Abnormal Firmware Conditions

If for some reason the router is not running normally (e.g. ACT is not flashing normally) and the router cannot be reached from telnet or the web browser, then the firmware upgrade utility may not be able to enable TFTP mode itself. Additionally, in the case of invalid settings or corrupted firmware the router may put itself automatically into TFTP mode when booted. This 'boot loader' mode is stored in a special permanent memory area (ROM) which cannot be erased by the user, so even if the main firmware is completely corrupted, boot loader mode should still be accessible.

If the router is in TFTP mode, either of its own accord, or because you manually enabled it (see below) you must use the TFTP Client Utility instead of the regular Firmware Upgrade utility. The TFTP Client program can be downloaded from the web site.

If you need to enable TFTP mode on the router manually, do as follows : Turn OFF the router (use the power switch or remove the power plug). Using a ballpoint pen, press and hold the Reset button on the rear of the router. You do not need to press hard; you will feel the button gently click. Whilst still holding the button pressed, turn the router back on. You can release the button once you can see TFTP mode is enabled frfom the LEDs (that should be almost immediately) When TFTP mode is enabled, the first and second LEDs will flash together as shown on the left.

Once the router is in TFTP mode, you can run the TFTP client :

If you have changed the router's IP address, try that IP address first. If that doesn't work because settings are corrupted, the router will revert to the default address of 192.168.1.1.

When in TFTP mode, the router's DHCP facility does not operate normally so the uploading PC must already have an IP address (either from DHCP earlier or manually set) and that address must be within the same IP subnet as the router's IP address. You cannot ping or access the web config screens when TFTP mode is running and the wireless interface (if applicable) won't function, so you must do the upgrade from a wired PC. The router will automatically enter TFTP receive mode if its firmware has become corrupted. If you enable TFTP mode accidentally, just turn the router off and on again and it will boot normally (except in the case of firmware corruption or mismatch).