Where's the software for my router (WRT320N)

flycaster said:

I am trying to update my Linksys WRT320N. I have dl'd the update (a ".bin" file), but have no idea where to put it. I searched Windows Explorer for files related to the router and didn't come up with anything that looked promising. In fact, there was really nothing there:

Linksys search found three folders. Two , one in program files and the other in program files (x86), both having a single file exit.txt. The other folder was a shortcut that lead to exit.txt.

How can the router be running without any apparent software and where is the software?

What you downloaded is the router's firmware. Firmware resides on the hardware itself (in this case, your router). The router's firmware has a built-in ability to update the firmware by simply using the file that you downloaded.

Typically for Linksys routers, you go to http://192.168.1.1 to access the router's firmware. If you have never set up a user name and password for your router, then leave the username field blank and enter the password "admin".

Once you're in the firmware, look for the "Administration" link. Click this and you should see a link for "Firmware Upgrade". Click that.

You'll see a "Browse..." button. Click this to tell the firmware where the .bin file is that you downloaded. If you don't know where the file is, then show me exactly where you downloaded it from. Then I can tell you what the file's name is so that you can search your computer for it. Then you will know where it is so that you can tell the router's firmware where the .bin file is so that it can use it to perform the upgrade.

Although, based on my search so far, the file name might be FW_WRT320N_1.0.05.002_20110331.bin

Note: Give the router a minute or two immediately following a successful upgrade because it needs to reboot itself.

flycaster said:

Hey, this is scary stuff. Certainly don't want to dump the router.
OK, I've got the file and know where it is. What through me off was that I was thinking that the dl'd file had to replace a previously similar file. And, of course, not finding anything along these lines, I panicked.
The version residing on the router is v1.0.03 (from a couple of years ago). The new version is v1.0.05. There have been several fixes that I might be helpful. Although my router appears to be working fine (good range, communicating with my laptop, wife's ipad and iphone), its firmware is old. However, I'm hoping that some of you folks will opine further on the +/-'s of updating the firmware. Thanks.

I can help you update it successfully, but what you have right now is working perfectly so I feel that it's not worth the risk. Even if you do all the steps perfectly, there's still the risk that the downloaded file became corrupted during the download, so that would brick the router. Of course, that's not exactly likely, but it's still a risk.

The chances are good that it will be a successful upgrade, but since it's working perfectly as it is, I'd spend your time on something else.

You would know if something were wrong. You said it's working perfectly and you have absolutely no problems, so there's no need to get the latest firmware. The old saying is very true in this situation that goes, "If it isn't broken, then don't fix it". In this case, fixing it could break it. Another way to say that is, "Fixing it could brick it". It's not that there's a good chance of bricking it, but due to the fact that it's working perfectly right now, there's no need to take that risk no matter how small the risk is.

In other words, just because there's a newer version of something, it doesn't mean that it's needed.

Just so you know, there is no driver required for the router. There may be software available to set it up but its not really needed as you can do the setup though its built in web interface. All communication is done though networking protocols that are built into Windows. So, unless it has external storage connected to it or has some other special function built into that you use, there is no need to install any drivers or other software to use the Router. It's plug and play. There should be release notes or a readme to tell you what was added or fixed by that firmware release. Updating the firmware on the router is like flashing the BIOS on your PC. As mentioned, if it goes wrong you will likely brick your router. It you do decide to update the firmware don't flash it over a wireless connection. You'll also want to backup your settings or write them down as a firmware update will likely reset it to defaults. I've flashed my routers several times without incident. About the only thing you have to worry about is a power failure half way though or a corrupted firmware file. If the file is corrupted the router "should" reject it. I say should because nothing is perfect but there are some checks done in an attempt to prevent a failed flash. It all depends on the router though.

Wow. I wonder if that is interference from some WiFi device a neighbor has.