I got a new TP Link RE655 ( aka RE650 v2.0 ). Build# 1.0.0 Build 20210302 Rel. 81179
I did a factory reset, connected with a cable (not wifi), and tried to flash it with the factory image, but it threw an error:
"Unable to upgrade"
The image was: openwrt-23.05.5-ramips-mt7621-tplink_re650-v2-squashfs-factory
It's just a guess but could be that either the 8MB flash is an issue with the newer version or maybe TPlink updated the bootloader to require signed images.
Can you show a page were you can download OEM fw upgrade for your device? It is 655 not 650, very likely completely different device albeit with similar outside parameters.
> Can you show a page were you can download OEM fw upgrade for your device? It is 655 not 650, very likely completely different device albeit with similar outside parameters.
I do not understand this bit. The router is not connected to the Internet, and never will be.
The file that you select
" .... tplink_re650-v2-squashfs-factory.bin "
Is only when you already have openwrt running
Use a Factory image to flash a router with OpenWrt for the first time. You normally do this via the web interface of the original firmware.
That's incorrect. Initramfs images aren't for installation, they run from RAM and are typically loaded from serial+TFTP but are wiped out when you turn off the device. Basically, you sometimes need to load an initramfs image as a first step then install a factory image from there to bypass stock firmware limitations.
Well, be very careful with that kind of devices if you're not used to messing with electricity mains voltage. Since it's a "smart plug" it has an internal 230V AC side on the power supply unlike usual routers with an external AC->DC transformer.
But yeah, the easy way is to get a supported device.
High street shops only sell clothes, alcohol, food, bikes, low quality DIY, and mostly overpriced furniture. Everything else is online and far away. I have to order most of my books from amazon.
I will buy a RE650 v2 from amazon. It is to use as a swap in replacement for my existing RE650 v2 models that I have got around my building. I will flash and then import the config. When the current RE650s break, I pull out a replacement. Reduces downtime.