This page will explain you the step-by-step procedure to flash/install DD-WRT on your Linksys wireless router. We will explain the procedure for WRT-54GL router. The similar procedure can be adopted for installing DD-WRT on other compatible wireless routers.

DD-WRT is an open-source firmware (software installed on wireless router) that allows you to convert your Linksys WRT-54GL router to a public hotspot controller. For more information, please visit DD-WRT website.

Download DD-WRT Firmware

For Linksys WRT54GL:
You will require:
DD-WRT v23 mini Generic
DD-WRT v23 standard Generic

For other routers, visit DD-WRT's WIKI site (http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices), then download the firmware which is suitable for your router from DD-WRT download page (http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/dd-wrt/downloads.html).

Flashing DD-WRT

Important Note: Flashing your router with third party firmware like DD-WRT may void your hardware warranty.

Flashing of router is the process of replacing the original firmware with a third party firmware. It is commonly used if the existing firmware doesn't provide all the features needed for running public hotspot. For a novice, the process is little tricky and may cause damage to your router and it unusable. Please proceed with caution.

1. Connect your PC to the LAN port of your router as shown below. Flashing of your router must always be done using a wired connection.

   

2. Open Internet Explorer and type http://192.168.1.1

   Login: admin
   Password: admin

   

3. Click on Browse button and navigate to dd-wrt.v23_mini_generic.bin file that you have downloaded from DD-WRT website and click the Upgrade button.

   UPGRADE MUST NOT BE INTERRUPTED so please don't turn off the power or press reset button of your router.

   

4. If nothing happens, then unplug the router, and then plug in again. Wait for the router to finish the boot process (the POWER light stops flashing), then press the reset button on the back for 5 seconds. The router should do a reset now.

   

5. Now access http://192.168.1.1 from your browser. You will get the login portal for ddwrt v23 mini. Repeat step 4 to upgrade the firmware to ddwrt v23 standard and reset the router.