Firmware is a particular part of software that helps a router perform its functions.
The firmware is written in the router’s non-volatile memory at the factory. The router model and firmware version are printed on a label on the bottom of the router.
As routers are being used, users and manufacturers identify various flaws and errors in the router firmware. Sometimes you need to enhance your router’s performance on your own. And to carry it out properly, keep on reading this article and gain helpful tips for your successful router upgrade.
Why do I need to update the firmware?
There is such an opinion that as long as the router works smoothly and steadily, you shouldn’t refresh it with new firmware. In addition, you are to remember that the firmware upgrade process should be done very carefully. Keep it in mind that while upgrading your router’s firmware you shouldn’t switch the device off or unplug it, as this may cause the router to face malfunction. But still installing new firmware offers more pluses than risks. A firmware update is able to solve issues with previous software versions and improve the current operation of the device.
How to update router’s firmware
Now let’s look at the firmware upgrading process itself. To install the firmware, enter the router’s settings menu. First you need to download the latest firmware for your router model. On the “Status” page you can see the current version of the firmware. To download the latest one, go to the manufacturer’s official website. On the “Downloads” page in the field “Type” you are to choose the “For Home” button and then you have to switch over to the “Wi-Fi routers” section, and in the field “Model Number” you must enter the model number of your router. The router model can also be selected from the suggested list.
The main steps you need to implement firmware upgrading
As it was mentioned above before upgrading firmware you should download and save the latest firmware version. On the page “Choose hardware version”, select the hardware version of your router’s firmware and then click on the button “Firmware”. In a window that will open choose the most recent firmware version at the top of the list. Depending on the browser, saving the firmware file may be conducted without any additional prompts. Then you may find it in the “Downloads” folder which can be found through a standard Windows program “Explorer”.
The firmware file from the manufacturer’s website may be compressed to reduce the size and have the extension “ZIP”. To unpack the downloaded file, you need to have WinZip, WinRAR or similar archiver installed on your computer. After extracting the file you need to select a location to save it.
Final chords in upgrading your router’s firmware
When the preparatory stage is over, let’s start the actual step of installing firmware, for which you need to enter the section “System Tools” in the menu settings of the router. In this section you should pick up the item “Firmware Update” and then press the “Browse” button. Then you need to choose the saved firmware file. After selecting the file press the “Update” button.
After the firmware updating process, the router will reboot. It should be noted that
settings of the router will be reset to factory default, so after upgrading stage you will need to configure it.