Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on February 02, 2006 01:55 AM
I think you should caution readers to RTFM a little more than perhaps the author did.
I did this myself a couple weeks ago with a WRT54GS as well. However I spent several days combing the various sources of information on using OpenWRT.
It's not recommended that you use the LinkSys utility to install OpenWRT and I would take that seriously.
Once you install this older firmware, you can use the ping.ASP trick to turn on boot-wait and then safely install OpenWRT.
Otherwise I you risk bricking your router.
Also be sure to check the docs for the right way to clear/reset the NVRAM. And check the default country setting as it my use channels that aren't legal/useful in your country.
Otherwise, this is a nice article and I think these routers are cheap, powerful, reliable little computers that can be used for an amazing variety of projects once they are running a full on mini-linux installation.
I think the WRT54GS V2.x or 3.x are the best bang for the buck as they have more built in memory than most routers that work with OpenWRT. Though for ultimate hacks the Asus WL-500G Deluxe is the bad boy of OpenWRT. It not only also has 32MB RAM, but it has USB 2.0 onboard. You could make it a full on file server or whatever else. USB cameras, keyboard, even USB video adapter.
I'm currently using my WRT54GS as a wireless LAN bridge to my non-WiFi enabled computers upstairs. This works great and doesn't require a special Access point. In fact I'm using a D-Link DI-624 as well (great router BTW)
If you do want to make a LAN bridge, take the time to research it, I had to combine sections of three different online tutorials to get a configuration that worked for me.
Now however it's fast, reliable, and invizable. It's as if my PC's are connected by Ethernet cable.
Anyway, have fun and be careful and RTFM very carefully before you attemp this hack. But if you are careful, it's worth it.
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Good article, but dangerous...
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on February 02, 2006 01:55 AMI did this myself a couple weeks ago with a WRT54GS as well. However I spent several days combing the various sources of information on using OpenWRT.
It's not recommended that you use the LinkSys utility to install OpenWRT and I would take that seriously.
The solution is listed in the OpenWRT Docs at:
<a href="http://wiki.openwrt.org/OpenWrtDocs/Installing#head-76921c79e7c7ed3b03d3bc9a40b1a2c792c215b0" title="openwrt.org">http://wiki.openwrt.org/OpenWrtDocs/Installing#he<nobr>a<wbr></nobr> d-76921c79e7c7ed3b03d3bc9a40b1a2c792c215b0</a openwrt.org>
Basically you use the LinkSys utility to downgrade to an earlier version of the LinkSys firmware that contains the ping.ASP bug.
For your 54GS, that would be version 3.37.2 which can be found on the LinkSys website at:
<a href="ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pub/network/WRT54GS_3.37.2_US_code.zip" title="linksys.com">ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pub/network/WRT54GS_3.37.2_<nobr>U<wbr></nobr> S_code.zip</a linksys.com>
Once you install this older firmware, you can use the ping.ASP trick to turn on boot-wait and then safely install OpenWRT.
Otherwise I you risk bricking your router.
Also be sure to check the docs for the right way to clear/reset the NVRAM . And check the default country setting as it my use channels that aren't legal/useful in your country.
Otherwise, this is a nice article and I think these routers are cheap, powerful, reliable little computers that can be used for an amazing variety of projects once they are running a full on mini-linux installation.
I think the WRT54GS V2.x or 3.x are the best bang for the buck as they have more built in memory than most routers that work with OpenWRT. Though for ultimate hacks the Asus WL-500G Deluxe is the bad boy of OpenWRT. It not only also has 32MB RAM, but it has USB 2.0 onboard. You could make it a full on file server or whatever else. USB cameras, keyboard, even USB video adapter.
<a href="http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-SVGA2&cats=169&catid=125%2C106%2C169" title="usbgear.com">http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm<nobr>?<wbr></nobr> sku=USBG-SVGA2&cats=169&catid=125%2C106%2C169</a usbgear.com>
Imagine that, a mini RISC Linux box.
I'm currently using my WRT54GS as a wireless LAN bridge to my non-WiFi enabled computers upstairs. This works great and doesn't require a special Access point. In fact I'm using a D-Link DI-624 as well (great router BTW)
If you do want to make a LAN bridge, take the time to research it, I had to combine sections of three different online tutorials to get a configuration that worked for me.
Now however it's fast, reliable, and invizable. It's as if my PC's are connected by Ethernet cable.
Anyway, have fun and be careful and RTFM very carefully before you attemp this hack. But if you are careful, it's worth it.
Later,
Tachyon
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