OpenWrt Forum Archive

Topic: Developing Support for NETGEAR WNDR4700

The content of this topic has been archived between 27 Apr 2018 and 4 May 2018. Unfortunately there are posts – most likely complete pages – missing.

DarioX7,
I know you have contacted some of the OpenWRT devs here. Could you explain to us why they insist it is so difficult to add support for this router since new linux 4 kernel have already implemented support for this SOC.
I already migrated to AC standard but was wondering how can we get the most out this hardware.

Regards

PaulWang,
I really do look forward to your development. Have had one of these little monsters couple years now after an impulse buy when it was on a 1-hour Amazon deal.

Have another AP here, Meraki MR24, with similar CPU and hoping to drum up some dev interest here.  May be mutually beneficial?

https://github.com/chunkeey/apm82181-lede
While not pure openwrt, it works and is modern. Not in their repos yet either, but the dev is working on it, so for now you have to compile your own packages and firmware.

Good news! the WNDR4700 is now completely supported in lede, and is in their repos, so download, install, and have fun!

LEDE (r1102+) - WNDR4700 not working properly:
1) always mount partition from sata disk (eq. /dev/sda1) to /boot folder (when restart router):
if using /etc/init.d/fstab and/or manipulate /etc/config/fstab (eq. adds flash drives or add another partitions from /dev/sda, or other operations)
- "automatically umount /boot"
2) requires adds external firmware to USB3 ports - otherwise it operates USB - odd, because after the firmware is licensed under GPL2
3) led's not all working (eq. led disk and led USB not working automatically, and other - must additionally "scripting")


Overall, however, it should be noted that since Kalóz is not a developer in the composition LEDE ... there is a chance that a lot of neglected/forgotten (ppc and not only ...) things eventually move/work/etc. wink

(Last edited by build000 on 29 Jul 2016, 12:42)

I managed to get LEDE installed on the WNDR4700 as well. There are still some issues but they aren't deal breakers:

1) USB does not work due to firmware issues
2) SDCard reader does not work
3) LEDs aren't correctly hooked up

I am using this device as a micro server. Instructions for installing:

1) Read the following documentation: https://www.lede-project.org/docs/index.html
2) Download the Factory image: https://downloads.lede-project.org/snap … actory.img
3) Flash the LEDE factory image firmware as a firmware upgrade.
4) SSH in and enjoy!

For my post #106:
ad2.) - probably fixed - actually not a problem - tested and working fine (usb3) without uPD72020x-firmware (saving /etc/config/fstab and eq. config to usb modem from image/firmware with uPD72020x-firmware - external and pre-release LEDE git: https://github.com/chunkeey/apm82181-lede ).

New problem is /lib/firmware/pci_wmac0(1).eeprom - loading with error and probably not working perfectly: using full wpad,hostapd-utils,wireless-tools,etc and using functions "WPS pushbutton" - button and connect to this functions/methods working fine - of course LED's from this functions/button not working.

EDIT:
re-ad2.)
But after a power outage throughout the house and then on router start (bootlog) device reports a problem with a non-existent firmware K2013080.mem package uPD72020x-firmware_1_powerpc_464fp.ipk - oddly enough I had it compiled as a package and after the installation of the same package with the firmware, it is not the new firmware recognized by the system when the system boot time.
EDIT II:
re-ad2.)
Only helps embedding firmware K2013080.mem the installation image - what strange firmware is the same size as the one that installation separately from the package (the same file content - checked hexeditor).

CONCLUSIONS:
1) Firmware for usb3 must be compiled along with the installation image to the router with an external git https://github.com/chunkeey/renesas-fw - then usb3 working properly.
2) The installation of firmware to usb3 package does not help - then usb3 not work at all.

*Tested LEDE Reboot r1442 / LUCIE Master (git-16.237.78341-d5f8c9b).

(Last edited by build000 on 26 Aug 2016, 11:42)

For those who still own the router,

LEDE officially support the router.
The download link is one their official website.
And have built another firmware with some pre-installed packages,like Luci etc,etc.
You can check it out on my blog.
puyuwang.me

I am running mwan3 at two location using Asus RT-N13UB1

I have this router and would love to change over to Openwrt however there isn't a clear instruction on wiki on how to install the first firmware in the flash.

Is it that we use enabletelnet we will get telnet as well as tftp enabled?  I am sorry but I have looked and could not figure this out.

Thanks.

The discussion might have continued from here.