Asus RT-N16

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Contents

Hardware


The ASUS RT-N16 is a Single Band N-Router (2.4GHz only) with lots of RAM (128Mb) and FlashRAM (32Mb), so it is well equipped to run DD-WRT

The ASUS RT-N16 is in the 100Mbps+ Routing class, meaning it can route at higher speeds than a 100Mbps WAN connection can handle, but it does not even attempt to approach GigaBit WAN performance. Performance details below.

If you are looking for a Dual Band N-Router (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands) also with lots of RAM (256MB) and FlashRAM (32Mb), you could take a look at the ASUS RT-N66U. If you are looking for a cheaper router, but still with DD-WRT Mega specs (and USB port) you could take a look at the Asus RT-N10U Single Band N-Router with 32Mb RAM and 8Mb FlashRAM.

Specifications

Unit RAM = 128 MB (2x 64MB - Samsung K4N511163QZ-HC25 or 2x 64MB - Samsung K4T51163QG-HCE6)

Unit Flash = 32 MB (MACRONIX MX29GL256EHTI2I-90Q)

Unit CPU = Broadcom 4716, 533 MHz (Factory clocked to 480MHz)

use command cat /proc/cpuinfo in a terminal program like puTTY to get the full CPU details

USB ports = USB2.0 x 2

Stock Power Supply = 12V - 1,25A max (**)

Ethernet Ports = WAN x 1 RJ-45 for 10/100/1000 Base T, LAN x 4 RJ-45 for 10/100/1000 Base T

Antennas = 3 x external detachable 2dBi antennas

WiFi Operating Frequency = 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz

802.11n Draft = up to 300Mbps

802.11g = 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps

802.11b = 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps

Unit Switch Chip = Broadcom BCM53115SKFBG

Color of LEDs = Blue

Main board

This shows the main board for the Asus RT N16 along with the location for the JTAG headers.
This shows the main board for the Asus RT N16 along with the location for the JTAG headers.

Installation Instructions

Out-of-the-box factory firmware upgrade

Please note: The RT-N16 does REQUIRE the K26 Firmware builds as Broadcom has not released drivers for the non-K26 builds. (Read more here: Recommended Firmwares). So the NEWD firmwares were actually specifically designed for this generation of Broadcom based routers.

Details of the DD-WRT firmware build variations are found here

Principle steps

  • Restore Factory Default settings (Clear NVRAM)
  • Install the INITIAL ASUS RT-N16 version of DD-WRT (file name ends in .trx)
  • Restore Factory Default settingss (Clear NVRAM)
  • "Upgrade" to your final version of DD-WRT (file name ends in .trx or .bin)
  • Restore Factory Default settings (Clear NVRAM)
Optional:

How it is done

  1. Do a Restore Factory Default settings in the Asus GUI. Asus factory default username/password is admin/admin. Let the router reboot. Disconnect all cables (WAN, USB, etc.) and plug the Ethernet cable from your PC into the LAN1 port on the router.
  2. Select the INITIAL dd-wrt firmware, located here :
  3. Flashing the INITIAL Firmware to the router (the one where the file name ends in .trx)
    • EITHER Using Internet Explorer (IMPORTANT: NOT FIREFOX), Flash the downloaded firmware (.trx file) through the router's GUI at http://192.168.1.1/. Administration tab -> Firmware Upgrade tab. Upload and wait for router to reset on its own (may take at least 5 minutes).
    • Or ALTERNATE - you can set the router in "Recover mode" (same as other Asus routers) and then use ASUS Firmware Restoration Utility to upload the new firmware (included on router CD or downloadable from here). You need to set the PC to Static IP 192.168.1.2 (Static IP guide)
    • Set the router in recovery mode by holding in the reset button when plugging in the power. The power light should now be blinking slowly, meaning the router is in restore/recovery mode and ready for the new firmware. Upload and wait for the router to reset on its own (may take at least 5 minutes).
  4. After the reboot from flashing, wait for the device to show the password change screen for DD-WRT. Enter root as the user and anything for the password as you will do the user/pass procedure again after the final flash.
  5. Do a Factory Reset to clear the NVRAM.
    • Method A - Use the DD-WRT GUI. Goto Administration -> Factory Defaults -> click Yes -> select Apply Settings.
    • Method B - open up a telnet session to your router and type erase nvram followed by the command reboot (This is the preferred method).
    • Method C - Do a Hardware Reset or 30-30-30. The following procedure will clear out the NVRAM and set dd-wrt back to default values:
      • With the unit powered on, press and hold the WPS button on back of unit for 30 seconds (Note the use of the Red WPS button on ASUS routers to do the Hardware reset)
      • Without releasing the WPS button, unplug the unit and hold reset for another 30 seconds
      • Plug the unit back in STILL holding the WPS button a final 30 seconds. You will be presented with the password change screen again after this step is complete.
  6. Do not skip step 5! -:- The resetting of NVRAM is IMPORTANT!!! and should be done BEFORE and AFTER every firmware upgrade/downgrade.
  7. "Upgrade" to the dd-wrt firmware you want to end up with (the one where the file name ends in .bin) (see K26 Build Features for options) . This time you can use the web interface to do the upload. Administration -> Firmware Upgrade
    Note about installing Mega: IIt is wise to walk away for at least 5 minutes while the Mega Firmware is flashing. This ensures all NVRAM variables are successfully loaded by the Kernel before the user makes any configurations.
  8. Do a Factory Reset to clear the NVRAM (same procedure/options as step 5, see step 5 for details).
  9. Do not skip step 8! -:- The resetting of NVRAM is IMPORTANT!!! and should be done BEFORE and AFTER every firmware upgrade/downgrade.
  10. Reward yourself for reading and following these instructions with a cold beverage of your choice. Enjoy DD-WRT on the RT-N16 ! Also, please think about donating to DD-WRT as we are an open-source community and charge nothing to turn a sub $100 consumer router into $600-$1000 commercial grade router.
  11. Consider OTRW and OTRW Take 2 to add useful services such as pixelserv, stophammer and much more. Asterisk with Gtalk has been known to be successful installed.

NOTES:

  • If NAT loopback is needed, then flash the 14929 build.
  • NAT loopback does not work using any build above 15778 (though see Forum for a possible DNS loopback fix for newer versions of firmware)
  • Read the peacock announcement for more details about recommended build, NAT loopback problem and more essential DD-WRT firmware details.
  • Note the Asus RT-N16 needs a K26 build! Build 14929 is the currently recommended broadcom build.
  • Special thanks to Eko for making the initial work on getting the RT-N16 to work with DD-WRT!

How to upgrade with new DD-WRT firmware

  1. Download the latest firmware
  2. Open the DD-WRT's web interface in your web browser. It's http://192.168.1.1/ by default.
  3. Administration tab -> "Firmware Upgrade" button
  4. Click "browse" button -> select the dowloaded firmware file -> click "Upgrade" button. It will take about 2-5 minutes to upload and write the flash. Your browser will reload and let you know when it is done.
  5. It is probably a good idea to reboot after updating. That's it.

Note: After upgrading to the firmware make sure to reset to the default setting:

  • in the Firmware Upgrade Tab where it says "After flashing, reset to"
  • choose "Reset to Default settings".

How to restore to factory firmware

  1. Download the latest ASUS firmware from Asus's site. Go to ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/wireless/RT-N16 with a client FTP.
  2. Rename the asus file from .trx to .bin
  3. Go into the DD-WRT firmware upgrade page, set it to reset defaults, and select the ASUS firmware you renamed.
  4. After the flash finishes, and you see the ASUS GUI, do a Factory Reset to clear the NVRAM.
  5. Try to enjoy ASUS's firmware, and keep missing DD-WRT. (you can just flash back to dd-wrt if you ever want)

Current Known Issues and Bugs

  • UPNP is currently not working for the RT-N16, so for now leave the feature disabled unless you want a full CPU Load. FIXED with SVN trac Changeset #13527
  • Access Restriction with MAC-Filter doesn't work on Asus RT-N16. FIXED trac Ticket #1319 (as of 12/18/09)
  • On this router reset button will only bring you to recovery mode. If you wish to restore defaults, use Red WPS button while plugging power in. Post By Eko
  • This device only has 32K of NVRam and using traff (Traffic graph in Status_Internet.asp) or UPnP will cause the NVRam to fill up quickly. Once full, router functions like ddns will stop functioning and upon the next reboot the router will reset it self to firmware defaults. Disable traff and/or UPnP to prevent this or flush the traff stats occasionally.

Other

Overclocking

By factory default the cpu is clocked at 480 MHz and the Ram at 240 MHz. Overclocking at CPU 532 MHz / Ram 266 MHz can be achieved with these commands in a Telnet/SSH session :

  • nvram set clkfreq=532,266
  • nvram commit
  • reboot

Note : some users have had overheating issues, so adding a fan may be a good idea if you want to try the overclocking.

More informations here with pictures to prevent overheating issues with heat sinks :

Note :

  • other instability issues may also arise from overclocking. Overclocking is NOT a good idea.
  • See also Overclocking BCM 47xx CPU's for more info.

Recovery Mode

This router does have a recovery mode if ever needed for flashing, and to access it, press the WPA button (not the reset button like other ASUS), then plug in power, and tftp the firmware you want to flash. Don't forget to do a Factory Reset in the GUI before and after every flash to make sure you don't have any nvram problems or conflicts. On this router reset button only resets the nvram partition. If you wish to use tftp to restore defaults, use wps button while plugging power in.

If you have bricked your Asus RT-N16

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=388920#388920

Special thanks to Eko for making this possible !

Upgrading the Power Supply

A higher amperage about the power supply (adapter) for the Asus RT-N16 is possible. Please take a look at this : http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=77149

Performance

Test Description	Throughput - (Mbps)
WAN - LAN	                 141.1
LAN - WAN	                 143.3
Total Simultaneous      155.9
Max. Connections         200
Firmware Version          1.0.0.6

Sources: [1] Testing methods: [2], [3]

Links


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