Where's the software for my router (WRT320N)

[flycaster]

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?

 

[TwoCables]

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.

 

[Mark Phelps]

You should know that if you don't know what you're doing and hose this up -- your router will be USELESS.

Firmware is not something that should be routinely updated. Unless there is some feature that is fixed by this firmware, or some feature being added (which you really NEED), the best bet is to leave it alone.

 

[flycaster]

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.

 

[TwoCables]

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.

 

[flycaster]

...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.

Appreciate your advice, but I'm not sure whether or not the router is working perfectly, nor am I sure that the update isn't needed. Below is a copy of all the release notes on the router's updates. I have not updated since v1.0.

Also, although communication, distance, and speed don't seem to be a problem, I do wonder about the lit icons on the router's display-are they displaying correctly? I have the router hooked to Comcast's Arris 722g telephony modem via an Ethernet cable and phone cable, and the modem is directly connected to my desktop. When the desktop is on, the router's lights are showing thusly: Yellow number 1, yellow and flashing second from right icon (looks like Saturn with ring), steady blue power icon, blue three bar (third from right icon), blue "dash" icon (in the middle).

Here is the history of the updates since v1:

Cisco Consumer Products LLC Product Model : WRT320N Release Date : Dec 14, 2011 Latest Firmware : 1.0.05 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Firmware 1.0.05 (build 2) - Resolved issue with Access Restrictions blocking the Internet if DHCP reservation is used. - Resolved issue with all clients losing Internet access if Access Restrictions, with keyword option, are enabled. Firmware 1.0.04 (build 1) - Resolved SSL/TLS renegotiation vulnerability issue. - Fixed various minor bugs. Firmware 1.0.03 (build 10) - Windows 7 support - FIxed issue with Radius server settings - Fixed Static route where some entry can not be added. - Fixed configuration via Network Magic - FIxed PPTP internet connection type not working correctly with COnnect on demand. - Fixed issue with blocking NMH remote access from working - Fixed some HND services that may break connect on Demand option. - Fixed various HND issues. - Fixed some failed case with UPnP. Firmware 1.0.02 (build 6) - Fixed PPTP failure to establish PPTP session. - Fixed L2TP connection drop. - Fixed an issue that would trigger a keep alive session. - Fixed PPTP connect on demand failure when not in the same network segment. - Fixed upstream bandwidth for QoS function - Updated Home Network Defender support Firmware 1.0.01 (build 8) - Initial release

 

[TwoCables]

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.

 

[alphanumeric]

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.

 

[flycaster]

Thanks guys for taking the time to educate me. Well done. Depending on how the following goes down, I'll then make a decision. Unless there is a router problem, I will not upgrade it.

Just before I read your posts, I came home and my wife said that the strangest things are happening to her iPad4. We have had the TM722 for about 4 nights, and on each one of those nights, the iPad failed to work (according to my wife who said she saw a message notifying her that she was no longer connected to the internet). Furthermore, the iPad did work during the day. I have no idea what's going on.

 

[TwoCables]

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

 

[flycaster]

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

My neighbors do have wifi, but if they interfere, why not during the day also? BTW, her iPad did work last night. My thought on this is that although I don't doubt that her iPad didn't work on the nights she said it didn't work, this may have been due to something other than a malfunction of the iPad or the router.

From my description of the router's icon lights (earlier post here), can you tell me it the router is functioning properly?

 

[alphanumeric]

I've had problems in the past with 2.4 GHz cordless phones knocking my wireless off the air when the phones rang. I had to power cycle the router to fix it. I ended up switching to Dict 6.0 phones to fix it.
This is a nice free wireless utility that will give you a look at how many wireless networks are in rang and what channels they are on.
inSSIDer for Home – Discover The Wi-Fi Around You | MetaGeek

 

[DeaconFrost]

Some routers do need their firmware updated to handle newer devices, even if it isn't specifically listed in the readme file. I recently upgraded my remote staff to new Ultrabooks with a typical Intel wireless adapter, and two of their routers needed updates to be able to accept connections from the new Ultrabooks.

That being said, there always are some risks, but those can be minimized. Flashing the router's firmware is one of the easiest things you can do, assuming you have the correct file for your router and revision. On the router's management web page, there's always a section to upgrade, and then it will have an option for you to browse and find the .bin file. That's all there is to it.

 

[flycaster]

Yeah, even though I have the correct bin downloaded and now know how to install, considering the risks that you all are opining about, I think I'll wait a while. Certainly, if my wife's troubles continue or other problem arise that I think are related to the router, then I'll do the update.

 

[TwoCables]

The thing is, it's only happening at a certain time of day. This tells me that there might be WiFi interference from a neighbor.

 

[flycaster]

The thing is, it's only happening at a certain time of day. This tells me that there might be WiFi interference from a neighbor.

Yeah, as I started paying more attention to when her iPad went off line, I noticed that the off/on-line seemed to be more random and it always came back.

 

[TwoCables]

The thing is, it's only happening at a certain time of day. This tells me that there might be WiFi interference from a neighbor.

Yeah, as I started paying more attention to when her iPad went off line, I noticed that the off/on-line seemed to be more random and it always came back.

Is it even doing it during the morning and afternoon?

 

[flycaster]

...Is it even doing it during the morning and afternoon?

She's away now for a couple of days, so I'll check when she comes back. Also, I'll ask her if the iPad lost internet communication during her trip.

 

[TwoCables]

...Is it even doing it during the morning and afternoon?

She's away now for a couple of days, so I'll check when she comes back. Also, I'll ask her if the iPad lost internet communication during her trip.

Oh, good idea.

 

[PooMan UK]

If all else fails and you think it might be interference then maybe a dual band router might help

Why Choose Simultaneous Dual Band