be used to download CFEs, and upload ones that are not yet there: url=ftp://ftp.barryware.net username = dd-wrt password = router

Backup your CFE now.

Memory Issues/P2P
10. Insufficient Ram and P2P programs. P2P programs have "issues" They can overwhelm your router. If you are having any problems with dd-wrt, and you are running torrents, shut them all down, close the torrent program completely, power cycle your router, and see if the problems continue.

Read about the problem and what you can do, here: [dd-wrt-wiki:Router_Slowdown

Routers with 8mb of RAM (not Flash)should have Max Ports no higher than 1024. With 16mb of RAM, this can be set to 4096. TCP/UDP to 120 each. This can assist with many connection issues, not just P2P.

There is a limit to how much your router can handle. If you use it all up with p2p, you won't be able to browse the web.

Even without running torrents, insufficient ram can cause problems. Here is some more detailed information on insufficient ram and what to do. [dd-wrt-wiki:Insufficient_ram

Knowing how much nvram is available can also be important. If you run out of nvram the router will often reboot or the configuration may ‘change’ unexpectedly. Use these commands (thanks to user DC for this input) to determine the amount of free NVRAM you have:

Go to the ADMINISTRATION->COMMANDS tab and enter the following in the COMMANDS box (don't enter the quotes and don't press return at the end of the line) "nvram show |grep wan_ipaddr" Press the 'RUN COMMANDS' button at the bottom of the page.

The first line of the output will look something like: size: 28140 bytes (4628 left). In this example there are 4628 bytes of nvram left.

How to Tftp
11. The instructions for how to use tftp.exe are here: [dd-wrt-wiki:Tftp_flash

In order to catch the narrow window for TFTP flash, you should use platforms with simple TCP/IP implementations that don't have CTCP implemented: WinXP or Linux are reported to work, but some are reporting significant problems with Vista, Win7 or W2K8. For more information see this posting

If you do wish to try to use Vista (or WIN7?) you will need to right click on the icon and "Run As Administrator".

Make sure your firewalls and virus protection are disabled prior to upgrading.

There is a 4MB limit to tftp.exe. That means you can't use tftp.exe to transfer mega builds.

Make sure your computer hardware, especially your lan cable are working properly. Make sure your network adapter is working.

Connect one computer to the LAN port of the router with a cable. Have no other connections to the router except one computer and one cable to that computer. Make sure your wireless is off.

Redhawk0 always describes the process this way:

Get the appropriate dd-wrt firmware version for your router

Use this tftp utility http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads/others/tornado/Windows-TFTP/tftp2.exe

Set your computer to a static IP 192.168.1.9 (presuming your router has a default IP address of 192.168.1.1...if it is 192.168.11.1, like some Buffalo routers, set your computer to 192.168.11.9.etc) and 255.255.255.0 for a mask.

Plug ethernet cable into lan port

Configure your tftp utility (tftp.exe or tftp2.exe)

IP=192.168.1.1 (or your router's default IP address) no password - leave blank select the firmware set retries to 99

unplug power adapter from router, plug back in...hit upgrade button immediately.

wait a full 3–5 minutes after you get success message (you should be able to access the webgui), then do a power cycle, and wait for the webgui to come up, do a proper HARD reset, and wait for the webgui again...configure.

Timing is everything with tftp.exe. When your router is in trouble, you often have to hit the upgrade at exactly the right time for it to fully upload. You can get some guidance from this thread which explains how to put a router into management mode: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=47536

With MANY routers you have to prepare them for a flash of dd-wrt firmware. This is done PRIOR to flashing with dd-wrt. Check to see what steps need to be done for your model and version of router because if you don't you can brick your router. Bricking is a bad thing.

Limiting Bandwidth
12. I know of no way to limit bandwidth in the free version of dd-wrt, either by per day or by mac address. (It can, be done by Mac address in the v.24 special build that must be purchased.) If I am informed or see a thread that changes this information I will post it here.

This thread suggests there is a script that can do this: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43583&

The paid version will, apparently set bandwidth for users, it will not cap it at a certain amount.

Blank Webgui/White Page
13. If your are having difficulties with the webgui either not saving settings or disappearing, AND you have done the hard reset AND you have upgraded from SP1, clear the cache in your browser or try a different browser (IE, Firefox, Safari, Opera). If it still is inacessible, power cycle the router. (unplug it and plug it back in after 30 seconds). Your webpage will often be blank after an "apply". Simply navigate to your router IP address to get back to the gui.

Modem/Wan IP Issues
14. If you are having problems getting internet access through your modem and have no WAN IP, try these steps:

a. Turn everything off, and restart the modem first, then the router once the modem is up and running. b. Check to make sure your Mac address being detected matches the Mac address of your router by comparing with the label on the router. If it doesn't the simple solution is to follow these instructions of the master:

its been covered a bazillion times now...but why not one more: on the Administration>>Commands tab

nvram set et0macaddr=00:11:22:33:44:55 (your mac) nvram commit

Click Run...Save Startup...power cycle the router.

c. Look into Mac address cloning, as some ISPs require the Mac address to match what they are used to. If you have changed what was wired to your modem, you might have to clone the old mac address. d. Make sure you have enabled PPPoe in your router, if you need it. e. Sometimes you have to put the modem into bridged mode, and let the router handle DCHP. A modem and a router on the same subnet cannot both handle DHCP. One has to be bridged. See your modem instructions on how to do this. There is information here: [dd-wrt-wiki:Access_To_Modem_Configuration [dd-wrt-wiki:Modem_-_Connection_to_Router f. Release and renew your ISP IP address.

15. Client Bridge, Repeater, and Repeater Bridge

Repeater Bridge and Repeater usually must use the same encryption type AND passphrase on both the physical and virtual networks. Otherwise, they often will not work.

This is one of the most powerful and useful feature of dd-wrt, for an average user. However there is confusion as to the differences. Basically, Repeater is a router on a different subnet then the access point that broadcasts a new ssid, Repeater Bridge is on the same subnet that broadcasts a new ssid, Client Bridge is the same subnet as the AP but can't be connected to wirelessly, and client mode is on a different subnet then the AP and can't be connected to wirelessly.

These differences are desribed better and more fully here: [dd-wrt-wiki:Repeating_Mode_Comparisons

I have set out the basic settings for setting up a router in each of these modes, based on my actually taking a router from hard reset to online. What I have included is not meant to be a substitute for the detailed information in the wiki. (Link provided). It is only meant to cover the basic steps, and does not include information about, for example the need to disable spi firewalls or the need to make sure Block WAN Requests are all unchecked BEFORE disabling the SPI firewall. Also, if you corretly enter the SSID in the wireless tab, there is no need to do a site survey and hit join. Follow the wiki. My steps are just to show the basic differences in the three processes.

a. Basic settings for Client Bridge Mode- Wired connection no wireless clients (This is the Mode you likely want for XBOX360):

These are the basic steps. Detailed steps are found here: [dd-wrt-wiki:Client_Bridged

Hard Reset Router. Change password. Static IP of computer to 192.168.1.10 (Same subnet as AP). Ip of CB to same subnet as AP. Disable DHCP server. Apply. Relogon to router at new IP address. Put into Client Bridge Mode. Set channel to auto. Apply. Set Wireless security to same as Host AP. Apply. Go to Status Wireless Site survey and scan for ssid. Hit join. Apply. Advanced routing. Set to Router. Apply. Set computer to auto IP/DNS.

b. Basic Settings for Repeater Mode - Wired and wireless clients on a different subnet from access point.

These again are the basic processes. Detailed process is found here: [dd-wrt-wiki:Wlan_Repeater

Reset Router. Set user name and pword. Set ip address to a different subnet than Host AP. (eg. 192.168.2.1) Apply. Set computer to static subnet of Repeater (192.168.2.10). Relogon to router at new IP. Set wireless security to same as Host AP. Apply. Set wireless mode to repeater. Set wireless channel to auto. Apply. Status, wireless site survey. Join SSID. Apply. Add virtual SSID and create name. Apply. Set up security for virtual ssid. Disconnect computer ethernet cable. Set Computer Ip/DNS auto on Ethernet and wireless. Connect to new ssid with wireless in computer.

Might as well do the hat trick:

c. Repeater Bridge – Wireless and Wired connections to AP on same subnet of AP

Detailed instructions are here: [dd-wrt-wiki:Repeater_Bridge

Hard reset router. Reset username and password. Set RB to same subnet as AP. Disable DHCP. Set gateway to AP. Apply. (Relogon to router after setting static Ip on computer to same subnet, if necessary.) Set wireless security to same as AP. Apply. Set mode to repeater bridge. Set channel to auto. Apply. Status, wireless, site survey, join ssid. Apply. Add virtual interface and name new ssid. Apply. Set security for virtual interface. Apply. Advanced routing. Set to Router. Apply. Set computer to auto Ip and dns. ethernet connection. Join new ssid.

d. You can also set the router into client mode. This will offer no wireless, and will be a dhcp server on a different subnet then the access point. The steps should be similar to a repeater, but without the virtual ssid. Here's the link to the wiki on this: http://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Client_Mode

e. You can also connect two routers by wiring them together with an ethernet cable. This is a very common way to link routers. They are connected by a wire, rather than wireless. [dd-wrt-wiki:Wireless_Access_Point

Bridging Routers
16. Supported Routers - If you want to know if your router can be upgraded to dd-wrt, please check the supported devices wiki. If it is not listed, it is likely not supported. If it is a WIP(Work in Progress) do a search of the forum to see if this has changed. The supported devices wiki is often out of date with respect to recommended builds, so check the wiki install for your router. (Remember that you can always upgrade to a more recent build if you start with an old build.) The supported devices wiki is pretty close to up to date with respect to compatible devices, however. So, this means that if your router is not listed, it is likely unsupported. At the bottom of the supported devices, there is a "known incompatible devices list".

DD-wrt does not work on combination modem/router devices.

Here is a link to the supported devices wiki: [dd-wrt-wiki:Supported_Devices#

Many new users think that if a router has a broadcom chipset, that they should be able to simply flash some version of dd-wrt on it. The process to get a router supported is FAR more complex than that. DD-wrt requires a CFE bootloader that many routers do not have. Manufacturers lock their firmware in, making it hard to remove. In recent times routers that have become supported have taken months to get figured out, by people who are experts at this. And these are the ones that could be supported. So, if your router is not listed in the supported devices wiki, there is likely a reason for it not being there: It isn't and can't be supported until one of the developers cracks it, which they might never do.

If you wish to see how complex it is to get dd-wrt on an unsupported router, see this thread: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=65443

Power Supply/Hardware Issues
17. Hardware Issues - Power supply failure and bad capacitors are both common problem with routers that can often create issues that look like firmware bugs. This is particularly common with Asus and Netgear routers. Please read this thread for more information on the problem and how to test for it: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=56939

There is also useful information on how having better power supplies can benefit your signal in this thread: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=54242

18. Miscellaneous stuff - Your default username/password is always root/admin. Firefox will sometimes default in things you don't want. If you can't get into your webgui, try telnet or ssh, where the username is always root. If that doesn't work, you have to do a hard reset, and get back to the password entry page. Use care in actually putting your username and passphrase in, and make sure you get the same number of dots as your passphrase; otherwise, you will have to do a hard reset and start again.

If you have lost your username and/or password, doing a hard reset will also reset it to the defaults.

A "trailed build" is a build with the router model in the name. These are created primarily by Brainslayer and can be found in his build download folder (linked in note 3). Often these must be flashed on a router first.

Discussion of the "differences" between Eko and Brainslayer builds: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=53845 [dd-wrt-wiki:What_is_%22DD-WRT%22%3F#File_Versions

If you expect to have wireless N working properly, see the wiki article on N configuration: [dd-wrt-wiki:Wireless-N_Configuration

If you want to see the changes between the new experimental builds, the only explanation is the timeline: http://svn.dd-wrt.com:8000/dd-wrt/timeline

Also, you have to hit "apply" for your changes to be made permanent. "Save" just stores them temporarily in memory without actually writing them.

Advanced Wireless Settings can be found in this thread: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51039

Do not raise your TX value if you are having signal quality issues. First of all, TX isn't working in many routers. Second you should fix signal issues with better antennas not power. Many routers do much better with LOWER TX values, around 40-50 especially those with the crappy internal antennas (linksys ashtrays). Buffalo HP units should not be higher than 30.

Here is a link to the "Catfish thread" about external antennas: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43810,

Here is a link to a thread that deals with software that can help with network analysis: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=57417

DYNDNS is having "issues". Here is what phuque99 posted:

This is NOT A DD-WRT issue, and not a build issue. This is an issue with checkip.dyndns.org. It will happen with *all builds* of dd-wrt. It even shows up on my Linux machines. Workaround is discussed in the following threads or you can just ignore it if the log lines doesn't bother you.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=55796 http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=53539

Oh and if you type a long post and get that weirdo "mistake" message, backup your browser to your message, hit preview and then submit. Works most of the time. You can also try cutting it from your browser window, and pasting it in a new message.

If you feel that something in here is incorrect, or misleading, please pm me and I will fix it.

Finally: Links to DD-wrt humour http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=47340 http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46329 http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=56578

There were many comments to this thread, that have been split from the thread. Much of what followed had to do with different philosophies of clearing the nvram.

A decision has been made to split this thread, and lock it. The second part of this thread can now be found here: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=39529