Updating Linksys Firmware

Try using Camino for the web browser. I've found it to be a bit better than Firefox on the compatibility with changing settings in Linksys routers. Safari won't do a good job from what I've seen lately, you can enter info in the settings and hit save, and it just won't. Camino isn't the best browser by far, but it fills in the settings better in Linksys from my experience. I have not used your router, mostly wrt54gl and wrt54g-tm lately, but only long enough to flash DD-WRT. The BEFVP41 and BEFSX41 routers with VPN work well with Camino as well.

AAWilliams wrote:
Hi,
I'm new to mac, and I'm needing to update my linksys wireless router firmware. I have been told by linksys that it has to be done with a windows based computer. I was just wondering if anyone has done this before and if you've got any tips for me. I have a Linksys WRK54G and a MacBook.

THANKS!

Welcome to Apple Discussions:

Yes, sadly many routers require Winders for firmware updates. My Westell being one of them. Fortunately I work in both worlds, but for those who only have Macs, it can be a problem. It may not simply be the browser but the actual OS and the format of the binary firmware file that requires using Winders. And while updating software is not a major problem if it fails, updating firmware can cripple the device if not done perfectly.
If you know someone with a Window Box, you can bring your router over there or perhaps you can borrow a Window Box notebook from someone.

Some newer routers have self-updating features. My Westell with the new firmware now can update itself directly over the net with its own built-in software/firmware.

Message was edited by: nerowolfe

You can upgrade the firmware by logging into the router with your web browser and chooseing Firmware Upgrade from the Administration tab. You don't need to be on Windows to do this...any web browser will do.

Templeton Peck wrote:
You can upgrade the firmware by logging into the router with your web browser and chooseing Firmware Upgrade from the Administration tab. You don't need to be on Windows to do this...any web browser will do.

According to LinkSys, at least on some routers, you need a hardwire connection to the router, you download the zip file, unzip it to get the .bin and then upload the .bin to the router. This may have changed for newer models, but for my WRT4GX2 this was the procedure. I believe that it required a PC.
As I noted, my Westell is now of the type that you described, semi self-updating from any browser. But it still requires a physical connection, most likely for security purposes.

If you need to download the firmware file as a .zip archive, then dearchive, and you get a .bin file to install, then you may be able to do the upgrade using this tool: MacTFTP Client - 1.2 - VersionTracker or MacUpdate. I've used this tool to do firmware updates on earlier LinkSys models, so I cannot tell you with certainty if it will work for you.

LinkSys used to have some information at its website on using the above tool to do firmware updates.

Kappy wrote:
If you need to download the firmware file as a .zip archive, then dearchive, and you get a .bin file to install, then you may be able to do the upgrade using this tool: MacTFTP Client - 1.2 - VersionTracker or MacUpdate. I've used this tool to do firmware updates on earlier LinkSys models, so I cannot tell you with certainty if it will work for you.

LinkSys used to have some information at its website on using the above tool to do firmware updates.

I have found some terminal commands for updating LinkSys firmware from a Mac, which may be what you are describing.
I know for certain that a PC can update the Linksys router - I have done it. Using a work-around for a Mac might work, and it might not.
Unless the router has a self-update program built into it that does not require any down/up loading process, one must be very careful.

The TFTP utility does not require using the Terminal, although no doubt there are equivalent Terminal commands one could use. I've used MacTFTP to update older LinkSys and D-Link routers' firmware. If it can make the connection to the router (and it still runs under Leopard) then it may do the trick. However, he may be able to do the update via his browser. I've also done that in the past, but it doesn't work with all routers I've tried with it.

kappy, here's the article to which I was referring:
http://macosx.com/forums/howto-faqs/36830-howto-update-firmware-linksys-router.h tml
It's old and probably out of date but might be of interest and/or value.

Thanks. I don't think I'll have need of it since I now use AEBS'. My LinkSys routers all failed and went to the trash. Not good routers in my opinion. My D-Link DI-524 is still alive and kicking, but I only use it for my tenants in my Vancouver condo who are all Windows users. They don't seem to have a problem with it. As of last summer its firmware was as current as D-Link has available. Its firmware was last updated using MacTFTP.

I should have said to download the updater file from Linksys and use the firmware update section as with any computer. It is just a file upload after all. Camino handles it well. The shareware MacTFTP from can upload the firmware as well, but that takes some timing to start in the first few seconds of the Linksys reboot. The web method is easiest, and if that gets disrupted (my kitten pulled the power cord out of a router during flashing) and you brick it, there are guides to fix that on the DD-WRT.de site. No worries, Macs do just fine with Linksys routers. (It's the tech support that doesn't work so well with Macs.)

Steven Jacobson2 wrote:
I should have said to download the updater file from Linksys and use the firmware update section as with any computer. It is just a file upload after all. Camino handles it well. The shareware MacTFTP from < http://www.mactechnologies.com/index.php?page=downloads > can upload the firmware as well, but that takes some timing to start in the first few seconds of the Linksys reboot. The web method is easiest, and if that gets disrupted (my kitten pulled the power cord out of a router during flashing) and you brick it, there are guides to fix that on the DD-WRT.de site. No worries, Macs do just fine with Linksys routers. (It's the tech support that doesn't work so well with Macs.)

Thanks for the heads-up Steven. I did not know that.
Of course if you brick your only router you may not be able to go to the other site so easily.
It might be a good idea, as with Mac firmware updates) to get the restore software first and have it handy.

Here's a tip, the best router deal I know of right now is to go to an online or local T-Mobile store and buy the Linksys WRT54G-TM for $29.99. It is a great deal, can be flashed with DDWRT or run as is, works well with Macs and good for either a backup or primary router. If you have T-Mobile there's supposedly a $30 rebate to boot, but I'm a happy iPhone user so wasn't offered the rebate.

Of course there's super deals on Airport Express WIFI Routers as well, and never a problem updating the firmware as your Mac practically does it all for you (if you let it). I have both an Extreme and Express for best WIFI coverage and iTunes to my stereo. Gotta love how easy Apple stuff is to live with!

Steve