Pre-installed OpenWrt Firmware Upgrade: Support for GL.iNet GL-E750

For Developers
1

I have a device that comes with OpenWRT pre-installed. The firmware version is OpenWrt 18.06.1 r7258-5eb055306f.

There currently is no support for this device on the OpenWRT site, though. I specifically want to upgrade the pre-installed OpenWRT firmware to 19.07.2.

I have found a device on the site, made from the same manufacturer, that comes with the same pre-installed version of OpenWRT (mentioned above). See device here: https://openwrt.org/toh/gl.inet/gl.inet_gl-usb150?s[]=r7258&s[]=5eb055306f

The GL.iNet GL-USB150 has support for the newer 19.07.2 firmware.

Since my device came pre-installed with the same pre-installed firmware version as the GL.iNet GL-USB150, does that mean that the v19.07.2 firmware for the GL.iNet GL-USB150 device is compatible with my newer device?

I hope my explanation isn't too convoluted. Any input is appreciated. Naturally, I want to try to upgrade my new device's firmware through LuCI using the GL.iNet GL-USB150 firmware, but I'd like to avoid bricking this thing since there is not much support yet.

Thanks.

2

What model do you have? Generally the model must match exactly or the firmware will not work.

2 Likes
3

I have the GL-E750. If I try a sysupgrade using the GL-USB150 firmware, will it likely brick my device?

4

Chances for bricking your device would be approximately 100%.

As @mk24 mentioned, for embedded devices your firmware must match your device exactly, forcing something else onto your device will end in disaster (and hardware wise, GL-USB150 and GL-E750 appear to be quite different, in every regard and especially where it matters most).

1 Like
5

Thanks for the response. I'll avoid the disaster and hope for support in the future.