Pimp the Barn, with WiFi-bling (Split from : Help with 1 mile network setup!) - Page 5

Sleeping Dog · 03-10-2006

Thank you beakmyn for the link. It contains the best layout and explanation of the differences in the WRT54 family of boxes that I have seen to date.

Looks like they are armost as bad as Dell, HP, etc. when it comes to making not-so-subtle changes in a model from "version" to "version".

What a shame that some of the manufacturers can't be more honest about their products and simply change the entire model number when they make major changes in the device. It makes it tough on the buyer because many vendors don't list the "version" number of what they are advertising for sale.
Therefore, we poor schmucks in the shopping public have to wade through a myriad of websites and phone calls to find what we are really looking for.

Thanks again.

SD

Sleeping Dog · 03-12-2006

Just a follow-up note:

I found two WRT54GS boxes locally at a Circuit City that WERE NOT version Five. They are version four. I would have preferred a 2.1 - 3 for the additional flash RAM, but I was able to get them at a good price. Circuit City has the policy of meeting or beating any "advertised" price from other merchants, so I printed out a price comparison list from the web and took it to the store with me. The boxes were on sale for 69.99, and the store manager printed out a 15 buck mail-in rebate for me for each of the two. Even after sales tax, that's a very few dollars more than I would have saved elsewhere after doing an exhaustive search to find "GS's" that aren't version five. (My time is worth something.) Besides, that now gives me this weekend to start on the configuration of the system. I want to get the routers communicating with each other before I add the hi-gain antennae.

Again, I appreciate all of the help, input and advice.

Sleeping Dog

Sleeping Dog · 03-12-2006

For anyone else looking for a WRT54G or GS that can run third party (Linux) firmware upgrades, here is a shortlist way of telling which version of the router is in the box without even having to open it. (Of course, the VxWorks versions are not compatable with third party firmware,)

*** Linksys router versions ***

Known serial numbers (first four characters) vs versions:
CDF0 = WRT54G v1.0
CDF1 = WRT54G v1.0
CDF2 = WRT54G v1.1
CDF3 = WRT54G v1.1
CDF5 = WRT54G v2.0
CDF7 = WRT54G v2.2
CDF8 = WRT54G v3.0
CDF9 = WRT54G v3.1
CDFA = WRT54G v4.0
CDFB = WRT54G v5.0 (runs VxWorks, not Linux)

CGN0 = WRT54GS v1.0
CGN1 = WRT54GS v1.0
CGN2 = WRT54GS v1.1
CGN3 = WRT54GS v2.0
CGN4 = WRT54GS v2.1
CGN5 = WRT54GS v3.0
CGN6 = WRT54GS v4.0
CGN7 = WRT54GS V5.0 (runs VxWorks, not Linux)

SJH0 = WTR54GS v1.0

CL7A = WRT54GL V1.0

The MAC address and Serial Number are on a small barcode tag just below the main UPC on the bottom of the box.

SD

goldfndr · 03-14-2006

An arguably more complete list of compatible hardware (especially if one is willing to get away from Linksys) is maintained by OpenWRT. In particular, WRTSL54GS (although I'm unable to google a serial number). Different firmwares support different products, of course.

Speaking of Sveasoft, they might not be ideal.

Sleeping Dog · 03-14-2006

I am kinda' in a catch-22 mode regarding the firmware upgrade thing. I am aware of the Sveasoft legal issues and problems and have looked at OpenWRT, DD-WRT, etc. as alternatives. If I do get away from the Linksys firmware, It will need to be user friendly to my sister who has only Windows experience. This system will connect the house to the horse barn. She understands a stud mounting a mare but has no background in Linux terms such as "mounting a device". I really need to keep administration for the system within her realm.

Cheers.

streaker69 · 03-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

I am kinda' in a catch-22 mode regarding the firmware upgrade thing. I am aware of the Sveasoft legal issues and problems and have looked at OpenWRT, DD-WRT, etc. as alternatives. If I do get away from the Linksys firmware, It will need to be user friendly to my sister who has only Windows experience. This system will connect the house to the horse barn. She understands a stud mounting a mare but has no background in Linux terms such as "mounting a device". I really need to keep administration for the system within her realm.

Cheers.

I don't really see how that's an issue. If you get the thing setup for her, then she shouldn't be mounting anything, other than the horses.

Thorn · 03-14-2006

Don't bother to change the firmware unless there is an overriding reason to do so. The stock firmware should be fine.

Once this type of setup is engineered and running properly, there really shouldn't be anything for the end-user (your sister in this case) to do. If the problem is more than can be fixed with a power cycle on the devices, someone else will have to deal with it anyway.

Most of the issues I have with installed systems going down is when end-users with "some" knowledge decides that they need to change parameters for some reason.

Starpoint · 03-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorn

Don't bother to change the firmware unless there is an overriding reason to do so. The stock firmware should be fine.

Once this type of setup is engineered and running properly, there really shouldn't be anything for the end-user (your sister in this case) to do. If the problem is more than can be fixed with a power cycle on the devices, someone else will have to deal with it anyway.

Most of the issues I have with installed systems going down is when end-users with "some" knowledge decides that they need to change parameters for some reason.

So where do you hide the bodies of these offenders?

Thorn · 03-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starpoint

So where do you hide the bodies of these offenders?

I just smile, nod and bill them.

streaker69 · 03-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorn

I just smile, nod and bill them.

So you have a lot of ducks as clients?

Put this on my bill

Ba Dum bump.

Starpoint · 03-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorn

I just smile, nod and bill them.

Ok.. that makes sense..
I once billed a rig welder supervisor $110.00 (2 hours labor for welding machine repair) to out to a site and flip a toggle switch that tells the machine to use either panel amperage control or the remote.

Sleeping Dog · 03-16-2006

Thanks all.

Thorn, I do have a reason for needing additional firmware control. The Linksys firmware does not allow using the WRT54GS in a repeater mode nor does it have the antenna select feature. (unless they have upgraded their OEM release and I have not heard about it.)

My place in the country isn't far from my sister's farm. I have Line-Of-Sight to her barn, but there is a BIG hill between her house and mine. Once I get her set up, I may want to add a second directional antenna to her barn so that I can have broadband internet access from my place while my house is under (re)construction. (I already have her permission to `share' the connection.) You could say that there is some degree of method (or at least intent) to my madness. (My place is more of a "weekend get-away" and I don't live there full time.)

...and yes, Star and Streak... I too have been "guilty" of charging clients what I call a "Stupidity Premium" if I have to fix something that they shouldn't have been f***ing with in the first place. Last August I actually had the pleasure of charging a Dotor a higher hourly rate to fix his system than what he charged me for an office visit... (and Lord, it sure felt good.) He actually paid without whimpering.

Cheers all, and thank you again.

Dutch · 03-16-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

My place in the country isn't far from my sister's farm. I have Line-Of-Sight to her barn, but there is a BIG hill between her house and mine. Once I get her set up, I may want to add a second directional antenna to her barn so that I can have broadband internet access from my place while my house is under (re)construction. (I already have her permission to `share' the connection.) You could say that there is some degree of method (or at least intent) to my madness. (My place is more of a "weekend get-away" and I don't live there full time.)

Even if you have her permission, you're setting yourself up for a theft of service charge, and her for loosing her internet connectivity.
Most ISP's do not allow the sharing of a connection outside of the premises where the contract for the connection is made.

Find out what ISP your sister is using, and check their TOS and AUP. There is a thread on the forums with the applicable sections of various ISP's TOS & AUP. If your sisters ISP isn't listed there, then feel free to post a similar message in that thread with her ISP's details.

Dutch

Sleeping Dog · 03-16-2006

Thanks for the concern, Dutch.

In this case, however, it is a non-issue. The reason that it is a non-issue is because her internet connection is billed to "the business" and both of our properties are officially and legally under the same "corporate" ownership. This was done years ago between my family members regarding certain "holdings" so that management of those assets would revert to the other partners in case of the untimely demise of any one of us. Therfore, the connection to what I call "My Place" isn't to a third party, (as such), because, legally speaking, my place and her place are "the same place".

itsnotme · 03-16-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

Thanks for the concern, Dutch.

In this case, however, it is a non-issue. The reason that it is a non-issue is because her internet connection is billed to "the business" and both of our properties are officially and legally under the same "corporate" ownership. This was done years ago between my family members regarding certain "holdings" so that management of those assets would revert to the other partners in case of the untimely demise of any one of us. Therfore, the connection to what I call "My Place" isn't to a third party, (as such), because, legally speaking, my place and her place are "the same place".

Sorry, just a little commentary on my part, every time I see somebody use " "'s the way you use them, it usually means that what you're saying is not 100% true. Just looks like you're trying to backpedal a bit. Please don't head into the Tard bin for theft of service, your thread's been nicely informative so far.

03-14-2006	#65 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	I am kinda' in a catch-22 mode regarding the firmware upgrade thing. I am aware of the Sveasoft legal issues and problems and have looked at OpenWRT, DD-WRT, etc. as alternatives. If I do get away from the Linksys firmware, It will need to be user friendly to my sister who has only Windows experience. This system will connect the house to the horse barn. She understands a stud mounting a mare but has no background in Linux terms such as "mounting a device". I really need to keep administration for the system within her realm. Cheers. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-14-2006	#67 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 10,039	Don't bother to change the firmware unless there is an overriding reason to do so. The stock firmware should be fine. Once this type of setup is engineered and running properly, there really shouldn't be anything for the end-user (your sister in this case) to do. If the problem is more than can be fixed with a power cycle on the devices, someone else will have to deal with it anyway. Most of the issues I have with installed systems going down is when end-users with "some" knowledge decides that they need to change parameters for some reason. __________________ Thorn "Lawyers should never marry lawyers. This is called inbreeding. It produces idiot children and more lawyers."

03-16-2006	#72 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Thanks all. Thorn, I do have a reason for needing additional firmware control. The Linksys firmware does not allow using the WRT54GS in a repeater mode nor does it have the antenna select feature. (unless they have upgraded their OEM release and I have not heard about it.) My place in the country isn't far from my sister's farm. I have Line-Of-Sight to her barn, but there is a BIG hill between her house and mine. Once I get her set up, I may want to add a second directional antenna to her barn so that I can have broadband internet access from my place while my house is under (re)construction. (I already have her permission to `share' the connection.) You could say that there is some degree of method (or at least intent) to my madness. (My place is more of a "weekend get-away" and I don't live there full time.) ...and yes, Star and Streak... I too have been "guilty" of charging clients what I call a "Stupidity Premium" if I have to fix something that they shouldn't have been f***ing with in the first place. Last August I actually had the pleasure of charging a Dotor a higher hourly rate to fix his system than what he charged me for an office visit... (and Lord, it sure felt good.) He actually paid without whimpering. Cheers all, and thank you again. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-16-2006	#74 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Thanks for the concern, Dutch. In this case, however, it is a non-issue. The reason that it is a non-issue is because her internet connection is billed to "the business" and both of our properties are officially and legally under the same "corporate" ownership. This was done years ago between my family members regarding certain "holdings" so that management of those assets would revert to the other partners in case of the untimely demise of any one of us. Therfore, the connection to what I call "My Place" isn't to a third party, (as such), because, legally speaking, my place and her place are "the same place". __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

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03-10-2006	#61 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Thank you beakmyn for the link. It contains the best layout and explanation of the differences in the WRT54 family of boxes that I have seen to date. Looks like they are armost as bad as Dell, HP, etc. when it comes to making not-so-subtle changes in a model from "version" to "version". What a shame that some of the manufacturers can't be more honest about their products and simply change the entire model number when they make major changes in the device. It makes it tough on the buyer because many vendors don't list the "version" number of what they are advertising for sale. Therefore, we poor schmucks in the shopping public have to wade through a myriad of websites and phone calls to find what we are really looking for. Thanks again. SD

03-12-2006	#62 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Just a follow-up note: I found two WRT54GS boxes locally at a Circuit City that WERE NOT version Five. They are version four. I would have preferred a 2.1 - 3 for the additional flash RAM, but I was able to get them at a good price. Circuit City has the policy of meeting or beating any "advertised" price from other merchants, so I printed out a price comparison list from the web and took it to the store with me. The boxes were on sale for 69.99, and the store manager printed out a 15 buck mail-in rebate for me for each of the two. Even after sales tax, that's a very few dollars more than I would have saved elsewhere after doing an exhaustive search to find "GS's" that aren't version five. (My time is worth something.) Besides, that now gives me this weekend to start on the configuration of the system. I want to get the routers communicating with each other before I add the hi-gain antennae. Again, I appreciate all of the help, input and advice. Sleeping Dog

03-12-2006	#63 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	For anyone else looking for a WRT54G or GS that can run third party (Linux) firmware upgrades, here is a shortlist way of telling which version of the router is in the box without even having to open it. (Of course, the VxWorks versions are not compatable with third party firmware,) * Linksys router versions * Known serial numbers (first four characters) vs versions: CDF0 = WRT54G v1.0 CDF1 = WRT54G v1.0 CDF2 = WRT54G v1.1 CDF3 = WRT54G v1.1 CDF5 = WRT54G v2.0 CDF7 = WRT54G v2.2 CDF8 = WRT54G v3.0 CDF9 = WRT54G v3.1 CDFA = WRT54G v4.0 CDFB = WRT54G v5.0 (runs VxWorks, not Linux) CGN0 = WRT54GS v1.0 CGN1 = WRT54GS v1.0 CGN2 = WRT54GS v1.1 CGN3 = WRT54GS v2.0 CGN4 = WRT54GS v2.1 CGN5 = WRT54GS v3.0 CGN6 = WRT54GS v4.0 CGN7 = WRT54GS V5.0 (runs VxWorks, not Linux) SJH0 = WTR54GS v1.0 CL7A = WRT54GL V1.0 The MAC address and Serial Number are on a small barcode tag just below the main UPC on the bottom of the box. SD

03-14-2006	#64 (permalink)
goldfndr Knight Tooth Puller Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bellevue, WA, USA Posts: 182	An arguably more complete list of compatible hardware (especially if one is willing to get away from Linksys) is maintained by OpenWRT. In particular, WRTSL54GS (although I'm unable to google a serial number). Different firmwares support different products, of course. Speaking of Sveasoft, they might not be ideal.