Router manufacturers often update the software (also known as firmware) on your router to add new features or correct errors that are discovered by your customers’ use; it is, therefore, important to keep your router up to date.
This guide explains the basics of how to update router firmware and why do you need an update of it.
Table of Contents
Is updating the firmware dangerous?
Do not update the firmware unless you believe it is necessary. A firmware update can be a bit dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions. If the update is interrupted at any time during the process, the router may become unusable. This risk is minimized when connecting directly with a cable from the router to the computer that will be used to update the firmware. The wired computer has a more stable connection during the update process.
Why update the router firmware? Most people are unaware that it is possible to upgrade the router without going to the store and inquire one. To keep up with new technologies, a router will become obsolete rather quickly without firmware updates.
These are the benefits of firmware updates:
Bug fixes
Most devices just sold by the manufacturer have problems or bugs that cause performance degradation. Once the bug is found, a solution is usually created as a firmware update.
Adding functionality
Sometimes a firmware update adds new features to the router, such as a guest network, traffic counters, or parental controls. By periodically checking the producers’ website, you can be updated on the most recent options available for your router.
Update of available security options
Depending on when you purchased the router, an obsolete version of protection may be used. Maintaining an updated security version is essential if you want your private data to remain private. I strongly recommend updating the firmware version if you still use WEP or WPA protection. Check out our WEP vs WPA guide for more information on why you should no longer use these security options.
How to update router firmware
Before starting
Use a computer connected to the router via Ethernet cable. Using a computer that is not wired to the router may compromise the outcome of the update. You need a durable and stable connection because this update process cannot be interrupted. An interruption may cause the router to break.
Log in to your router
You need to find out which firmware version you are using. Most routers display it on the status page. It’s called Firmware Version, but in some cases, it can be called something like this. Proceed to log in to the configuration page of your router.
Find your firmware version
You should be on the home page of your router. This page should list the version of the firmware you are using and the model number. If you have never updated your firmware, you can find this information on the bottom of the router. On the router we have chosen, the firmware version is located in the upper right corner of the page. Type in the version of the firmware you are using and the model number of the router somewhere.
Visit the router manufacturer’s page
Once you have found the firmware version and model number, visit the router manufacturer’s page. Be sure to download firmware updates from the router’s official website. Enter in google the name of the manufacturer and the model of your router in the web browser, the download page should be the first or second choice. Find + specific router updates on the website. Go ahead and download the firmware version you wish to update. After downloading the new firmware version to your computer, you need to save it in an easily accessible place on your computer, such as your desktop.
Find the Update firmware section of the router
Once on the router home page, you need to locate the Firmware Update page. For this router, click the Administration option at the top of the page. Then below that, you will find the Firmware Upgrade option. Some routers can have this page in the Maintenance or Tools section of the router.
Update your router firmware
You should be on the correct page to update the firmware version. Use the Browse button to locate the firmware file on your computer.
Once you have located the correct file, highlight it and click on the Open option.
The file you chose should be in the Select a file to update field. Click the Start update option.
Possible problems when updating the router firmware
The router should reboot after the firmware update is complete. If the router does not reboot, check the router status page to see if the firmware version has been changed to the version chosen.
Do not disconnect the router or interrupt the update. Interrupting this update may cause permanent damage to the router.
Sources:
https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-upgrade-your-wireless-routers-firmware-2487671
