HyperWRT
Encyclopedia
HyperWRT was a GPL
firmware
project for the Linksys
WRT54G
and WRT54GS wireless
routers based on the stock Linksys firmware. The original goal of the HyperWRT project was to add a set of features—such as power boost—to the latest Linux
-based Linksys firmware, extending its possibilities but staying close to the official firmware. Over time, it continued to be updated with newer Linksys firmware, and added many more features typically found in enterprise routing equipment.
Like most other third-party firmware, HyperWRT is not compatible
with the later (2006) WRT54G v5.0 ("CDFB" serial number
prefix) and WRT54GS v5.0 ("CGN7" serial number prefix). These model versions do not run Linux by default, although you may use vxworks-killer firmware images to run stripped down linux versions like "dd-wrt.v24_micro_generic" or replace the flash memory 2MB chip with 4MB. Linksys currently produces WRT54GL for running 3rd party firmwares. Also, like most other WRT54G third-party firmware, it is assumed that power settings higher than 62mw would be used for long range internet use at the "B" speeds that are more tolerant to noise. Furthermore, its true of power boost firmwares that every time you double the output power, you get only 3 decibels more and in only one direction; therefore, a more efficient antenna (that also helps reception) can be more effective at long range than a power boost alone.
into early 2005. Another programmer
called Rupan then continued HyperWRT development by integrating newer Linksys code as it was released.
Later in 2005, two developers called tofu and Thibor picked up HyperWRT development with HyperWRT +tofu for the WRT54G and HyperWRT Thibor for the WRT54GS. Both developers frequently collaborated
and added features from each other's releases, and both developed WRTSL54GS versions of their firmware. After February 2006, tofu discontinued development and his code
was incorporated into HyperWRT Thibor. HyperWRT Thibor15c (July 2006) was the last version of HyperWRT and was compatible with the WRT54G (v1-v4), WRT54GL (v1-v1.1), WRT54GS (v1-v4), and WRTSL54GS (later unfinished beta 17rc3 released Feb 2008).
- a direct progeny of HyperWRT that has most of the same code, is in current production and supports a greater variety of router equipment. According to former HyperWRT forum moderators and interviews with the firmware writers, its not necessary to upgrade an older router if you're enjoying its performance; however, if you wish to upgrade, Tomato is the direct upgrade path from HyperWRT.
While the scope, or mission, of HyperWRT was to retain the look of Linksys firmware for ease of use, so many features were added over the years that the original Linksys interface (menus) didn't gracefully contain all of the new features--they became difficult to find (according to HyperWRT support forums). Because of this, Tomato stepped beyond the scope of HyperWRT by streamlining both the interface and the internal code (a clean re-write, also with a new interface) to seamlessly incorporate both old and new features. Available updates to HyperWRT stopped shortly after the start, and short co-development, of the Tomato project. Since then, years of new refinements and updates have been added, and of great interest, is the somewhat higher speed routing that came from the lookup components update within some versions of Tomato. Quote from Daniel, a HyperWRT support forum moderator: "It was my pleasure to help out with HyperWRT, but now in the year 2011, I think that you should go and have a look at its more refined successor, the Tomato firmware, and see what it has to offer."
GNU General Public License
The GNU General Public License is the most widely used free software license, originally written by Richard Stallman for the GNU Project....
firmware
Firmware
In electronic systems and computing, firmware is a term often used to denote the fixed, usually rather small, programs and/or data structures that internally control various electronic devices...
project for the Linksys
Linksys
Linksys by Cisco, commonly known as Linksys, is a brand of home and small office networking products now produced by Cisco Systems, though once a separate company founded in 1995 before being acquired by Cisco in 2003...
WRT54G
WRT54G
The Linksys WRT54G is a Wi-Fi capable residential gateway from Linksys. The device is capable of sharing Internet connections among several computers via 802.3 Ethernet and 802.11b/g wireless data links.-WRT54G:The original WRT54G was first released in December 2002...
and WRT54GS wireless
Wireless LAN
A wireless local area network links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method , and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network...
routers based on the stock Linksys firmware. The original goal of the HyperWRT project was to add a set of features—such as power boost—to the latest Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
-based Linksys firmware, extending its possibilities but staying close to the official firmware. Over time, it continued to be updated with newer Linksys firmware, and added many more features typically found in enterprise routing equipment.
Like most other third-party firmware, HyperWRT is not compatible
Forward compatibility
Forward compatibility or upward compatibility is a compatibility concept for systems design, as e.g. backward compatibility. Forward compatibility aims at the ability of a design to gracefully accept input intended for later versions of itself...
with the later (2006) WRT54G v5.0 ("CDFB" serial number
Serial number
A serial number is a unique number assigned for identification which varies from its successor or predecessor by a fixed discrete integer value...
prefix) and WRT54GS v5.0 ("CGN7" serial number prefix). These model versions do not run Linux by default, although you may use vxworks-killer firmware images to run stripped down linux versions like "dd-wrt.v24_micro_generic" or replace the flash memory 2MB chip with 4MB. Linksys currently produces WRT54GL for running 3rd party firmwares. Also, like most other WRT54G third-party firmware, it is assumed that power settings higher than 62mw would be used for long range internet use at the "B" speeds that are more tolerant to noise. Furthermore, its true of power boost firmwares that every time you double the output power, you get only 3 decibels more and in only one direction; therefore, a more efficient antenna (that also helps reception) can be more effective at long range than a power boost alone.
Features of original Avenger 2.0 HyperWRT firmware
- Adjustment of transmit powerTransmitter power outputIn radio transmission, transmitter power output is the actual amount of power of radio frequency energy that a transmitter produces at its output....
of wireless LAN - AntennaAntenna (radio)An antenna is an electrical device which converts electric currents into radio waves, and vice versa. It is usually used with a radio transmitter or radio receiver...
selection - 13 wirelessIEEE 802.11IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for implementing wireless local area network computer communication in the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands. They are created and maintained by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee . The base version of the standard IEEE 802.11-2007 has had subsequent...
channels - 'BootBootingIn computing, booting is a process that begins when a user turns on a computer system and prepares the computer to perform its normal operations. On modern computers, this typically involves loading and starting an operating system. The boot sequence is the initial set of operations that the...
wait' protection (increase the time slot for uploading firmware via the boot loader) - Increased Port ForwardingPort forwardingPort forwarding or port mapping is a name given to the combined technique of# translating the address and/or port number of a packet to a new destination# possibly accepting such packet in a packet filter...
& TriggeringPort triggeringPort triggering is a configuration option on a NAT-enabled router that allows a host machine to dynamically and automatically forward a specific port back to itself...
fieldsField (computer science)In computer science, data that has several parts can be divided into fields. Relational databases arrange data as sets of database records, also called rows. Each record consists of several fields; the fields of all records form the columns.... - Increased QoSQuality of serviceThe quality of service refers to several related aspects of telephony and computer networks that allow the transport of traffic with special requirements...
DeviceMAC addressA Media Access Control address is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. MAC addresses are used for numerous network technologies and most IEEE 802 network technologies, including Ethernet...
& ApplicationApplication layerThe Internet protocol suite and the Open Systems Interconnection model of computer networking each specify a group of protocols and methods identified by the name application layer....
fields - Increased Access Restrictions Policies & Blocked ServicesAccess control listAn access control list , with respect to a computer file system, is a list of permissions attached to an object. An ACL specifies which users or system processes are granted access to objects, as well as what operations are allowed on given objects. Each entry in a typical ACL specifies a subject...
fields - Command ShellShell (computing)A shell is a piece of software that provides an interface for users of an operating system which provides access to the services of a kernel. However, the term is also applied very loosely to applications and may include any software that is "built around" a particular component, such as web...
- TELNETTELNETTelnet is a network protocol used on the Internet or local area networks to provide a bidirectional interactive text-oriented communications facility using a virtual terminal connection...
DaemonDaemon (computer software)In Unix and other multitasking computer operating systems, a daemon is a computer program that runs as a background process, rather than being under the direct control of an interactive user...
(access to shellBusyBoxBusyBox provides several stripped-down Unix tools in a single executable. It runs in a variety of POSIX environments such as Linux, Android, FreeBSD and others, such as proprietary kernels, although many of the tools it provides are designed to work with interfaces provided by the Linux kernel. It...
) - Startup & Firewall scriptsShell scriptA shell script is a script written for the shell, or command line interpreter, of an operating system. It is often considered a simple domain-specific programming language...
- UptimeUptimeUptime is a measure of the time a machine has been up without any downtime.It is often used as a measure of computer operating system reliability or stability, in that this time represents the time a computer can be left unattended without crashing, or needing to be rebooted for administrative or...
and loadLoad (computing)In UNIX computing, the system load is a measure of the amount of work that a computer system performs. The load average represents the average system load over a period of time...
averageAverageIn mathematics, an average, or central tendency of a data set is a measure of the "middle" value of the data set. Average is one form of central tendency. Not all central tendencies should be considered definitions of average.... - RebootBootingIn computing, booting is a process that begins when a user turns on a computer system and prepares the computer to perform its normal operations. On modern computers, this typically involves loading and starting an operating system. The boot sequence is the initial set of operations that the...
buttonButton (computing)In computing, a button is a user interface element that provides the user a simple way to trigger an event, like searching for a query at a search engine, or to interact with dialog boxes, like confirming an action.-Description:A typical button is a rectangle or rounded rectangle, wider than it is...
at 'Management' pageWeb pageA web page or webpage is a document or information resource that is suitable for the World Wide Web and can be accessed through a web browser and displayed on a monitor or mobile device. This information is usually in HTML or XHTML format, and may provide navigation to other web pages via hypertext... - Additional filters to proxyProxy serverIn computer networks, a proxy server is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, connection, web page, or other resource available from a different server...
, Java appletJava appletA Java applet is an applet delivered to users in the form of Java bytecode. Java applets can run in a Web browser using a Java Virtual Machine , or in Sun's AppletViewer, a stand-alone tool for testing applets...
, ActiveX and cookiesHTTP cookieA cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is used for an origin website to send state information to a user's browser and for the browser to return the state information to the origin site... - WDSWireless Distribution SystemA wireless distribution system is a system enabling the wireless interconnection of access points in an IEEE 802.11 network. It allows a wireless network to be expanded using multiple access points without the traditional requirement for a wired backbone to link them...
and Wireless Bridge (WET) capabilities
Additional features of Rupan HyperWRT firmware
- All features of Avenger 2.0 HyperWRT
- Updated with newer Linksys firmware
- XLink KaiXLink KaiXLink Kai is a method developed by Team-XLink for online play of certain compatible console games.It enables players on the Xbox 360, Xbox, Playstation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo GameCube to play games across the Internet using a network configuration that simulates a...
daemon (not considered stable, removed from later releases)
Additional features of HyperWRT +tofu firmware
- All features of Rupan HyperWRT
- 14 wireless channels
- Static DHCPDynamic Host Configuration ProtocolThe Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a network configuration protocol for hosts on Internet Protocol networks. Computers that are connected to IP networks must be configured before they can communicate with other hosts. The most essential information needed is an IP address, and a default...
leases - Local domain nameDomain nameA domain name is an identification string that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control in the Internet. Domain names are formed by the rules and procedures of the Domain Name System ....
s - ProgrammableComputer programA computer program is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute...
SESSecureEasySetupSecureEasySetup, or SES is a technology developed by Broadcom to easily set up wireless LANs with Wi-Fi Protected Access. A user presses a button on the wireless access point, then a button on the device to be set up and the wireless network is automatically set up securely.SecureEasySetup...
button (wireless on/off button or run a custom script) - UPnPUniversal Plug and PlayUniversal Plug and Play is a set of networking protocols for primarily residential networks without enterprise class devices that permits networked devices, such as personal computers, printers, Internet gateways, Wi-Fi access points and mobile devices to seamlessly discover each other's presence...
(Universal Plug and Play) page to view and delete UPnP mappings - Site surveyWarXingWarXing , NetStumbling or WILDing is the activity of detecting publicly accessible computer systems or networks...
page to view other networks in your neighborhood - Secure Shell server (SSHD)Secure ShellSecure Shell is a network protocol for secure data communication, remote shell services or command execution and other secure network services between two networked computers that it connects via a secure channel over an insecure network: a server and a client...
- BugsSoftware bugA software bug is the common term used to describe an error, flaw, mistake, failure, or fault in a computer program or system that produces an incorrect or unexpected result, or causes it to behave in unintended ways. Most bugs arise from mistakes and errors made by people in either a program's...
from the stock firmware fixed - Plus other improvements
Additional feature of qwerty HyperWRT+WOL firmware
- Wake-on-LANWake-on-LANWake-on-LAN is an Ethernet computer networking standard that allows a computer to be turned on or woken up by a network message....
from GUIGraphical user interfaceIn computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...
(later incorporated into tofu and Thibor)
Additional features of HyperWRT Thibor firmware
- All features of HyperWRT +tofu (developed in collaboration)
- Linksys WRT54GS code base (125HSM125 High Speed Mode125 High Speed Mode is Broadcom's proprietary frame-bursting and compression technology to improve 802.11g wireless LAN performance...
support) - Port redirection
- Additional filters to port scans and P2PPeer-to-peerPeer-to-peer computing or networking is a distributed application architecture that partitions tasks or workloads among peers. Peers are equally privileged, equipotent participants in the application...
(blocks BitTorrent, KazaaKazaaKazaa Media Desktop started as a peer-to-peer file sharing application using the FastTrack protocol licensed by Joltid Ltd. and operated as Kazaa by Sharman Networks...
, WinMXWinMXWinMX is a freeware peer-to-peer file sharing program authored by Frontcode Technologies that runs on Microsoft Windows operating systems, created in 2001. According to one study, it was the number one source for online music in 2005 with an estimated 2.1 million users...
, eDonkeyEDonkey networkThe eDonkey network is a decentralized, mostly server-based, peer-to-peer file sharing network best suited to share big files among users, and to provide long term availability of files...
, DC and Gnucleus) - P2P-specific QoS
- Raw print server for USB printers (WRTSL54GS only)
- X-Press mode that could be set up by the normal SpeedBooster (125HSM) configuration and then switching off the SpeedBooster feature, as the router will then default to X-Press, which is a more reliable frame burst technology that is simultaneously interoperable and compatible with a much wider variety of client devices.
- WiFi Site survey to help locate a free or sparse channel.
- WDS + AES available simultaneously for building larger all-wireless networks with high security.
- Enhanced compatibility for WRT54G, WRT54GS, WRT54GL hardware--upgrades them to WRT54GS firmware.
- Enhanced security for older WPA clients that couldn't run WPA2, because a combination of WPA + AES is selectable, thereby giving older wireless clients access to AES security, while also maintaining interoperability.
- Plus other bug fixes and improvements
History
The original HyperWRT project was started in 2004 by Timothy Jans (aka Avenger 2.0), with continued developmentSoftware engineering
Software Engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software, and the study of these approaches; that is, the application of engineering to software...
into early 2005. Another programmer
Software developer
A software developer is a person concerned with facets of the software development process. Their work includes researching, designing, developing, and testing software. A software developer may take part in design, computer programming, or software project management...
called Rupan then continued HyperWRT development by integrating newer Linksys code as it was released.
Later in 2005, two developers called tofu and Thibor picked up HyperWRT development with HyperWRT +tofu for the WRT54G and HyperWRT Thibor for the WRT54GS. Both developers frequently collaborated
Collaboration
Collaboration is working together to achieve a goal. It is a recursive process where two or more people or organizations work together to realize shared goals, — for example, an intriguing endeavor that is creative in nature—by sharing...
and added features from each other's releases, and both developed WRTSL54GS versions of their firmware. After February 2006, tofu discontinued development and his code
Source code
In computer science, source code is text written using the format and syntax of the programming language that it is being written in. Such a language is specially designed to facilitate the work of computer programmers, who specify the actions to be performed by a computer mostly by writing source...
was incorporated into HyperWRT Thibor. HyperWRT Thibor15c (July 2006) was the last version of HyperWRT and was compatible with the WRT54G (v1-v4), WRT54GL (v1-v1.1), WRT54GS (v1-v4), and WRTSL54GS (later unfinished beta 17rc3 released Feb 2008).
Future
Beyond 2008, * TomatoTomato Firmware
Tomato Firmware is a partially free HyperWRT-based, Linux core firmware distribution for a range of Broadcom chipset based wireless routers, most notably the older-model Linksys WRT54G , Buffalo AirStation, Asus Routers and Netgear's WNR3500L...
- a direct progeny of HyperWRT that has most of the same code, is in current production and supports a greater variety of router equipment. According to former HyperWRT forum moderators and interviews with the firmware writers, its not necessary to upgrade an older router if you're enjoying its performance; however, if you wish to upgrade, Tomato is the direct upgrade path from HyperWRT.
While the scope, or mission, of HyperWRT was to retain the look of Linksys firmware for ease of use, so many features were added over the years that the original Linksys interface (menus) didn't gracefully contain all of the new features--they became difficult to find (according to HyperWRT support forums). Because of this, Tomato stepped beyond the scope of HyperWRT by streamlining both the interface and the internal code (a clean re-write, also with a new interface) to seamlessly incorporate both old and new features. Available updates to HyperWRT stopped shortly after the start, and short co-development, of the Tomato project. Since then, years of new refinements and updates have been added, and of great interest, is the somewhat higher speed routing that came from the lookup components update within some versions of Tomato. Quote from Daniel, a HyperWRT support forum moderator: "It was my pleasure to help out with HyperWRT, but now in the year 2011, I think that you should go and have a look at its more refined successor, the Tomato firmware, and see what it has to offer."
External links
- HypertWRT 2.1 - latest files 2005
- Rupan HyperWRT - updated HyperWRT for WRT54G (no longer maintained)
- HyperWRT +tofu - updated HyperWRT for WRT54G/WRT54GL and WRTSL54GS (no longer maintained)
- DeadLink: qwerty HyperWRT+WOL - updated HyperWRT +tofu for WRT54G/WRT54GL (no longer maintained)
- Linksys GPL Code Center - source code for stock Linksys firmware, previous versions were base for HyperWRT
- Table of Features - historic firmware comparison.
- TomatoTomato FirmwareTomato Firmware is a partially free HyperWRT-based, Linux core firmware distribution for a range of Broadcom chipset based wireless routers, most notably the older-model Linksys WRT54G , Buffalo AirStation, Asus Routers and Netgear's WNR3500L...
- Tomato, the successor to HyperWRT