Before I brick my router....

packetStar · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:30 am Post subject: Before I brick my router....

Hello Everybody!!

I am planning on making some mods to the firmware for my router. I am aware of the fact that I can trash the router, like if my code has a bug that causes the kernel to panic, I'd have a nice trophy brick....

Which leads to my question....
I know if we can't get get our code up and running we are dead in the water. Our code needs to run to upload new code.....

I have to wonder how they get the initial firmware load in the flash chip when they manufacture the unit?
-Do they flash the chips on some special machine prior to insertion on the main board?
-Is there some sort of monitor code on the main board that is accessed through a "manufacturing only" port?
-Is the firmware flashed in through a "manufacturing only port" using an external programmer?
-Do they use special mystical crystals to infuse the firmware into the router?

Anyone have any insight on this? Comment, criticism, and complaints are also welcome!!

Thanks!!
packetStar Shocked

peterv95 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

check out this page

dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php?title=Recover_from_a_Bad_Flash

Very Happy

evdo-wizard · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 125

Theres always the good old boot_wait. This is a boot setting that is on every broadcom router. Linksys usually has it disabled by default, but what it does is it before the router boots into the firmware, it will wait for a short period of time to see if anything tries to send it a new firmware via tftp. You can to do this through standard networking cable. I've had to use this a number of times, with my openwrt ventures and all.

Most 'bricked' routers can be brought back afaik.

romeo5k · EVDO Newbie Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 9

too bad.. i already bricked mine

romeo5k · EVDO Newbie Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 9

ok hold on ppl.. i dont think im bricked... i tthink i just deleted the wrong stuff....
i reset the router so many times and looked at the tcpip settings and noticed one thing....
it says the computer ip is 169.254.48.5
subent mask is 255.255.0.0
no default gateway or nothin... if i ping that ip in cmd prompt.... it pings and replies... but no way still to get into routers config... no way to do anything.... Lord i pray just to get back to old settings again!!