Updating the Router Firmware
The router firmware
is the internal program that your network router uses to perform its
routing chores and to display the setup pages and process any
configuration changes you make. Router manufacturers frequently update
their firmware to fix bugs, to improve performance and to add new
features. For all these reasons, it’s a good idea to update the router’s
firmware to get the latest version. In case you’re wondering, updating
the firmware doesn’t cause you to lose any of your settings.
Tip
The router’s setup
pages usually show you the current firmware version. However, if your
router supports UPnP, you can usually get the router’s firmware version
through Windows 7. Select Start, Network to open the Network window,
right-click the router’s icon, and then click Properties. In the
property sheet that appears, click the Network Device tab. The current
firmware version usually appears as the Model Number value in the Device
Details group.
The specifics of
updating router firmware vary from device to device, so it’s best to
check either the manual that came with your router, or the
manufacturer’s website. However, here’s the general procedure for
finding out, downloading, and installing the latest firmware version:
1. | Use Internet Explorer to navigate to the router manufacturer’s website.
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2. | Navigate to the Support pages.
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3. | Navigate to the Download pages.
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4. | Use the interface to navigate to the download page for your router.
Tip
Most product support
pages require the name and model number of the router. You can usually
find this information on the underside of the router.
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5. | You
should now see a list of firmware downloads. Examine the version
numbers and compare them to your router’s current firmware version.
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6. | If
the latest version is later than the current version on your router,
click the download link and save the firmware upgrade file on your
computer.
Tip
A good place to save the firmware upgrade file is the Downloads folder, which is a subfolder of your main Windows 7 user account folder.
Caution
Most router
manufacturers require that you upgrade the firmware using a wired link
to the router. Using a wireless link can damage the router.
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7. | Open and log in to the router’s setup pages.
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8. | Navigate to the firmware upgrade page. Figure 3 shows a typical firmware upgrade page.
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9. | Locate the upload section, click Browse, and then select the firmware file that you downloaded.
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10. | Click Upload. The router uploads the file and then performs the upgrade.
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