For some reason, everyone is afraid to update software, and not only on routers. This is probably due to the fact that there is a risk of turning the device into a brick. But this is a wrong opinion. Yes, if you want to flash the router with some third-party firmware and do not follow the instructions, then anything can happen. But, if you download a new version of the software from the manufacturer’s website, strictly for your model and for the hardware version of your device, and follow the instructions, then nothing bad will happen.
In this article, I will not talk about exactly how to update the firmware (this information is in a special article, see the link at the end of the article). I will try to answer the questions in detail:
- Where you need to download new versions of software for Tp-Link routers. I'll show you how to do this using the example of one of the models.
- I’ll write and show you how to choose the right firmware for your router. By model and hardware version of your network device from Tp-Link. It is very important.
If you are interested in the question of whether it is necessary to update at all, then it is unlikely that you will find a specific answer anywhere. Many people adhere to this rule: if everything works, then it’s better not to touch it. On the one hand, this is correct. But, on the other hand, in new versions of router software, manufacturers correct errors, introduce some new features, and improve the operation of the device.
If you bought a router, then most likely it already has the latest firmware, but this is not always the case. Before you start setting up, it is better to make sure that the installed version is the latest. If your router has been running for a long time, then most likely there is already an update for it, and it is advisable to install it.
If you install the correct firmware from the official website, then you will not lose the warranty on your router. Tp-Link provides support for official firmware.
But, installing third-party software such as DD-WRT will void the warranty on your device
These instructions are suitable for all popular Wi-Fi routers from Tp-Link: TL-WR841N, TD-W8968, TL-WR842ND, TD-W8960N, TL-MR3420, TL-WR843ND, TL-WR1043ND, TL-WDR3600, TL-WR741ND , TL-WDR3500 and others.
How to determine the current firmware version?
Everything is very simple. Just go to settings. To do this, connect to the desired router, via cable, or via Wi-Fi (just to view the current version, you cannot flash via Wi-Fi!), in any browser, in the address bar, go to the address http://192.168.1.1, or http://192.168.1.1. A password and login request will appear. Default - admin And admin(if you haven't changed them).
Enter them and the control panel will open in front of you. Immediately, on the tab Status we can see the software version that is installed on our router.
You can leave this page open so that later, when you download the software, you can check whether there is an update for your model or not.
We are looking for and downloading the correct firmware for the Tp-Link router
In order to download the correct software version, you need to know your router model and hardware version.
This information can and should be viewed on the bottom (or side) of the router on a sticker. It looks something like this:
As you can see, our model is TL-WR841N, and the hardware version is 7.2. Version 7.2 means you have V7. And we will download the firmware for V7. If, for example, you have Ver: 8.2, then the software is needed for V8.
Next, go to the official website of the company, directly to the download page http://www.tp-linkru.com/support/download/.
We look for the model of your router on this page. By default, the page with wireless equipment (regular Wi-Fi routers) will open. On the left, in the table, you can select a section with other equipment. For example, routers with support for 3G/4G modems, wired routers, ADSL modems, etc.
When you find your model, click on the link.
On the next page, select the hardware version that we learned above. For example, I have V7. We click on it.
The firmware that is at the very top is the newest. You can check its version with the one you already have installed. And, if the version on the site is newer, you can download the software and update it. On the right, in the table, you can see information on the software version. It shows the release date, language, archive size, description of changes, etc.
In order to download the archive with the firmware, click on the link next to the green arrow.
Save the archive to your desktop, for example.
Routers need to be updated from time to time to get the most out of the device. TP-LINK TL-WR841N is no exception; it can also be flashed if you have the necessary . How to do this correctly? Let's look at it in more detail.
Even a schoolchild can cope with updating the device
How to update software
There are a number of important nuances, knowing which before performing the update will greatly help you:
- The TP-LINK TL-WR841N settings will be reset to default. There is nothing tragic here, because the device is set up in a matter of minutes. Experts recommend copying the configuration before flashing the firmware. There is a special option for this in the device interface.
- You can only update your router with a cable connection. It is strictly forbidden to flash TP-LINK TL-WR841N via Wi-Fi. You must disable the wireless network option on your PC and do not turn on the device during the update.
- You need to disconnect the provider's cable from the router while updating the firmware. This will help avoid additional difficulties during the update.
- It is advisable to make sure that the selected firmware for the router is correct. By using a file for a router of a different model, you risk disrupting the performance of your router.
Before you start searching for any program on the World Wide Web, it is important to understand what hardware version your router has. It’s easy to read about the TP-LINK TL-WR841N version; just study the sticker located on the bottom of the router.
Firmware search
You should download router software exclusively from trusted resources on the global network. The TP-Link website is suitable for your device. Once on this resource, enter the model of your router in the search. The result should be a link to the required model. Next, in the “Downloads” tab, we recommend selecting “Firmware” (the item is located in “Software”) and clicking on your hardware version.
The download process will begin; the file must be unzipped to a convenient location on your PC. Don't forget that the firmware at the top of the list is considered the newest. It is possible that your device already has the latest firmware, so we advise you to first compare the current version with the version offered on the Internet. The file information on the site indicates the size, language, date of publication and release, and notes. Additionally, the changes are described here.
It is important to understand that installation from the developer’s website ensures proper operation of the router. You will not lose the possibility of warranty repair of TP-LINK TL-WR841N if you use this method. The warranty on the device is void in all other cases. This happens when using third-party utilities (DD-WRT, for example).
Update
As you know, all manipulations for configuring the TP-LINK TL-WR841N are performed in the interface. It’s easy to access; just enter 192.168.0.1 in your browser. Login parameters may be different if you changed them during initial setup. For new equipment, the admin/admin parameters are suitable.
After this you will see the interface menu. The firmware is installed in the Frimware upgrade item of the System tools section.
All that remains is to indicate the location where the previously downloaded *.bin file is stored. To do this, click on the “Browse” button and enter the path. Then execute the "Open" command.
Routers lose their native firmware for various reasons. The desire to add functionality, solder a USB port, or simply add stability to the operation of the router.
In my case, the router on the latest stable native firmware with 1-5 WiFi and 1-2 Ethernet consumers froze 1-2 times a week. It's not very scary, but it's also annoying to reboot. I wanted stability. After a long search and reading reviews, the choice fell on OpenWRT. The article already provides step-by-step instructions without the trial and error that I had to go through.
Step 0
I hope that when you start updating the router firmware, you understand that at one of the steps you may lose access to the Internet. So, I strongly advise you to read the entire article, download all the necessary files in advance and then proceed with the firmware.Step 1
The first thing to do is update and install the latest native firmware.you can find the latest firmware for TL-WR741ND, for the corresponding hardware version.
- Turn the router over and check the version of the hardware in it using the sticker on the case.
- Download the archive with the latest firmware.
- Flash the router with the firmware from the archive in the usual way (System Tools -> Firmware Upgrade).
Step 2
Next, you need to select the OpenWRT firmware version.You should use exactly the file that matches the hardware version of your model. Don't neglect this rule! There are two file system options for booting: JFFS2 and SquashFS. Judging by the reviews, you should opt for SquashFS files. Word factory in the file name means that you must upload such a file to your device over the factory (native) firmware. file with word sysupgrade applicable only for updating OpenWRT, i.e. poured after factory firmware.
Download factory firmware and sew it in the usual way (System Tools -> Firmware Upgrade).
Step 3 or all is lost
After successful firmware installation, we get a working router with the web interface turned off. Therefore, it is no longer possible to access the settings through the browser. The next steps are:Opening PuTTY, select Telnet protocol, address 192.168.1.1 port 23 , click “Connection”.
root without password.
We type the command:
passwd root
root. Next we write:
exit
Opening WinSCP, select SCP protocol, address 192.168.1.1 port 22 ,User name: root, Password is the one you set earlier, click “Login”.
We answer yes to all vague questions and see a window with files on your computer and router. Next, take the second part of the firmware (the one that is sysupgrade), rename it to code.bin and drop it on the router in the /tmp folder. We close the program.
Opening PuTTY, select SSH protocol, address [email protected]
port 22
, click “Connection”. We type the password that we set earlier for root. We log into the router and type the command to flash its firmware:
sysupgrade -n /tmp/code.bin
We wait until the router flashes and reboots. Let's focus on the light bulbs. Next we repeat the step:
Opening PuTTY, select Telnet protocol, address 192.168.1.1 port 23 , click “Connection”.
We log into the router. Initially you are under the user root without password.
We type the command:
passwd root
And we write a new password for the user twice root.
Turn off the router, turn on the router.
The LuCI web interface is available to you at 192.168.1.1. Log in using the root user and the password that was previously set for root.
UPD. After long use, the only glitch was noticed. When you change the MAC address on the WAN port, after 1-2 days it is reset to the factory one. Otherwise, the router shows miracles of stability.
This article will tell you how to update the firmware of Tp-link TL-WR841N and TL-WR841ND routers. Why do you need to do this? Each new version of the software includes some improvements, additions, and bug fixes. Therefore, installing new firmware can make the router work much more stable.
In the instructions for flashing firmware for Tp-link routers, we have already described in general terms how the hardware version of a router is determined, where to download the firmware and how to properly flash the router.
However, as practice shows, many people are looking for information specifically on the firmware of the Tp-link TL-WR841N router. For this reason, an article was written specifically for this model.
Why do we want to talk about this particular Tp-link router? Because the TL-WR841N is one of the most popular models. Hence, this article will be useful for many. You may also need information about setting up your router. Detailed instructions for setting up the TL-WR841N can be read here.
It is very easy to reflash the Tp-link TL-WR841N router, in just 3 steps:
- determine what hardware version your router has;
- download from the official website new firmware for the corresponding hardware version and device model (TL-WR841N, or TL-WR841ND);
- connect the router to the computer using a cable and update the software.
This simple operation will not take you much time. And the benefits from it will be obvious, since after downloading the new firmware, your router will work more stable.
Firmware in Russian for TL-WR841ND
Very often, users want to install firmware with a Russian-language interface. Here I would like to dwell on this point. When we look at the process of selecting and downloading firmware from the Tp-Link manufacturer’s website, you will see that for each hardware version of the device, several firmware versions are posted on the website. Some of them have an interface in Russian, some have an interface in English.
The list of files on the site indicates what language the firmware is in. When this article was written, the Russian version of the firmware for Tp-link TL-WR841ND was available only for the far from new hardware versions V9 and V8. Therefore, if you want to download the newest version, it will most likely be in English.
Of course, setting up a router is easier and more convenient when the software is in Russian. It will be much easier for you to understand the control panel, especially if you do not have enough experience. However, the English version is also quite simple. And basically the instructions for setting up the TL-WR841N are written for the English interface.
Firmware update on Tp-link
First of all, determine the hardware version of the device. It does not matter what model you have (TL-WR841N or TL-WR841ND). The easiest way to do this is to turn the router over and carefully examine the label stuck on the case. The place where the hardware version is indicated is circled in a red oval in the figure.
We see what the sticker says Ver 9.2, Therefore, our router has hardware version 9.2. This figure shows an outdated model, since currently Tp-link has already developed the 12th hardware version.
Now we know how to determine the version number of our router. This is very important information that will definitely be required when downloading the firmware, because each version of the device corresponds to certain software.
Let's move on to downloading the file for the router firmware. Please note: the firmware must match your router model and its hardware version.
To download the software from Tp-link official website:
- for model TL-WR841N – Let's go to the address: http://www.tp-linkru.com/download/TL-WR841N.html;
- for model TL-WR841ND– go to the address: http://www.tp-linkru.com/download/TL-WR841ND.html.
When the desired page loads, select the version on it that corresponds to the information printed on the device body. For example, if the label on the case indicated Ver 9.2, then select V9.
After selecting the hardware version, scroll down the page and find the tab at the very bottom Firmware(that is, firmware).
Select this tab and a list of files will appear in the window that opens. The first on the list will be the newest firmware, so you need to download it. To do this, save the selected archive file on the Desktop of our computer. You can choose another folder to save the file, as long as it is easy to find later.
Let's open the archive file and extract from it the new firmware for our device.
Finally, we downloaded the required software, then we move on to the main stage - flashing the router.
Attention! You cannot flash firmware when connected via Wi-Fi. Before you start updating the firmware, you need to connect the Tp-link TL-WR841N to your computer (laptop) using the cable that comes with the router.
We launch any browser that is installed on your computer. Enter in the address bar tplinklogin.net or in old firmware 192.168.1.1 and wait for the page to load. You will then be asked to enter your username (admin) and password (admin)
If you were unable to enter setup mode, you need to carefully read this article.
In the settings window, open the tab System Tools select from the list below Firmware Upgrade. After that, click on the button located at the top in the window Choose File. When Explorer opens, find and select our file with the new firmware in the window.
To flash the router to a newer version, in the next window, click Upgrade. On the screen it will look something like this.
Let's wait until the firmware is updated.
After the flashing is completed, you need to reboot the system. After the reboot, you will be able to work with the router.
The TL-WR941ND router model from the Chinese manufacturer TP-LINK is the senior model in the line of Wireless N routers designed for the home or small office. This explains its high popularity among users - for a price of no more than two thousand rubles, wired speeds of up to 100 megabits per second are purchased , and wireless up to 300 megabits per second. But many people often ask questions - how to flash a tp link router, how to connect it to a computer, how to configure it, and much, much more.
In this article we will try to answer all frequently asked questions.
Let's start from the very beginning - shopping in a store. Among the other boxes on the shelf, ours can be recognized by the bright green color of the box.
Router box TL-WR941ND
On the front side there is a photograph of the device, model, and main distinctive advantages. Other characteristics are printed on the remaining edges of the box.
Opening the box, we will find the following components:
The router itself is tp link tl wr941nd;
Three detachable omnidirectional antennas with 3dBi gain;
Small switching power supply 9V / 0.85A;
Short twisted pair network cable;
Disc with software and digitized instructions;
Printed versions of installation and quick setup instructions + warranty card.
TL-WR941ND router kit
Since the power supply is switching, and not a transformer of the previous generation, you can hear a barely noticeable squeak during its operation - this is the norm, you should not be alarmed.
The antennas, frankly speaking, are not the most powerful, and they can be replaced if desired, but when purchasing, you should take into account the type of connector - it is SMA.
Router appearance
In a nutshell, the appearance is standard. The rectangular shape of the case, white plastic with a black insert on the front panel and three antennas on the back - this is the appearance of the router.
Appearance of the TL-WR941ND router
The black insert on the front panel contains LED indicators that either light up or blink. Using the indicators, you can determine the presence of power, self-test status, activity of wired and wireless networks, and activity of the QSS mode (another name for the WPS function). If the LED is blinking, traffic is passing through this interface.
Next to the LED panel is the QSS activation button.
The top cover of the router case bears the TP-LINK logo, and there are horizontal slots along the side edges for cooling the device. But it is worth noting that it does not heat up much, there are no problems with overheating.
Rear panel of the router, bottom
The manufacturer has placed all connections and other buttons on the back of the router as standard.
Rear side of the TL-WR941ND router
Here we see three connected antennas, four LAN ports (yellow), one WAN port (blue), a socket for the power supply and a small “Reset” button, which is necessary if the tp link router does not work after inept configuration. By pressing this button with something thin and holding it for 10 seconds, the router will reset all settings to factory values.
An information label is glued to the bottom of the device.
Information sticker on the bottom of the TL-WR941ND router
It contains a lot of useful information - mac address, network IP address, login and password for connecting to settings, release version, and more.
Setting up the router
Entering the settings interface
The router is configured through the computer's web browser. Before you start setting up the device, you need to go to its web interface. This is done very simply - we connect the router to the computer via Wi-Fi or a network cable (for a wired connection we use the twisted pair cable included in the package, connect one end to any LAN port of the router, and the other end to the computer’s network card). Next, turn on the router and computer, wait for it to load, open any web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 into the address bar. This is the router's standard network IP address. An authorization window will appear - enter “admin” and “admin”.
Click “OK” and we are in the settings menu.
For convenience, TP-Link has developed a settings menu simulator so that you can practice without any consequences. Very convenient for beginners. The simulator is located at
http://web.archive.org/web/20150807181531/http://www.tp-linkru.com:80/support/emulators/?model=TL-WR941ND
We go to the page and see that you need to select a hardware version.
Online simulator of TL-WR941ND router settings
We can find out our version number from the label on the bottom, in the Serial Number field under the barcode.
Updating the router firmware
First of all, let's look at how to update the router firmware. This procedure is not mandatory, but in new versions of the software errors are corrected and new functionality is added.
The first step is to download the firmware file from the website. Go to the web page.
http://www.tp-linkru.com/products/details/?model=TL-WR941ND#/download
Web page for downloading updated software
Again, you need to select your hardware version in the list, click on the selected version and indicate the path where the file will be saved. Let's remember this place.
TL-WR941ND router firmware update menu
Click the “Browse…” button, in the explorer that opens, select the path to the downloaded updated version of the firmware, click “Update”. An automatic update process will begin, lasting about one minute.
Attention! During the update process, it is forbidden to turn off the router, as it may appear that it is frozen. Otherwise it will fail!
After the update, the device will automatically reboot, the firmware of the tp link router has been successfully updated.
It is worth noting separately that it is strongly recommended to use a wired connection when updating the firmware, since Wi-Fi may simply lose the connection, the consequences of which are described a little higher.
Setting up a wireless router connection
The second step is to set up a Wi-Fi wireless network. Go to the “Wireless” item, submenu “Wireles Setting”.
Basic settings of Wi-Fi router TL-WR941ND
The Wi-Fi settings window will open. In the SSID field we assign the name of the wireless network, leaving the Region, Channel, Mode, Xhannel Width and Max Tx Rate fields as default. This is a choice of channel, standard and transmission speed, and the most preferred options are already installed there.
Setting up Wi-Fi security for the TL-WR941ND router
WPA/WPA2 is recognized as the most hack-resistant, and therefore secure, security mode. We select it, leave all the fields as they are, and change only the PSK Password field - the password for connecting to the Wi-Fi network. The password must consist of at least eight characters of the Latin alphabet and numbers.
Click “Save”, the wireless network is configured.
