Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 18:04 Post subject: WRT54G-TM support
TMobile launched the HotSpot@Home in June 07 along with a Linksys router model WRT54-TM. The TM after the hyphen probably indicates it has Made-for-TMobile firmware, which brings up this sticking point.
It is a good router with plenty of memory to spare(32MB RAM, 8MB flash) but there's no clean way of flashing the unit other than using Parallel JTAG cable. This may hinder or slow the adoption of DD-WRT in my opion.
Would you experts look into this and pull it off. This is one chance for users to get the current Linksys model with decent memory size and flash to enjoy future revisions of DD-WRT without going to auction sites to get those archaic models. Besides, current users of the Tmobile service can get this device for free after rebate.
Now I cannot think of a better proposition than this. Usually after the Linux community finds a loop hole in any particular model, the maker discontinues that model almost immediately. But I don't think TMobile will that right away. They(TMobile) may even ahve plans for this router through firmware upgrades to expand or offer other features.
Come on gurus! Let's do this without JTAG.
I have one of these TM routers and have been away from this discussion for awhile. Should I assume that jtag is still the only way? Are there any prospects for this being overcome, or is it a physical issue with the router that just won't allow flashing?
Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 1258 Location: Ohio USA
Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 4:57 Post subject:
Currently JTAG is the only method to flash the WRT54G-TM router. They have been working on a non-JTAG solution. In time it will come. I have been working with Tornado on this and he is working on a CFE_Updater that will allow web based firmware flashing.
The problem with the Linksys firmware that comes on these routers is that not only does it check the firmware you are flashing on it for the correct code pattern in the header, which is W54T, but it also performs a CRC check on the firmware image that you are trying to flash.
The Linksys firmware stores 2 copies of itself in the flash, and if one copy is bad or incorrect, it copies from the other copy to the bad/incorrect copy. _________________ (05/02/17) std - 31924
Linksys WRT400N
Buffalo WHR-G300N
The Linksys firmware stores 2 copies of itself in the flash, and if one copy is bad or incorrect, it copies from the other copy to the bad/incorrect copy.
Thats interesting, I was kinda wondering when this would show up in a soho router.
i sent tornado the CFE from one of my t mobile routers. it sounds like its going to be dd-wrt compatible with out jtag very shortly. honestly, its so easy to build a jtag cable, and such a good idea to have one. i got a tmobile router before i found anything remotely saying "JTAG ONLY" so i ended up building a jtag cable for around 5 bucks. _________________ befcmu10 ver 3 | wrt54gs ver 1 | wrt54g-tm with x-wrt
Thanks to all, esp those working on the non-JTAG solution.
Not sure if it's more true to say "I'm not technically inclined" or "I'm lazy". Either way, if a non-JTAG solution is nearly at hand, I'll hand onto my TM router that I got for free with my new phone and wait for the non-JTAG solution, rather than selling it and getting another router. I have the new T--Mobile phone service that allows unlimited talking via wifi, but I need more coverage in my house.
What's the best way to keep posted as to the availability of the non-JTAG solution for this router? Just watch this forum? Or should I be watching elsewhere?