[plug] Linux hackers re-claim the Linksys WRT54G

[Fred Janon]

Has anyone hacked a WRT54G?

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http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS6352077661.html

Linux hackers re-claim the Linksys WRT54G
Jun. 26, 2006

As predicted, the open source community has come up with a way to 
convert VxWorks-based LinkSys wireless WRT54G routers to Linux. The 
process does not require hardware hacking, and installs a recent version 
of "DD-WRT micro."

A version of Linux that supports the VxWorks-based "series 5" WRT54G has 
been available since April, when the DD-WRT project created its "micro" 
edition, with a 1.7MB footprint. However, the firmware could only be 
installed on routers modified to expose their JTAG ports (complicated 
instructions here).

Now, Jeremy Collake, aka "db90h," appears to have created a "VxWorks 
Killer" flash image that overwrites the VxWorks bootloader on series 5 
WRT54G routers with normal Broadcom CFE firmware. This then enables the 
device to be put into maintenance mode at startup, after which Linux 
firmware can be installed easily.

Currently, the process is not reversible on WRT54G devices that have not 
been modified to add a JTAG interface. Additionally, power failure 
during the two second installation process could permanently 
incapacitate or "brick" the device.

Compared to the full DD-WRT distribution, the "micro" version leaves out 
packages that include chillispot, nocat, rflow, kaid, samba client, 
SNMP, IPv6, MMC/SD Card Support, SSH, PPTP/PPTP Client, and UPnP, 
according to WikiPedia. However, it does support PPPoE.

Additional details, downloads, and complete instructions can be found 
here. The WRTrouters.com website has also published a brief HOWTO, here.

Background

The first four generations of LinkSys's WRT54G router were based on 
embedded Linux, which resulted in a large community of router hobbyists 
adopting the devices and creating improved firmware distributions. 
However, late last year, LinkSys chose to switch its fifth-generation 
WRT54G to VxWorks.

At the time, Linksys's director of product marketing, Mani Dhillon, told 
LinuxDevices that the switch saved LinkSys money. Despite added 
licensing costs, less Flash and RAM were needed, leading to savings 
given the device's enormous volume. "We sell literally hundreds of 
thousands per month," Dhillon said.

After switching the standard WRT54G to VxWorks, Linksys introduced a 
Linux-based WRT54GL model that it said it created specially for Linux 
hobbyists, hackers, and aficionados. The L version is identical to the 
"series 4" WRT54G units that Linux hobbyists have long enjoyed hacking, 
according to the company.

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