Linksys WRTt54GS v4 Broadband-Hamnet Firmware 3.1.0 Non-Mesh

This release is a foundation layer for resolving several issues widely discussed in the support forums for older versions. Although 3.1.0 will inter-operate with any other 3.x.x version of the BBHN software in the same ham band and with the same SSID, users should move to the 3.1.0 to get all mesh nodes on a stable platform and to enable additions like the tunnel feature and software upgrades via patching. As we are still adding features (particularly for Linksys), the patching feature will be helpful in reducing the time and effort needed in upgrades.

Issues Resolved in this Release:

- Several bug fixes generated by recent release versions have been consolidated into this release. As before, some issues will remain with VLAN function and the space to install certain options if Linksys devices are used.

- Supported Ubiquiti models have no issues with VLAN use or with room to install mesh tunnel functions.

- Quite frankly, the Linksys routers have firmware space constraints that will continue to be limiting. On the flip side, the utility of the Linksys products and their integrated switch makes them very useful for many BBHN mesh applications. We are working hard to continue maintaining their usefulness.

Support for linking between mesh nodes using an Internet Tunnel:

- The version 3.1.0 as a base firmware install is a stable platform for VTUN tunneling. The tunnel firmware is not installed by default. To have tunnel functionality, you must load either the Tunnel Server function or the Tunnel Client function separately. Only one Tunnel Server is needed for an entire group of users, even separated by thousands of miles. Only one Tunnel Client is needed for a group of mesh users in communication with each other. Both Tunnel Server and Tunnel Client require Internet access to function.

- All supported Ubiquiti models may be used to create a tunnel device.

- The WRT54GS v1.0−3.0 Linksys devices with 8-MB flash will also work.

- The ability to create a tunnel has existed and been discussed for quite a while on the forums although many issues remained. You will need a public IP address or an updatable DNS address for your tunnel server. This set of software changes and tunnel scripts is the result of a number of users in North America, Europe and elsewhere testing and modifying settings to deliver a working configuration. The download scripts now enable web based setup and reconfiguration to manage the tunnel.

Chat Function:

- In the past most BBHN chatting was done via IRC via installation of a package on a mesh node (or an attached PC) to act as IRC server. It also required the installation of an IRC client on your local computer (tablet, phone, etc.). With 3.1.0 a new package is available where the HamChat server is the only software needed. This package does not require client software on the local computer, using your web browser instead. The chat package is smaller and much simpler to use than IRC but does allow one to have chats across the mesh in short order. It does not have file transfer support or other advanced features. It is extremely quick to install on your mesh network.

Firmware Installation Instructions:

1. Download the version of firmware suitable for your model of router.

- If you are upgrading from the stock Linksys firmware you will need the model-specific .bin file.

- If you are upgrading from a previous mesh firmware release then you can use the .trx file (regardless of the router model).

- Routers with 2MB of flash (such as the wrt54g version 5 and above) are not supported.

- This step can be skipped if you are upgrading from 0.3.2+ firmware and the node has an internet connection

2. Upload the firmware to the router.

- These instructions assume your computer is connected to the lan port of router

- Routers with factory firmware: in a browser go to homepage user = admin, password = admin (or the password you set), click Administration > Firmware Upgrade > Browse, select the .bin file that you downloaded, click Upgrade, go to step 3.

- Routers with hsmm-mesh-0.3.2 or later firmware that have an Internet connection: in a browser go to homepage click Setup, user = root, password = hsmm (or the password you set), click Administration, next to Download Firmware click Refresh, select which firmware image to download, click Download, then wait for the firmware to download and install, go to step 3.

- Routers with mesh-0.3.0 or later firmware, or 0.3.2+ with no internet connection: in a browser go to homepage click Setup, user = root, password = hsmm (or the password you set), click Administration, next to Upload Firmware click Browse, select the .trx that file you downloaded, click Install, go to step 3.

3. Wait for the power LED to start blinking, then stop blinking, then for the DMZ LED to go out. After that, replug your network cable or do whatever it takes to reset your computer network adapter. The first time mesh firmware is installed on a router it will take about two minutes for the first reboot to complete

4. Configure the mesh node - this is required every time the firmware is installed

- In a browser go to homepage At this point the node is acting as an access point, so you can either be connected by a cable to the LAN port or connected wirelessly to the SSID "MeshNode". This guarantees that after a full firmware install there is a wireless way back in to the node if it is located in a restricted access area when connecting to the LAN port is not practical

- Click Setup, user = root, password = hsmm

- Enter a Node Name. Node names can contain only numbers, letters, and dashes; underscores, spaces, and other punctuation are not allowed. It is a condition of your Amateur Radio license and of Broadband Hamnet that the node name must contain your callsign. The node name is beaconed (via UDP port 4919) every five minutes to meet the identification requirements. Recommendation: (callsign)-(name) example: ad5oo-mobile or ad5oo-1

- Enter a Password (twice)

- Click Save Changes, even if you didn't make any changes, and wait for the node to reboot

Congratulations. You now have a mesh node, but only if you did step 4!.

Here is what just happened to your router:

- it is now running a custom build of OpenWrt kamikaze 7.09

- the wireless ssid is BroadbandHamnet-v1 and is broadcast

- the wireless mode is ad-hoc

- the wireless channel is 1

- the wireless speed is automatic

- the wireless encryption is disabled

- the wireless and lan ports are no longer bridged - they are independent interfaces

- the wireless address is 10.X.Y.Z/8

- X, Y, and Z are the last three bytes of the WiFi mac address

- the lan address has been automatically configured

- the lan port is running a dhcp server

- the wan port is running a dhcp client

About Router Firmware:

Before you consider downloading this firmware, go to the system information page of the router and make sure that the currently installed version isn’t either newer or matching this release.

Due to the large variety of router models and different methods for upgrading the device, it is highly recommended that you read and, above all, understand the installation steps before you apply the new firmware, even if you are a power user.

In theory, these steps shouldn’t be much of a hassle for anyone, because manufacturers try to make them as easy as possible, even if they don’t always succeed. Basically, you must upload the new firmware to the router through its administration page and allow it to upgrade.

If you install a new version, you can expect increased security levels, different vulnerability issues to be resolved, improved overall performance and transfer speeds, enhanced compatibility with other devices, added support for newly developed technologies, as well as several other changes.

If you’re looking for certain safety measures, remember that it would be best if you perform the upload using an Ethernet cable rather than a wireless connection, which can be interrupted easily. Also, make sure you don’t power off the router or use its buttons during the installation, if you wish avoid any malfunctions.

If this firmware meets your current needs, get the desired version and apply it to your router unit; if not, check with our website as often as possible so that you don’t miss the update that will improve your device.

It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available

Do not forget to check with our site as often as possible in order to stay updated on the latest drivers, software and games

Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver

This will help if you installed a wrong driver

Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer