All you have to do is simply type in the model of the router you have and you will get their latest recommended firmwares. The folks at DD-WRT have made it easy to determine what their latest recommended firmware is and what their latest test or beta versions are. It's always good to check the main repository first to verify that a new build was not just released. Note: Since they are constantly putting out new beta or test firmware, the downloads here may not be entirely up to date. We host several firmware files for both the WGR614 and the WNR3500 you can find them via the "Downloads" tab at the top of every page for your convenience.
Where To Get the Right Firmware FilesĭD-WRT is a free third party developed firmware that, basically, is built by volunteers. We will describe the individual files later in this article. This goes for both the WGR614 and the WNR3500.
You first install it from the NETGEAR Factory GUI then you install your permanent DD-WRT firmware afterwards. It comes with a filename with the extension of. So, what you have to do is install a temporary firmware that is created by the folks at DD-WRT. You can't simply use the NETGEAR GUI to install DD-WRT. CHK, whereas the DD-WRT firmware's filename has an extension of. The factory NETGEAR firmware uses a filename that ends with the extension of. This is where a lot of folks get confused. Installing DD-WRT Firmware is a Two Step Process You should be met with a screen asking you to set your login and password. Then do a soft reset of the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.Īfter flashing your router with new DD-WRT firmware go to 192.168.1.1 in your web browser. This gives it time to make sure all the NVRAM settings are configured. If it is not at this address, start over or read more on resetting your router here.Īfter flashing a new firmware to your router wait least for several minutes before doing anything with it. Your router should now be using the address of 192.168.1.1.
You will have held the button for a full 90 seconds without releasing it.Īfter your router has reset, wait a few minutes for everything to stabilize before installing the new firmware. Still holding it, plug the router back in and continue to hold the reset button for 30 more seconds. STILL holding it, pull the power cord for 30 seconds. Hold it for 30 seconds with the router powered on. To do a 30-30-30 reset, you must push the reset button with your router powered on. The best way to do this is to do a 30-30-30 reset. You always want to start with a clean slate when changing firmware. If you are running a computer that is both wired and wireless disable wireless.
If you follow these steps, it will help to ensure a quality upgrade.Īlways update via a wired connection. I'm here to show you how easy it can be to find the right firmware for your router, and also share some simple upgrading steps and best practices.įirst, there are some general rules that apply to both the WGR614 and WNR3500 routers when applying a new firmware. It can be confusing and even a bit intimidating. You hear that one firmware does one thing and another firmware does something different some do it better while some others don't, and so on. Once in a while, you'll hear about people have upgraded to the wrong thing and it " bricked" their router. If you look around, you will see there are all kinds of firmware versions out there. You've also been hearing a lot about this "firmware upgrade" and "DD-WRT" stuff but have no idea where to begin. you bought a WGR614L or WGR614v8 router, or perhaps the WNR3500 Version L, U or 2 router.