ASUS RT-N66U
abgn (AN900) | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wireless-N900 Dual-Band Gigabit Router Dark Knight Double 450Mbps Dual N Band Router | |||||||||||||||||
Homepage | |||||||||||||||||
Support | |||||||||||||||||
Downloads | |||||||||||||||||
Wikipedia | |||||||||||||||||
InfoDepot Wiki | |||||||||||||||||
WikiDevi.wi-cat.ru | |||||||||||||||||
3rd Party Firmware | |||||||||||||||||
dd-wrt | |||||||||||||||||
OpenWrt | |||||||||||||||||
Tomato any flavor | |||||||||||||||||
Gargoyle |
Status Unknown | ||||||||||||||||
Platform | |||||||||||||||||
Brand • Model • Rev |
ASUS RT-N66U B1 (Rev.3.00) | ||||||||||||||||
Serial number prefix |
C21A08 | ||||||||||||||||
FCC ID | |||||||||||||||||
IC ID | |||||||||||||||||
Type |
wireless router | ||||||||||||||||
CPU1 | |||||||||||||||||
CPU1 Type |
MIPS 74Kc | ||||||||||||||||
CPU1 Speed |
600 MHz 8-bit | ||||||||||||||||
Flash1 Chip |
Spansion S29GL256P10TFI01 | ||||||||||||||||
Flash1 Size |
32 MiB33,554,432 B <br />262,144 Kib <br />32,768 KiB <br />256 Mib <br />0.0313 GiB <br /> (Serial) | ||||||||||||||||
RAM1 Size |
256 MiB268,435,456 B <br />2,097,152 Kib <br />262,144 KiB <br />2,048 Mib <br />0.25 GiB <br /> | ||||||||||||||||
RAM1 Chip |
Samsung K4T1G164QF x 2 | ||||||||||||||||
nvram Size |
64K | ||||||||||||||||
ETH chip1 | |||||||||||||||||
Switch |
Broadcom BCM53125 | ||||||||||||||||
Ethernet Port Count |
1-1GbE-WAN 4-1GbE-LAN | ||||||||||||||||
Wired Standard |
IEEE 802.3i/3u/3ab | ||||||||||||||||
Stock bootloader |
CFE | ||||||||||||||||
Stock FW OS |
Linux 2.6.22.19 | ||||||||||||||||
Expansion IF types |
USB 2.0, MicroSD Card slot | ||||||||||||||||
USB ports |
2 | ||||||||||||||||
SD/MMC Slots |
1 | ||||||||||||||||
USB Hub Compatible |
Untested | ||||||||||||||||
Power |
19 VDC, 1.58 A | ||||||||||||||||
Connector type |
barrel | ||||||||||||||||
Serial Port (UART) |
yes, 4-pin header | ||||||||||||||||
JTAG Port |
yes, 10-pin header | ||||||||||||||||
Other | |||||||||||||||||
Default SSID: ASUS (100 addl. devices) | |||||||||||||||||
Manuf/OEM/ODM | |||||||||||||||||
3rd Party Firmware Support | |||||||||||||||||
Retail | |||||||||||||||||
Availability | End of Life | ||||||||||||||||
FCC approval date | 07 December 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
(Est.) release date | 22 December 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
UPC |
886227037353 (UPC DB, On eBay) | ||||||||||||||||
ASIN | B006QB1RPY | ||||||||||||||||
Country of manuf | China | ||||||||||||||||
Radio 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Chip1 |
Broadcom BCM4331 | ||||||||||||||||
Wireless interface OUI |
08:60:6E, 30:85:A9, 50:46:5D, C8:60:00 | ||||||||||||||||
Antenna Connector Type |
U.FL, RP-SMA | ||||||||||||||||
MIMO status |
3x3:3 | ||||||||||||||||
Wireless Standard |
IEEE 802.11b/g/n | ||||||||||||||||
802.11n |
up to 450 Mbps | ||||||||||||||||
802.11g |
up to 54 Mbps | ||||||||||||||||
802.11b |
up to 11 Mbps | ||||||||||||||||
WiFi Operating Frequency |
2.4 GHz | ||||||||||||||||
Radio cor_rev |
29 | ||||||||||||||||
Radio 2 | |||||||||||||||||
Chip1 |
Broadcom BCM4331 | ||||||||||||||||
Wireless interface OUI |
08:60:6E, 30:85:A9, 50:46:5D, C8:60:00 | ||||||||||||||||
Antenna Connector Type |
U.FL, RP-SMA | ||||||||||||||||
MIMO status |
3x3:3 | ||||||||||||||||
Wireless Standard |
IEEE 802.11a/n | ||||||||||||||||
802.11n |
up to 450 Mbps | ||||||||||||||||
802.11a |
up to 54 Mbps | ||||||||||||||||
WiFi Operating Frequency |
5 GHz | ||||||||||||||||
Radio cor_rev |
29 | ||||||||||||||||
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For a list of all currently documented Broadcom chipsets with specifications, see Broadcom.
For a list of all currently documented ASUS device with specifications, see ASUS.
Overview
Simultaneous Dual-Band, Gigabit Ethernet, 3x3:3 (450Mbps)
- FCC ID: MSQ-RT0K00 - ASUS RT-N66U - PCB Rev.3.3
This router is sold in some locations as the RT-N66R.
- It is also available in white as the RT-N66W.
The CPU is part BCM4706KPBG. The switch is part BCM53125SKMML.
- Revision B2 is the same as B1, but have different CFE version.
- Asus_RT-N66U (pictures)
Annihilator666's photos have a sticker on the device showing an:
- OUI of 10:BF:48, LAN OUI of 20:CF:30, presumably, 50:46:5D OUI
- Wi-Fi Certified : WFA12169 (as of 07/30/2011)
- ASUS RT-N66U C1 (MSQ-RTACHC00) • Product page • Support page
- Model: RT-N66U C1, H/W ver B2, F/W ver 3.0.0.4.382_19333
- CPU: Broadcom BCM4708 (ARM); 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0
- (odmpid == "RT-N66U_C1" || odmpid =="RT-AC66U_B1" || odmpid == "RT-AC1750_B1")
Links of Interest
Reviews
Forum threads
- Asus RT-N66U - @ DD-WRT
- Asus RT-N66U on wl500g.info forums
- Internals and boot log on VR-Zone forums
- Info from BrainSlayer (DD-WRT forums),
Other
- How to flash RT-N66U with Shibby's TomatoUSB firmware
- (SOLVED) Need help debricking my RT-N66U
- Temperature.sh for Asus RT-N66U for Tomato
- Stealth Mode (Timer function) RT-N66
- RT-N66U cfe - Original
- RT-N66 CFE Thread
- Flashing DD-WRT onto Asus RT-N66U
- Merlin mod of official firmware Asus
- On the DD-WRT forum
- On the TomatoUSB forum
- On the TomatoUSB forum again
- On the SNB forum
- On the SNB forum
- TomatoUSB VPN
- TomatoUSB (Shibby) on the RT-N66U
- Label shot and misc. pictures
Flashing
NOTE: During configuration or flashing a device, the only things that should be hooked to the device is the computer and power. |
Flashing dd-wrt
NOTE: Use build 18946, it fixes the WAN port issue. |
WARNING: The RT-N66U does REQUIRE the K26 Firmware builds as Broadcom has not released drivers for the non-K26 builds. (Read more here: Recommended Firmwares). |
NVRAM issue
25-May-2013: Since BrainSlayer posted some experimental K3.X Images, the NVRAM Issue becomes almost obsolete. Please have a look at the Installation Instructions for further instructions. |
WARNING: 9-Apr-2013: It seems more recently manufactured units come pre-loaded with the 64K v1.0.1.3 CFE and so are not compatible with standard DD-WRT builds. Flashing a standard DD-WRT build on these devices will result in a brick. As it is impossible to know which CFE version your unit has when running the stock firmware, anyone wishing to flash DD-WRT on this device is advised to follow this guide: http://charleswilkinson.co.uk/2012/12/22/dd-wrt-on-the-asus-rt-n66u-with-64k-cfe/ These instructions should be updated when an official build becomes available. |
1-Nov-2012: Fractal has indicated that the NVRAM is resolved and that 5Ghz is working. [1] |
30-Oct-2012: RT-N66 CFE Thread Link to discussion implementing 64K: not sure that this is ready for prime time yet, however, if you try this and feel it is ready, UPDATE THIS STATEMENT and publish the procedure, limitations, and results. |
As of June 2012 there is an issue with NVRAM all but being filled by the default DD-WRT installation. Until this issue is resolved, please know about the pro and cons of this issue, before you install DD-WRT on this router.
There are however frequent general news about this issue. If not daily, then weekly news. And eventually a solution to (preferably a 60/64K solution) will also reach the DD-WRT community.
As of this writing (June 30, 2012) https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin/downloads has implemented a solution, that lives with 32k NVRAM for CFE, but extends to ~60k in firmware.
As of July 16, 2012, TomatoUSB, Shibby has implemented a 64k NVRAM solution that lives with 32K NVRAM for CFE See Flashing TomatoUSB
Principle steps
- Clear settings (Clear NVRAM) select Factory Default settings
- Install the INITIAL ASUS RT-N66U version of DD-WRT (file name ends in .trx) using either the Web GUI method or the Recover Utility method. Both methods are described below
- Clear settings (Clear NVRAM) select Factory Default settings
- "Upgrade" to your final version of DD-WRT (filename ends in .bin) using Web GUI or Recovery Utility
- Clear settings (Clear NVRAM) select Factory Default settings
- Note: is IMPORTANT to Clear NVRAM (to select Factory Default settings) BEFORE and AFTER upload of any new firmware.
Upload Firmware via Web GUI
- Clear settings (Clear NVRAM) select Factory Default settings.
- Upload the .trx file using the stock web GUI.
- Wait for the router to re-boot on its own. This may easily take 10–15 minutes to happen, so just be patient.
- Clear settings (Clear NVRAM) select Factory Default settings. Wait for the router to re-boot on its own!!! May take 10 minutes or more
Upload Firmware via Recovery Utility
- Set your NIC card to static IP 192.168.1.12, Subnet 255.255.255.0, Default gateway 192.168.1.1 (Static IP guide)
- Put router into recovery mode by holding down the reset button while powering up the router, wait until the power led is blinking slowly, then release the reset button.
- In the Asus Recover utility Access the router’s built in recovery mode by issuing 192.168.1.1 in browser field.
- Flash the initial DD-WRT build (e.g.) Asus-RT-N66U_18946_mini.trx build and upload.
- When completed wait until the router re-boots on its own. This takes at least 10 minutes.
- Put router into recovery mode by holding down the reset button while powering up the router, wait until the power led is blinking slowly, then release the reset button.
- Flash the final DD-WRT build, could be any of:
Simple Instructions (Works for most)
1 Holding the reset botton with out energy cable, connect energy cable and switch
- on the router with the reset botton pressed till the "on" led blinks slowly.
2 Try httр://192.168.1.1
and now you see the MiniWebserver.
3 Klick Durchsuchen und in the Fileserver search the Firmware.trx and click open.
(Click Browse and in the Fileserver search locate the Firmware.trx and click open.)
Now click Upload
4 When the firmware fully loaded click Continue.
You are back to the MiniWebServer , now click Restore default NVRAM values.
5 Now get http://192.168.1.1/do.htm?cmd=nvram+commit
into the Browser and press Enter
6 Now click Continue and then click Reboot
7 Try http://192.1.68.1.1
and set Username and Password
If you are not fast enough and the router reboots then you can do step
- 1,Clear NVRAM and do step 5&6 without loading firmware again.
- When completed wait until the router re-boots on its own. This takes at least 10 minutes.
- Put router into recovery mode by holding down the reset button while powering up the router,
- wait until the power led is blinking slowly, then release the reset button.
- Select Reset NVRAM defaults when it completes (should be quick), in the browser field,
- type in
httр://192.168.1.1/do.htm?cmd=nvram+commit
.
- When done press enter. When complete select reboot and wait 5–10 minutes
- for the router to reboot and start building its layers.
- Now you should be able to access via web gui 192.168.1.1 and it should be DD-WRT.
Flashing OpenWrt
Devices with Broadcom WiFi chipsets have limited OpenWrt supportability (due to limited FLOSS driver availability for Broadcom chips). Consider this when choosing a device to buy, or when deciding to flash OpenWrt on your device because it is listed as supported. See Broadcom WiFi for details. |
On the OpenWrt Wiki
OpenWrt Target: bcm47xx
OpenWrt Subtarget: mips74k
OpenWrt Package architecture: mipsel_74kc
Support started version: 15.05
Current supported version: 23.05.5
Unsupported Functions:
WiFi 2.4GHz, WiFi 5GHz, openwrt only sees 128MB RAM
Please insert instructions here
Flashing Tomato
NOTE: TomatoUSB Shibby AIO build supports onboard MicroSD socket. |
WARNING: Requires K2.6RT-N for TomatoUSB, Do not flash anything else. |
- Set static IP address on computer of 192.168.1.10
- Download the file 'tomato-K26USB-1.28.RT-N5x-MIPSR2-101-AIO-64K.trx'
- Put the router into recovery mode by holding down the reset button
in the back of the router and plug the power in.
Continue holding the reset button until the power lights blinks slow,
then release the reset button. - Use the Asus recovery disk and upload the tomato firmware.
- Wait until it finish, about 5min. If you do not wait you will brick it.
- Power down the router.
- Power up the router and you now have tomato on it.
- Reset nvram (Thorough).
Upgrading
Updating DD-WRT
If dd-wrt is already on the router follow these instructions. If stock firmware is on the router follow the flashing instructions.
- Check for recommended builds here first.
- Set your computer to a static IP of 192.168.1.7. (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.
- Hard reset or 30/30/30 (If the router supports it, if not, reset to defults in the GUI) prior to flashing. Wait. Check for password page on re-login and change password.
- Flash firmware. You can use the webgui except if you have a belkin router. (For belkin use tftp.exe to flash)
- Wait...at least three minutes. Lights should return to normal. See important2, below. Failing to wait is how most people brick their routers.
- Do a power cycle of the router. (Unplug the cord, count to 30 and plug it back in.)
- Wait for the lights to return to normal usually about 2 minutes.
- Hard reset or 30/30/30 again (If the router supports it, if not, reset to defults in the GUI). Wait. Check for the password page and re-login to change the password. Then you can reconfigure your settings manually.
- Once configured set your computer back to autoIP and autoDNS.
Important1: This Hard reset or 30/30/30 works fine for Asus router, but you do have to power cycle after the reset.
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!
JTAG-Serial Info
JTAG
RT-N66U Jtag On DD-WRT forum
JTAG Pinouts
J2 sure looks like a JTAG header
1 © nTRST | 2 ® GND 3 © TDI | 4 ® GND 5 © TDO | 6 ® GND 7 © TMS | 8 ® GND 9 © TCK | 10 ® GND
Serial
Console connection on N66U and TUMPA board On DD-WRT forum
Serial Pinouts
Serial is J1 Serial is J1
R| VCC 1 © |F E| RX 2 © |R A| TX 3 © |O R| GND 4 © |N |T
USB Info
DD-WRT USB
- The USB port is where you can connect an external USB hard drive or flash drive. Which can do a multitude of things. You can use in as a NAS, storage for a FTP server, use Optware to run external programs like torrent software, samba for sharing files to network, share a USB printer with network... The list of possibilities is long, it just takes a little research.
- ProFTPd, samba, dlna, raid support is included in most the newer builds of dd-wrt. Check the features chart to be sure.
Tomato USB
Most newer Tomato forks comes with file sharing, ftp server and media server built in.
Tutorial: How to set up NAS and Optware on Tomato FOR TOTAL NOOBS
vlan Info
DD-WRT VLAN Info
Pictures
Notes
Hardware Modification
MicroSD
sdhci: Secure Digital Host Controller Interface driver
sdhci: Copyright(c) Pierre Ossman
After sticking in a 2GB MicroSD card and rebooting, the card is seen and mounted to /tmp/mnt/sda1
df -h
Filesystem Size Used Available Use% Mounted on
/dev/root 17.0M 17.0M 0 100% /
tmpfs 124.8M 412.0K 124.4M 0% /tmp
devfs 124.8M 0 124.8M 0% /dev
/dev/sda1 1.9G 24.0K 1.9G 0% /tmp/mnt/sda1
Contents can be shared via samba in OEM firmware, now to figure out how to run custom scripts from the oem firmware.
Mounted MicroSD Card in TomatoUSB
Card was partitioned and formated in Ubuntu with GParted
On InfoDepot Moved to TechInfoDepot
Info from BrainSlayer (DD-WRT forums)
Internals and boot log on vr-zone forums
Reviewed on SmallNetBuilder
LAN OUI of 20:CF:30, presumably. This is assumed to be a BCM4706 device.
Trouble with recovery mode
I just want to give a tip for anybody who has trouble getting into recovery mode. I didn't find this simple information on the internet yet. First, some context:
I flashed a Brainslayer build from a Fractal build, and then my router stopped responding to ping. When booting normally, the power and ethernet LEDs would light up. The same thing happened when booting up with the reset button pressed, which should have put into recovery mode, but didn't. When booting up with the WPS button pressed, the power LED would flash and clear the NVRAM. The router then started up and enabled the two radios, broadcasting a "dd-wrt" SSID, but still no ping.
To force it into recovery mode:
- Set a static IP of 192.168.1.2
- Press the WPS button and start up
- Let the power LED flash rapidly for 5 seconds, then release WPS
- Immediately press the reset button, keeping it pressed until the power LED flashes slowly
- Release the reset button
- Point your browser to 192.168.1.1
Voilà.
- ASUS
- Embedded system/wireless router
- Embedded System Broadcom
- Embedded System BCM4706
- Broadcom
- Embedded System MIPS 74Kc
- Embedded System
- Embedded System BCM53125
- Manuf Askey
- DD-WRT Supported
- OpenWrt Supported
- Tomato Supported
- Embedded System BCM4331
- Has Mimo Status
- Embedded System IEEE 802.11b/g/n
- Embedded System IEEE 802.11a/n
- Dual-Radio Wireless Embedded System
- Wireless Embedded System
- Dual-Band
- Wi-Fi Certified
- English Documentation