ADD SUPPORT / HELP BUILD FW ? -- Netgear WAC720

For Developers
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I have a Netgear WAC720 going un-used and would prefer to get OpenWrt on it rather than its proprietary firmware. Willing to dig in a bit if I can get some assistance / guidance from those who know OpenWrt and the general process.

I was getting a high level overview from ChatGPT to see what it might come up with and it seems to think it is plausible based on its hardware configuration. Obviously, I would need to go through and double check the details CG is spewing out, but I am at work right now and don't have the time currently.

Here is a transcript of my chat:

Thanks for looking.

Netgear WAC720 Hardware Specifications

  1. Processor (SoC):
  • Model: Qualcomm Atheros QCA9557.
  • Architecture: MIPS 74Kc.
  • Clock Speed: 720 MHz.
  1. Wireless Chips:
  • 2.4 GHz: Integrated in the QCA9557.
  • 5 GHz: Qualcomm Atheros QCA9882 (802.11ac, 2x2 MIMO).
  1. RAM:
  • 128 MB DDR2.
  1. Flash Memory:
  • 16 MB SPI NOR.
  1. Ethernet Ports:
  • 2x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN).
  • Supports IEEE 802.3af/at Power over Ethernet (PoE).
  1. Serial Console:
  • Serial headers are present on the PCB.
  • Default baud rate: Likely 115200.
  1. LEDs and Buttons:
  • Status LEDs for power, wireless, and Ethernet activity.
  • Reset button.
  1. Power:
  • Power via PoE or external 12V DC adapter.

LINK TO MANUAL:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/WAC720/WAC720_730_UM_EN.pdf

LINK TO FCC ID & DOCUMENTATION:

https://fccid.io/PY315300320

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Open the case and verify that all the information you got from your AI chat is correct... it's very common for them to have at least a few errors (AI should not be relied upon).

Then, once you're connected by serial, grab the boot logs and post them here.

https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-developer/add.new.device

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Since you have your screw driver in your hand, fix your keyboard too.

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Not sure what you're getting at here?

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Not you, OP, all the caps :slight_smile:

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Firmware from netgear contrasts your chad hallucination

 magic=2.6.36.4brcmarm SMP preempt mod_unload ARMv7M+
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That would be a solid dead end...
Seems AI was wrong, again.

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e9f331ae33444fe74af923c140528af68c51a6c999bfa5f5d852921f845d90f3  WAC720_WAC730_V3.9.1.13.zip
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the software i use at work only allows capitalized typing, so we all use it interchangeably / non-discriminantly for general conversation. i have grown to ignore it and use it to help visually differentiate text, headings, etc., whatever... don't read too much into it.

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doesn't surprise me. like i said, need time to dig into it all for myself and verify. i was just exploring the idea since it was top of mind this morning when i got to work. that's why i am here, since i figured you guys would be the ones who know your stuff and can help keep me from wasting too much time on what has the very real potential to turn into a dead end.

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I binwalk-ed firmware for you.

image
image700×790 65.9 KB

1 Like
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techncially, that's salmon :slight_smile:

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Salmon family occupying the river would disagree....

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