Linksys WRT54G/GL/GS/GX

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Contents

Identifying Your Version

The first 4 digits in the serial number (look on the box or the underside of the router) represent the hardware revision:

CDF0 = WRT54G v1.0
CDF1 = WRT54G v1.0
CDF2 = WRT54G v1.1
CDF3 = WRT54G v1.1
CDF5 = WRT54G v2.0
CDF7 = WRT54G v2.2
CDF8 = WRT54G v3.0
CDF9 = WRT54G v3.1
CDFA = WRT54G v4.0
CDFB = WRT54G v5.0
CDFC = WRT54G v5.1
CDFD = WRT54G v6.0
CDFE = WRT54G v7.0
CDFK = WRT54G v7.2 (Currently widely spread in Finnish IT stores 13.5.2008)
CDFF = WRT54G v8.0 (purchased 2007-6-4 New Jersey Best Buy)
CDFG = WRT54G v8.0 (purchased 7-16-2007 Hemet Staples)
CDFJ = WRT54G v8.2 (Amazon.com 6-25-2008)

CL7A = WRT54GL v1.0
CL7B = WRT54GL v1.1
CL7C = WRT54GL v1.1

CGN0 = WRT54GS v1.0
CGN1 = WRT54GS v1.0
CGN2 = WRT54GS v1.1
CGN3 = WRT54GS v2.0
CGN4 = WRT54GS v2.1
CGN5 = WRT54GS v3.0
CGN6 = WRT54GS v4.0
CGN7 = WRT54GS v5.0
CGN8 = WRT54GS v5.1
CGN9 = WRT54GS v6.0 (about 4 left in Manchester NH Best Buy on 2/25/08)
CGNB = WRT54GS V7.0
CGNC = WRT54GS V7.0 (Hadley, MA Best Buy)
CGNE = WRT54GS V7.2 (Walmart, Jacksonville, FL - April 06, 2008)
CJK0 = WRTSL54GS v1.0

CO61= WRT54G-TM v1.1 (T-Mobile HotSpots)

See more information on the LinksysInfo Autopsy page.

WRT54G

DD-WRT supports all WRT54G models except for the v7.

v1.0 & v1.1

WARNING - Do not use V24 RC6.X builds on the WRT v1.X units. There is high probability that you will brick your V1.x unit by installing it..


[Comment --n8hfi: On a very old WRT54G v1.0, I found it necessary to upgrade with a newer Linksys firmware before I could load DD-WRT. The original firmware (Linksys v1.00.8 Dec 24 2002) gave a 'incorrect image file' error on on both the mini and standard DD-WRT v23 SP2 images. The sequence that worked was (all done with the web GUI and-ugh-IE):

  1. Restore factory defaults with the original firmware.
  2. Upgrade to Linksys firmware version 4.21.1. You can get it here. Read the fine print carefully, not all firmware versions work with all hardware versions.
  3. Then upgrade to DD-WRT v23sp2_mini_generic. I got the Continue page, but never got the DD-WRT GUI.
  4. Hold the reset button for 30 seconds (I didn't cycle power or anything else on the router.)
  5. Then I got the DD_WRT GUI. I reset it to factory defaults with the GUI, although this step may have been unnecessary, since I'd just flashed it.
  6. Then I upgraded to DD-WRT v23sp2_standard_generic. I selected the 'restore factory defaults after flashing' option while doing this.
  7. all set [Comment from jas3 on 16-Mar-2008: The above worked for me. I then updated from standard to dd-wrt.v23_vpn_generic.bin which succeeded as well]
  8. May08, When upgrading to v24, please do a full firmware reset (hold reset button for 30 seconds on power up). I did not do this when upgrading to v24 and was getting all sorts of strange behaviors from my router. After resetting and then reconfiguring the router, all was well.

[dgb: 2009.04.25 V1.0 hardware with 1.02.1 firmware] On a V1.0 box with firmware 1.02.1 Feb 2003... First there is no administration tab, look under "system". With IE and eventually with Firefox pushing the Upgrade button resulted in a chooser (browser). I choose the dd-wrt bin file and pushed the Upgrade button, the browsers each failed. IE reported the server was busy or not available. Firefox sent a dump off to microsoft. So I located and tried to install a newer linksys firmware load - same results. I then loaded up netscape, turned off the blockers, configured it to open popups in a new tab, choose the newer linksys firmware and pressed update. It showed a progress bar as the firmware was loaded into the vintage box, Eventually the page went blank on "http://192.168.1.1/upgrade.cgi". Lights occasionally flicker as I impatiently wait and document the differences I've seen to this point.

I now have linksys FW revision v4.21.1 and an Administration tab...30/30/30

Still using NS and under Adminstration/Firmware Upgrade I selected the dd-wrt load dd-wrt.v24-9517_vint_voip, an upload progress bar displayed followed by "upgrade are failed!", I choose continue... Repeating the process has the same result. Third attempt, this time with IE - same result. I surmise that the router is not actually attempting to flash itself, but failing the .bin file. This for two reasons, the progress bar never gets much past 50% and the router never 'goes away", in fact it reports and error and wants to continue. The progress bar actually completes once then starts again before the failure notice.

Now I'm guessing here, but maybe some sick firmware developer who wasn't even in college when v1.0 hardware was available coded in an assert that the .bin file must be able to fit within the smaller modern architectures. I used IE to get the linksys firware to use dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_mini and "Upgrade is successful" from the unit. Pressed "continue" presented root/admin and here's my old friend dd-wrt! I can feel a new wireless bridge being born... 30/30/30 more Scotch, more beer.

Still using IE and using the dd-wrt upgraded to the desired ...voip load I wanted all a long. 30/30/30...

The old box is now running dd-wrt v24(05/20/08)voip uptime 1 min. There probably isn't a lot of this old stuff out there so maybe this isn't of interest to anyone else - but if you're trying, get netscape for that first giant step... [end dgb]

v2.0

Install Instructions M. Mikowski on 26 Jan 2009 for WRT54Gv2 though web GUI, using Firefox on Linux. This is very similar to below, but with generic standard build using v24sp1. Notice the check of wl0_correv (step 5) before proceeding with full generic binary!

  1. Perform 30/30/30 hard reset with the Linksys original firmware.
  2. Upgraded to latest Linksys firmware (in my case, version 4.21.1). ( http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_CASupport_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1166859837401&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=3740141396B08&displaypage=download#versiondetail ) select version 2 from drop down menu
  3. Upgraded through the web firmware interface to dd-wrt.v24_micro_generic.bin from http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/down.php?path=downloads%2Fstable%2Fdd-wrt.v24+SP1%2FConsumer%2FLinksys%2FWRT54G_v2/
  4. Perform 30/30/30 hard reset. Web interface then becomes available via HTTP only (HTTPS was turned off). It asked me for a new username/password combination. After updating this info, the interface was accessible.
  5. Confirmed from diagnostics that wl0_correv > 5 by going to http://192.168.1.1/Diagnostics.asp and typing in the Commands textarea "nvram get wl0_corerev" which returned "7". Per http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/What_is_DD-WRT%3F this means the standard build should be used.
  6. Upgraded through the firmware web interface to dd-wrt.v24_std_generic.bin from http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/down.php?path=downloads%2Fstable%2Fdd-wrt.v24+SP1%2FConsumer%2FLinksys%2FWRT54G_v2/
  • --Plamoni 17:37, 18 July 2009 (CEST) - Note: Upgrade does not work using Safari. If you're using a Mac, use Firefox instead. Worked fine after that.
  • Settings tend to apply well in IE 8 instead of Firefox 3.5.1. - 20/7/2009

Install Instructions Bualdoot on 12-Dec-2008: Install using instructions below. This is what I did and it worked like a charm. Very easy. No problems (all done with the web GUI and IE7):

  1. Perform 30/30/30 hard reset with the Linksys original firmware.
  2. Upgrade to Linksys firmware version 4.21.1. ( http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_CASupport_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1166859837401&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=3740141396B08&displaypage=download#versiondetail ) select version 2 from drop down menu
  3. Then upgrade to DD-WRT dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_mini.bin. I got the Continue page, clicked continue, got the login popup, entered root//admin for user//pass, then got the DD-WRT GUI!
  4. Hold the reset button for 30 seconds (I didn't cycle power or anything else on the router.)
  5. Then I upgraded to DD-WRT dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_std.bin. I selected the 'restore factory defaults after flashing' option while doing this.
  6. After that, change your password and username and Router Name, if you want, and set all your other settings.


Comment Bualdoot on 12-Dec-2008: The comments below are from before I added the install instructions above. The comment below was refering to a comment that i removed, because it talked about not being sure if the WRT54Gv2 had more than 2MB memory, which of course we know it does. As for the instructions it gave that he refers to, they were not very clear, so, I made my own set of instructions based off the v1-v1.1 instructions.

all set [Comment from jas3 on 16-Mar-2008: The above worked for me. I then updated from standard to dd-wrt.v23_vpn_generic.bin which succeeded as well] May08, When upgrading to v24, please do a full firmware reset (hold reset button for 30 seconds on power up). I did not do this when upgrading to v24 and was getting all sorts of strange behaviors from my router. After resetting and then reconfiguring the router, all was well.


Comment MoT 11:01, 2 Jul 2007 (CEST) : I have been able to flash the VPN version on my V2.0, after flashing from the original Linksys firmware to the mini version first. I followed the V4 tutorial.
After flashing to the mini version, I couldn't flash to the VPN version at first, as I was immediately redirected to a blank page when trying to flash. This seemed to be a problem with IE7, with Firefox, it went fine.

Comment I Use Dial 13:54, 21 Jul 2007 (PDT) I installed mini to my v2.2 through Linksys GUI and had forgotten to reset factory defaults before uploading. I had same problem with blank screen loading but Firefox didn't help. Unplugged it, did a hard reset, unplugged it again, and everything was fine. Then uploaded latest stable version without issue.

Comment Glc 19:00, 31 October 2007 (CET) v2.0 Installed mini generic over Linksys firmware using the web interface, followed by standard generic with web interface. Setting to PPPoE knocked out the WAN port, worked fine in DHCP. Flashed back to mini generic and everything works as advertised.

Comment : Installed mini, then standard generic. No problems except I can't overclock. I try 216 but when applying and restarting all router lights flash together periodically every few seconds. Hard resetting using button takes router back to factory settings and then it works fine. Tried twice on v23 sp2 and once on v24 RC5.

Comment (March 19, 2008) : Just installed dd-wrt on my WRT54G v2 router. I started by installing wrt54gv2 v24 rc6.2 mini through the Linksys web interface and then after I got that installed I used the new dd-wrt mini interface to install wrt54gv2 v24rc6.2 standard generic. Everything is running smothly and I had no problems in getting dd-wrt installed.

Comment Doppelbock 22:15, 18 April 2008 (PDT) I just installed v23 SP2 full version (generic) on a WRT54G v2.2 that I bought used on eBay and don't seem to have any issues. I had to do a 30-second reset to log into the dd-wrt gui in IE but other than that it's been smooth sailing so far.

Comment Djmoore 11:02, 21 June 2008 (CEST) Installed v24-9517_VINT_mini on WRT54G 2.2 using Firefox 3 running on Linux/Ubuntu 8.04 with no problems. 30-30-30 reset before and after.

Comment Erocku June 2008: I was able to install the v24-9517_VINT_mini on my WRT54G v2.0. After the install I was then able to install the v24-9517_VINT_std with no problems. I was even able to do it from Safari.

Comment jcp_rev August 2008: I Installed two days ago dd-wrt.v24_vpn_generic.bin on my WRT54G v2.0. previous version dd-wrt.v23_mini_generic.bin. I did it from Firefox 3. using the standard procedure.

Comment --Dlfretz 18:05, 29 August 2008 (CEST)I was able to install the standard version after flashing the mini version. I just couldn't go straight to the standard version. I installed with Firefox 3.0 on Windows. This is an original Linksys WRT-54G version 2.0

Comment: 28 Sept 08 Uploaded v24sp1-micro generic on a v.2.0 - now I can't upload anything else. Have tried the VINt and the mega-generic and while the upload and reboot appear to be successful, the router still reports the micro version and features are unchanged.

Comment - skaterkfbs - Followed these instructions for a v2.2 and worked perfectly. I had trouble trying to go directly from LinkSys v4.21.1 firmware to DD-WRT v24 VINT Standard. Had to use the middle DD-WRT v24 VINT Mini.

Comment paillassou April 2009: My WRT54Gv2.0 [serial#CDF5*****] had an old (but fun too) FIRMWARE [FW = "v4.71.1 Hyperwrt 2.1b1 + Thibor15c"]. I would change for DD-WRT fw. So, after a hard reset 30/30/30 on the thibor15c's fw, i was able to flash successfully, the "mini version" DD-WRT fw through the WEB interface of the thibor15c's fw. I was able to install, 1st, the v24-9517_VINT_mini on my WRT54G v2.0. Reboot OK - DDWRTmini works fine => hard reset 30/30/30. After that, I was then able to install the v24-9517_VINT_std with no problems. Reboot OK - DDWRTstd works fine => hard reset 30/30/30. I was even able to do it from IE7. Install = FREEBOXv4 + WRT54Gv2.0 with FW=DD-WRTv24-9517_VINT_std. All is right. Thanks a lot for the tutorial and informations ;o)

Comment atlasit July 2009: After installing the mini firmware to a WRT54G v2.0 using IE8, clicked the Continue button and did a hard reset. The screen that comes up after the reset prompts to change the user and password of the router. It would not continue after clicking the button until I viewed the page in 'Compatibility Mode'. Then it took the changes.

v3.0

just basically followed the instructions for v1.0. some slight differences: did not use IE. I used Firefox on linux (x86 ubuntu) without a hitch, and followed these steps:

  1. Restore factory defaults with the original Linksys firmware.
  2. Upgrade to Linksys latest firmware for my router (as stated above, read fine print to get right firmware)
  3. Then upgrade to dd-wrt.v24-12548_VINT_mini.bin I also got to the Continue page, but never got the DD-WRT GUI.
  4. Hold the reset button for 30 seconds (not power cycle)
  5. got to dd-wrt nice and easy.
  6. Upgraded to dd-wrt.v23_wrt54g.bin. note that i used the wrt54g-specific binary.
  7. And everything worked after this.

v4

WRT54G v4 Installation Tutorial

WARNING: Only DD-WRT v23 and newer will run on this model. If you use an older version, you will need to Recover from a Bad Flash.

The stock firmware from Linksys on the WRT54G v4 won't accept a firmware image over 3MB in size (you will get the error: "Upgrade are failed!" if you try) so you will need to flash the mini version of DD-WRT onto the router BEFORE flashing the std or voip versions. (Remember to hold reset button for 30 sec after flashing mini version.)

v5 and v6

IN SPITE OF SOME OTHER INSTRUCTIONS ELSEWHERE, YOU REALLY NEED TO CREATE A CUSTOM VX Image for your router. If you don’t you will get a generic mac address on your router and a generic mac address will mean most ISP won’t let you connect to the internet. Here is how to do it properly

There is good information at the scorpiontek site: http://www.scorpiontek.org/portal/content/view/27/36

Go to this thread and download the zipped files in GV5Flash.zip: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=58231

  1. Read the peacock announcement found here: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486
  2. Do a HARD reset on the router according to note 1 of the peacock announcement (30/30/30)
  3. Set a static IP on your computer to 191.168.1.7
  4. Connect the lan cable from your computer to a LAN port of your router. Make sure your router is plugged in.
  5. Unzip the file you downloaded and place it in a location you can easily find on your computer
  6. Unzip the VXImgToolGui.zip file to the same folder as where you placed the other files you downloaded
  7. Click on the VXImgToolGui.exe program
    1. Make sure the top button is on the left for WRT54G, not the right for wrt54gS.
    2. Put the mac address from the bottom of your router in the box that says "Desired Mac Address"
    3. Click on the three dots next to "output image" and save the file as My54gImage.bin in the same folder as everything else is located.
  8. Power cycle the router (uplug the power from the router for 30 seconds and then plug it back in)
  9. Open your browser to 192.168.1.1 but putting that in the browser address window of your browser. You should open the linksys webgui and NOT a page that says Management Mode. If you see management mode, power cycle the router again.
  10. Enter "root" as the username and "admin" as the password
  11. Go to administration and firmware upgrade
  12. Navigate to the folder that you are using, and select vxworks_prep_03.bin
  13. Hit upgrade.
  14. Wait for FIVE FULL MINUTES. Go for a walk. Don't you TOUCH that router for FIVE MINUTES.
  15. When five full earth minutes have passed, power cycle the router
  16. Refresh your browser window. If you get a blank window, clear your browser cache. NOW you should be in the MANAGEMENT MODE window.
  17. Select the My54gImage.bin file that you created. Hit upgrade.
  18. Wait for the "Upgrade Success" message, and then WAIT FIVE FULL MINUTES again. Don't TOUCH your router.
  19. Start tftp.exe
    1. Enter 192.168.1.1 as the address in the top box of tftp.exe
    2. Leave the password blank
    3. Select the 12548 Newd_Micro.bin firmware
    4. Set retries to 99.
    5. Power cycle the router
    6. Count to 2
    7. Hit upgrade
  20. When you get a success, wait FIVE FULL minutes.
  21. When you can access the dd-wrt webgui using a browser at 192.168.1.1, power cycle the router.
  22. When you can again access the dd-wrt webgui using a browser at 192.168.1.1, do another HARD reset on the router.
  23. Reset your computer ethernet connection to auto IP and auto DNS

v7

The WRT54G v7 uses an Atheros AR2317 chip, has 2MB ROM, 8MB RAM and runs VxWorks. It is not supported by DD-WRT as the WRT54G v7 isn't Broadcom based. The WRT54G v7 will probably never be supported

v7.2 and v8, v8.2 (see below for v8.1)

How To Flash the WRT54Gv8

DD-WRT v24 RC1 micro supports this router.

[DD-WRT v24 RC3] The the WRT54 Gv8 and WRT54GSv7 is now fully supported, but requires a special flashing procedure (which is simpler than the v5 and v6 vxworks killer procedure).

See http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20095

[DD-WRT v24 RC4] There are some issues with RC3 which are resolved in RC4. CFE update is critical if updating from RC3. There is an issue with port 4 not working on some routers using RC4.

[DD-WRT v24 RC5] How To Flash the WRT54Gv8 Just follow the instructions as listed, be sure to restart your modem when the install is finished and don't forget the login is root with a password of admin. headpin11

[DD-WRT v24 RC6.2] Supported -> Broadcom Generic / Micro

[DD-WRT v24 Final] As of late April 2008, the WRT54G v7.2 is now supported via the micro version of DD-WRT. (Note that the micro and the mini versions are different. For the differences, read What is DD-WRT?#File Versions).

Eko's detailed instructions are HERE in English, German, and French.

And the relevant files are HERE.

The best thread in the forums on this topic is HERE.

v8.1

The WRT54Gv8.1 router already has a Linux CFE in the flash. There is no need for running any prep or killer file before the initial flash.

This model also has a 128K compressed CFE so it will load micro_plus and micro_plus_ssh directly. Initial flashing of this model requires a modified file with the proper header. You can obtain this file here. After this file is loaded you can then upgrade to any micro_generic.bin file....or one of the micro_plus, micro_plus_ssh mentioned above.

WRT54GL

Device Photos

Image:linksys_wrt54gl_front_mini.jpg Image:linksys_wrt54gl_back_mini.jpg

Hardware

  • Platform: Broadcom MIPS
  • CPU: Broadcom BCM5452 at 200 MHz (130nm construction) Broadcom Product Page
    • overclocking support in DD-WRT (verified in v24 SP1)
    • /proc/cpuinfo output
system type             : Broadcom BCM947XX
processor               : 0
cpu model               : BCM3302 V0.8
BogoMIPS                : 199.47
wait instruction        : no
microsecond timers      : yes
tlb_entries             : 32
extra interrupt vector  : no
hardware watchpoint     : no
VCED exceptions         : not available
VCEI exceptions         : not available
unaligned_instructions  : 1501948
dcache hits             : 3604983805
dcache misses           : 1069308396
icache hits             : 1669945160
icache misses           : 616661321
instructions            : 0

  • Flash: 4 MB NAND, single chip
  • System Memory: 16 MB 16-bit DDR SDRAM
  • USB: None
  • Wireless Radio: Broadcom BCM43xx 802.11b/g
  • Antenna: Dual folding, removable, rotating antennas (NOTE: it has been reported as of September 26, 2009, that for up to a year and a half ago until the present, the version of the WRT54GL you have acquired in that time period may have molded antennas which are NOT REMOVABLE)
  • Network Switch: (4) 10/100 LAN + (1) 10/100 WAN, Auto MDX/MDI-X (Integrated in CPU)
  • Serial pinout: Yes
  • JTAG pinout: Yes

Firmware

Put the MICRO or MINI build on this router first if you're upgrading from the stock Linksys firmware. Read on to find out why -- the consequences of not following this advice can be VERY GRAVE! Then you can upgrade to a STANDARD, VOIP or VPN build, according to your needs.

The stock firmware from Linksys on the WRT54GL v1 and 1.1 won't accept a firmware image over 3MB in size (you will get the error: "Upgrade are failed!"(sic) if you try). So you will need to flash the micro or mini versions of DD-WRT onto the router BEFORE flashing the standard, voip, and vpn versions. Be sure to hard reset your router to restore firmware defaults both BEFORE AND AFTER you upgrade even to the micro or mini DD-WRT.

You can HARD RESET by holding down the reset button on the back of the router for 30 seconds, then waiting for the router to finish doing whatever it's going to do. Usually the WLAN light will come on close to last in the boot sequence. Sometimes, however, the POWER light will keep flashing for a good while. Either way, once you're sure the router has done its thing, you should probably power cycle the router. The easiest way to do this is by unplugging and replugging the power connector in the back of the router. There's no need to wait between unplugging and replugging.

Also, be sure to reset your router to firmware defaults with HARD RESETS both BEFORE AND AFTER you upgrade to the STANDARD, VOIP, or VPN versions. DO NOT under any circumstances try to load a mega build on this router. (Mega builds will NOT fit on this router) The WRT54GL has only 4MB for flashing firmware, and the mega builds are TOO LARGE for it. If you try to load a mega build onto this router anyway, you may turn your router into a brick! I don't know if you can recover your router using TFTP or other methods if you do this, because it's never happened to me. Read on:

If you make the mistake of not upgrading with the micro or mini version first, you will end up with a router that has a flashing power light. You will be able to ping the router, but will not be able to access the web interface. You will then have to TFTP the LINKSYS firmware (NOT THE DD-WRT FIRMWARE) back on to the router to rescue it. You can connect your modem directly to your computer, and download the Linksys firmware from their site. Once you have rescued your router by restoring the Linksys firmware, you can then try upgrading to DD-WRT again (if you're still up for it!). THIS TIME, use the micro or mini version first!

Instructions on restoring your router are here: Recover_from_a_Bad_Flash

The STABLE builds work much better than the BETA builds. And although there is a remote code execution vulnerability in these builts, it can be easily patched. Read on:

It is very simple to patch the firewall script against the "remote code execution" security hole (unless you need to use HTTPS remote access). Read about it here: http://dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/

If you are upgrading from the web interface, you should use the GENERIC versions. If you are upgrading via TFTP, you need the versions that contain headers with hardware info in them.

In order to saveguard against data corruption during download of the firmware, and against possible alteration of your download by any other method, you should check the MD5 HASH of the firmware after downloading it.

For the MD5 hashes of most major versions of DD-WRT, and for instructions on how to check the hashes in different operating systems, go here:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Checksums

If you are going to try a newer, less stable, buggier build (such as 12548) on this router, which is NOT RECOMMENDED, you will need a NEWD build, not a VINT build.

If you need to know whether to use MICRO, MINI, STANDARD, etc..., you can find thorough documentation of the features in the different versions here: http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/What_is_DD-WRT%3F#File_Versions

If you won't be needing the features in the larger versions such as standard, you may be able to increase the responsiveness of your router by getting the smallest version that includes the features you need.

Also, you can always update to a larger version later if down the line you need the extra features. A few quotes from the following link: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/686075.html

Q: "I'm a bit worried about how many times routers can be re-flashed with firmware - is there a limit??" A: "There really isn't a limit to number of times you can flash. (within reason) Flash memory does have a life. Like your usb stick, 100,000 times or 10,000 times, I don't remember but it is alot, otherwise they would be useless."

Don't go and flash your router 10,000 times and test this person's assertion literally. But it appears that a few extra flashes here and there are not going to turn your router into a paperweight. So there's no need to worry about switching from micro to mini or mini to standard, or in reverse, as your needs change.


You must hard reset your router to firmware defaults both BEFORE and AFTER upgrading to your new firmware. Do this by holding down the reset button for 30 seconds. Then leave the router alone for a little while so it can process the reset. Once you are sure it is done, power cycle your router by unplugging the power connector in the back and plugging it back in. Some people say you should leave it unplugged for a while. But that is definitely not necessary with this model.

TURN OFF AND DISABLE YOUR FIREWALL, TURN OFF AND DISABLE YOUR ANTIVIRUS, and sign into your linksys router WITH INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY (**DO NOT USE FIREFOX**), and use the firmware upgrade web interface to update your router with dd-wrt. DO NOT close your browser, DO NOT interrupt the process, be EXTREMELY PATIENT, even after the firmware is already supposedly upgraded. Wait around for a while, and make sure it settles down and is definitely finished doing whatever it's going to do. The router needs time to rebuild the NVRAM after it has been flashed, and if you interrupt this you will regret it!


[Comment added 18/03/08 [Matt]]

I bought a WRT54GL-UK this week....and flashed the firmware. After the flash, the device reboots constantly! Tried soft reset/hard reset. If I disconnect all wired lan connection, and use only wifi....the device is fine. If I kill the radio, then use the wired lan, device is fine. If I enable the radio with the wired lan on.....the device goes insane. Should I be afraid?

"[Comment added 25/6/2008 [jas3]]"

No, Matt. You don't need to be afraid. But you need to rever to the micro version, then do a hard reset, then upgrade to standard, then do another hard reset. That should fix the problem with your NVRAM that is likely causing your reboots.

"[Comment added 05/07/2008 [broadbandwizard]]"

I just bought two WRT54GL routers and after burning them in a couple of weeks, I flashed v24 generic mini onto one of them. I had configured both, so I reset the target router with the software reset from the GUI, then I did the 30 second pushbutton reset because there have been so many warnings. It loaded and works perfectly, although I still cannot find the "use local time" check box. I have continued to read about installation and operation, and I find that I was supposed to hold the reset button for 30 seconds after the successful flash. I did not do that, but it appears to be working fine. My question: What problem (if any) is lurking inside my router because I did not do the after firmware install reset?

DD-WRT makes a decent router into something fantastic.

"[Comment added 07/07/2008 [rickm]]"

I tried to upgrade a WRT54G V4 (clearly marked and SN starts with CDFA) but kept getting "Upload are failed!". I then started nosing around and saw that it had v4.3.0 Linksys firmware, whereas I know that the latest for the WRT54G V4 was supposed to be 2.3.1. This was actually a WRT54GL router, cleverly disguised as a WRT54G. I then tried flashing the GL firmware (mini) and it worked. I then tried to flash with the mega and that failed, so flashed it with the standard and it worked. Just something to watch for.

"[Comment added 02/08/2009 [kfir]]"

I tried to upgrade a WRT54GL v1.1 from DD-WRT v.23 sp2 to v.24 sp1, due to bugs in the former version (after ~10 hours i got replies for about half the packets) . Anyway, I followed all directions (hard reset, etc), but ended up with a semi-working router. Some menu and sub-menu items are named "undefined" in the GUI, and I do not have all the original menu tabs. I tried hard-resetting, but it does not change. Reloading the same firmware (dd-wrt.v24_std_generic.bin) and even downgrading back to (dd-wrt.v23_generic.bin) fail, with an error message (something like "Upgrade Failed") that pops up 10-15 minutes after I clicked "Update". I now plan to try reverting the router back to Linksys original FW, but still a bit concerned about bricking it altogether.

"[Comment added 02/08/2009 [kfir]]"

Does the dd-wrt have a way of knowing I posted a comment about it? ;-) 10 minutes after my previous comment, the router started showing a normal-looking bug-free v24 sp1 GUI, without any intervention by anyone. I guess this new version has some AI built into it... ;-)

"[Comment added 05/06/2009 [akopts]]"

It is not always true that "there are no special requirements". I spent hours trying to flash my WRT54GL v1.1 with mini, micro, at different LAN speed, from different browsers, and it always ended up with "Upgrade are failed". Finally, I was advised to use device specific firmware, and it worked, but not via GUI, only via TFTP.

"[Comment added 16/07/2009 [Magmatrix]]"

My WRT54GL 1.1 said "upgrades are failed" every time i tried to flash it with dd-wrt.v24_mini_generic.bin. I had to use dd-wrt.v24_mini_wrt54g.bin, probably because the WRT54GL looks at the header to make sure it is marked as a WRT54 file. Using "tftp -i 192.168.1.1 PUT dd-wrt.v24_mini_wrt54g.bin" solved the problem.

"[Comment added 08/14/2009 [BobofVA]]"

I just purchased a NIB WRT54GL V1.1 (CL7C). It came with down level Linksys firmware on it, 4.30.11. I upgraded it to Linksys 4.30.12, the latest. This is recommended in the procedures as a precursor to installation of any DD-WRT release, thus I followed that advice. I then reset the router using the button on the back. Next I installed dd-wrt.v24_mini_generic.bin. There is some disagreement in prior comments about whether or not std can be flashed directly. I saw no disadvantage, other than time, with flashing mini first. That flash completed successfully. I reset the router using the button on the back. Last, I flashed dd-wrt.v24_std_generic.bin. This also completed successfully. All flashes were performed using the web interface. The biggest hassle was dd-wrt insisting I change the id/password to something other than the default before it would let me access the menus.

WRT54GS

DD-WRT supports versions 1 through 6 of the WRT54GS router. (Note that later versions have less flash memory and may require micro versions of DD-WRT.) Versions 7 and 7.2 must use the micro (not the mini) version.

v1.0

[comment added 17/05/08 by 7E0D1450] I installed dd-wrt.v24-9433_VINT_mega.bin directly from Linksys Web Interface (Firmware version 2.07.1) without problems or issues. The procedure is:

   1. Hard Reset (press for 30 secs the reset button - IMPORTANT).
   2. Upload the firmware from Linksys Web Interface.
   3. When finished the flashing, Hard Reset (press for 30 secs the reset button - IMPORTANT).

Reference in dd-wrt forum: [1]

____________________________________________ [comment added 18/03/09 by fattrain] I installed dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_std.bin directly from Linksys Web Interface (Firmware version Ver.4.71.4) without problems or issues. The procedure is:

   1. Hard Reset (press for 30 secs the reset button - IMPORTANT).
   2. Upload the firmware from Linksys Web Interface.
   3. When finished the flashing, Hard Reset (press for 30 secs the reset button - IMPORTANT).

Enjoy! :-)

v1.1

How to flash a WRT54GS v1.1

[comment added 4/25/08 by WellingtonFelix] I installed the new version "dd-wrt.v24_mega_generic.bin" over default configuration of the version "dd-wrt.v23_vpn_generic.bin" and I had no problems.

[comment added 5/7/08 by Sapremias] Flashed dd-wrt.v24_mega_generic.bin directly from linksys web interface (version WRT54GSv3_4.71.4.001_fw.bin) without issue. -Sapremias

[comment added 10/5/08 by richwillal] I installed dd-wrt v24 sp1 Mega Vintage (dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_mega) from stock firmware with no issues. Standard process: 1) Reset router - reset for 30 secs w/ power on 2) Upload dd-wrt 3) Reset router - reset for 30 secs w/ power on 4) Disconnect/reconnect or ipconfig /renew

[comment added 04/02/09 by tribble222] I nearly bricked my router going directly from Linksys firmware to dd-wrt.v24-11296_VINT_STD.bin. Pinged on boot but tftp wouldn't work. Router didn't even respond to JTAG. Shorting pins 5&6 with the router unplugged somehow fixed everything. From there I was able to flash to mini, then back to std.

v2

[comment added 3/23/08 by Bugman916] Just installed dd-wrt on my WRT54GS v2.0 router. I started with RC 6.2 dd-wrt.v24_mini_wrt54gs through the Linksys interface. Then I used the new dd-wrt mini interface to install RC6.2 dd-wrt.v24_std_generic. Everything seems "ok", I had no problems getting firmware installed. reminder Default login/pw .. root/admin

I had no trouble installing dd-wrt.v24_std_generic.bin onto my v2 WRT54GS. I didn't need to install mini first, didn't need to play with FTP, just installed it via the firmware update page. It worked without using the reset button.
Jax184 07:42, 15 June 2008 (CEST)

[comment added 7/18/08 by koolkat] Does NOT need VxWorks killer to install due to the fact that factory firmware is linux based. Installed VINTage Mega firmware after installing VINTage standard, had no problems at all.

"[comment added 10/05/08 by mikeandmonika]" Installed DD-WRT v24-sp1 (07/26/08) mega-special (upgraded from HyperWRT through GUI). Upgrade took approximately 20 minutes to complete, but all is well and working great.

[comment added 12/20/08 by Corehop] Successfully installed dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_std.bin from factory linksys web GUI. Then tried upgrading to dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_mega.bin using the DDWRT web GUI, but when the router reset, it would not respond to pings and I had to short pins 15 and 16 on the flash chip and TFTP the Linksys firmware.

Comment galengish at 10:34 (EST) on 06 Jan 2009: I flashed a Linksys WRT54GS v2 router last night from original firmware to DD_WRT v24 (05/20/2008) std in one shot. This was performed via Internet Explorer and the Web GUI via Ethernet cable. The flash was successful on the first try and it is now successfully working as a client-bridge with another WRT54GS v7 running original Linksys firmware.

Comment Milkman at 8:47 (CST) on 26 Mar 2009: I just installed v24-sp1 mega from the Linksys firmware and it seems to have installed without a hitch, although I haven't had a chance to play around much yet. It is indicating "Error" on the title bar in my browser, but this may be associated with the lack of WAN connectivity for the router at this point. Will update should I find any significant errors/problems. (I hope I get the formatting correct here, please bear with me as I am new to wiki submissions)

Updated 10 Apr 2009: OK, backing up to v24 doesn't cause the "error" reporting on the browser, seems to be something with the SP1 release. Haven't checked change logs, but seems very happy with v24 mega.

v3

[Comment added 05/03/06 by PhoneBoy] On my WRT54GSv3, I found that the device wouldn't take ANY firmware unless I reset it using the button rather than just factory reset from the web interface. Word of warning. I was able to download and install the firmware for the purposes of getting vpn up and running. The firmware installed and everything is as before. however, still no vpn.

v4

The stock firmware from Linksys on the WRT54GS v4 won't accept a firmware image over 3MB in size (you will get the error: "Upgrade are failed!"(sic) if you try) so you will need to flash the mini version of DD-WRT onto the router BEFORE flashing the std or voip versions. (Remember to hold reset button for 30 sec after flashing mini version.)

[Comment added 10/07/07 by gatorback] V24 mini would not load: V23 mini wrt54gsv4.bin would load. After this success, V24 VPN generic (9/13/07) loaded successfully. Based on observations below, I recommend loading V23_mini_wrt54gsv4 first before loading the final target firmware.

[Comment added 11/01/06 by bigbloke of cownet.org] Today I purchased a 'GS V4 not having read this note previously. It flashed V23 standard perfectly first time from the specific file (dd-wrt.v23_wrt54gsv4.bin) therefore there may be some additional factors influencing this) - I hope this is useful feedback

[Comment added 12/01/06 by Mart] I just purchased a GS V4 too. After reading bigbloke's note, i decided to try skip the warning and directly flash V23 VPN from the (dd-wrt.v23_vpn_generic.bin) file without any problems too. I simply followed the "right way to flash" instructions step by step. Looks like the warning mentioned above does not apply with this version.

[Comment added 18/01/06 by Macks] I can second the above, just flashed a GSv4 from Linksys original and used dd-wrt.v23_vpn_wrt54gsv4.bin without problems, directly without going via the mini.

[Comment added 22/01/06 by JD] I can confirm the statement from Macks. Two days ago I bought also a 'GS v4' and I flashed it with the v23 standard without problems (directly without going via the mini)

[Comment added 19/02/06 by markusk] and i did it that way as well and after that got the weirdest behaviour of a router i've ever seen, mainly giving something like unstable wan-connection by going with high traffic over the router (be it via bittorrent, icq-filetransfers and similar).. unfortunately reflashing with mini and then a "big" one didn't help at all..

[Comment added 28/02/06 by mfb] Like Macks I flashed my 'GS v4' with v23 vpn direct, without mini first - working fine, no problems.

[Comment added 09/04/06 by zonk] I also can confirm the above statements of flashing two fresh bought WRT54GS v4 routers using the vpn version (v23) instead of the mini version. I used Firefox 1.5 and Opera 7.5 without any failed message. Both routers run stable.

[Comment added 04/06/06 by Yusuf Motiwala] I too can confirm that it can be upgraded directly to standard version. Even after reading this, I experimented upgrading my WRT54GSv4 directly with v23 SP1 standard image without any problem. May be stated limitation is firmware version dependent. At the time of upgrade, my linksys stock firmware version was 1.5.2.

[Comment added 13/09/07 by [hajj_3] DO NOT PUT FULL VERSION ON FIRST, i just did that and now my router is bricked:( make sure you do mini first guys!

v5 and v6

These instructions are for the WRT54gS version v.5 and v.6. NOTE THE S. The instructions for the router Wrt54g WITHOUT the S are above.

IN SPITE OF SOME OTHER INSTRUCTIONS ELSEWHERE, YOU REALLY NEED TO CREATE A CUSTOM VX Image for your router. If you don’t you will get a generic mac address on your router and a generic mac address will mean most ISP won’t let you connect to the internet. Here is how to do it properly

There is good information at the scorpiontek site: http://www.scorpiontek.org/portal/content/view/27/36

Go to this thread and download the zipped files in GV5Flash.zip: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=58231


  1. Read the peacock announcement found here: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51486
  2. Do a HARD reset on the router according to note 1 of the peacock announcement (30/30/30)
  3. Set a static IP on your computer to 191.168.1.7
  4. Connect the lan cable from your computer to a LAN port of your router. Make sure your router is plugged in.
  5. Unzip the file you downloaded and place it in a location you can easily find on your computer
  6. Unzip the VXImgToolGui.zip file to the same folder as where you placed the other files you downloaded
  7. Delete the vxworks_prep_v03.bin file
  8. Go to this location and download the vxworks_prep_GS_v03.bin file: http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads/others/wrt54gv5 flashing
  9. Click on the VXImgToolGui.exe program
    1. Make sure the top button is on the left for WRT54G, not the right for wrt54gS.
    2. Put the mac address from the bottom of your router in the box that says "Desired Mac Address"
    3. Click on the three dots next to "output image" and save the file as My54gImage.bin in the same folder as everything else is located.
  10. Power cycle the router (uplug the power from the router for 30 seconds and then plug it back in)
  11. Open your browser to 192.168.1.1 but putting that in the browser address window of your browser. You should open the linksys webgui and NOT a page that says Management Mode. If you see management mode, power cycle the router again.
  12. Enter "root" as the username and "admin" as the password
  13. Go to administration and firmware upgrade
  14. Navigate to the folder that you are using, and select vxworks_prep_GS_v03.bin
  15. Hit upgrade.
  16. Wait for FIVE FULL MINUTES. Go for a walk. Don't you TOUCH that router for FIVE MINUTES.
  17. When five full earth minutes have passed, power cycle the router
  18. Refresh your browser window. If you get a blank window, clear your browser cache. NOW you should be in the MANAGEMENT MODE window.
  19. Select the My54gImage.bin file that you created. Hit upgrade.
  20. Wait for the "Upgrade Success" message, and then WAIT FIVE FULL MINUTES again. Don't TOUCH your router.
  21. Start tftp.exe
    1. Enter 192.168.1.1 as the address in the top box of tftp.exe
    2. Leave the password blank
    3. Select the 12548 Newd_Micro.bin firmware
    4. Set retries to 99.
    5. Power cycle the router
    6. Count to 2
    7. Hit upgrade
  22. When you get a success, wait FIVE FULL minutes.
  23. When you can access the dd-wrt webgui using a browser at 192.168.1.1, power cycle the router.
  24. When you can again access the dd-wrt webgui using a browser at 192.168.1.1, do another HARD reset on the router.
  25. Reset your computer ethernet connection to auto IP and auto DNS

GS Units cannot easily go back to linksys firmware.

Also see this page: Version 5 And 6 Router Information

v7 and v7.2

[DD-WRT v24 RC3] The WRT54GS v7 is now fully supported (if its not an intel chip - see important note below), but requires again a special flashing way, which is easier this time compared to the v5 and v6 vxworks killer.

All Chips are supported, just follow step by step procedure at:

[2]http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=27572&highlight=wrt54gs

WARNING: There are at least two types of flash chips that are used on the v7 router. Using this method with an INTEL-type flash chip will brick your router. There is not currently a solution for using vxworkskiller with the intel-chip v7 routers.

How_To_Flash_the_WRT54GS_v7 from flashing.txt

See also the relevant forum post

I just had found this link --> http://blog.rim3y.net/zero/?p=942

This procedure worked easy and great, the 1st bin file I installed with the admin. options in the Linksys control panel (the upload went about half way then tryed to reboot (then bricked my WRT54GS v7), following the procedure from the above mentioned site using this command "tftp -i 192.168.1.1 put dd-wrt.v24_micro_generic.bin" from the location of the bin file, worked fine had to HIT enter 2 times to excecute the command to install the 2nd bin file, now my WRT54GS v7 has so many features I need to find a good post for some tweak settings.

Clock Speed and Overclocking

The standard clock speed of a WRT54G(S) v2-v6 is 200 MHz. DD-WRT allows overclocking the device to up to 300 MHz for v2-v3 and up to 250mhz for v4-v6. It is also possible to underclock, which may be useful for troubleshooting crashes which may be caused by overheating. Newer Linksys firmware overclocks some models of the WRT54GS to 216 MHz, to prevent instability issues inherent in the 2.x versions.

The WRT54G(S) v4-v6 and WRT54GL v1.x have a BCM3302 v0.8 processor instead of a BCM3303 v0.7 with previous models.

WRT54GL v1.1 is stable when overclocked at 250MHz, with no extra cooling. Your mileage may vary.

For information on running a v4 series greater than the CFE imposed maximum of 250mhz, please see [Increased overclocking through CFE modifications] (technical).