Linksys WRT400N Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router Firmware 1.0.02.11

The Linksys WRT400N was a popular simultaneous dual-band Wireless-N router designed for home and small office environments. Firmware updates are critical for routers to ensure optimal performance, security, and compatibility with evolving technologies. Firmware version 1.0.02.11 represents a significant update for the Linksys WRT400N, addressing a range of issues and introducing improvements to enhance the user experience. This article provides a detailed overview of the changes and fixes included in this specific firmware release. Understanding these updates can help users appreciate the importance of keeping their router firmware up-to-date.

Understanding the Importance of Router Firmware Updates

Router firmware is the embedded software that controls the device’s functionality. It’s essentially the operating system for your router. Just like any software, firmware can contain bugs, vulnerabilities, and inefficiencies. Regular updates are crucial for the following reasons:

• Security: Firmware updates often patch security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers to gain access to your network.
• Performance: Updates can improve the router’s performance, leading to faster speeds and more reliable connections.
• Compatibility: Firmware updates ensure compatibility with newer devices, operating systems, and internet standards.
• Features: Updates can introduce new features and functionalities to the router.
• Stability: Fixes to known issues improve the router’s overall stability and prevent crashes or unexpected behavior.

Key Improvements and Fixes in Firmware 1.0.02.11

Firmware 1.0.02.11 for the Linksys WRT400N addresses a wide array of issues, demonstrating Linksys’ commitment to improving the router’s performance and reliability. The update includes the following changes, as detailed in the original release notes:

Let’s break down these changes into more detail:

1. Windows 7 Support:

This update specifically added support for the Windows 7 operating system. This indicates that the previous firmware version might have had compatibility issues with Windows 7, potentially leading to connectivity problems or incorrect network configurations. Adding Windows 7 support ensures that users running this operating system can seamlessly connect to and use the router’s features.

2. NVRAM Miss Issue:

NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) is a type of memory that retains data even when the power is turned off. It’s used to store the router’s configuration settings. An "NVRAM miss issue" suggests that the router was experiencing problems retrieving or storing these settings correctly, potentially leading to settings being lost or corrupted. Fixing this issue improves the router’s stability and ensures that configurations are reliably saved.

3. PPTP Forward Function:

PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is a method for implementing virtual private networks (VPNs). Adding a "PPTP Forward function" allows the router to forward PPTP traffic correctly, enabling users to establish VPN connections through the router. This is particularly useful for users who need to connect to a corporate network or access geographically restricted content.

4. DHCP Reservation Issue:

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. DHCP reservation allows administrators to assign specific IP addresses to particular devices based on their MAC address. Fixing a "DHCP Reservation issue" ensures that this feature works correctly, preventing IP address conflicts and simplifying network management.

5. Multicast Issue:

Multicast is a network communication method where data is transmitted to a specific group of recipients simultaneously. Fixing a "Multicast issue" ensures that the router can handle multicast traffic correctly, which is essential for applications like IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and online gaming.

6. HTTPd Response Error Issue:

HTTPd (Hypertext Transfer Protocol daemon) is the software that runs the router’s web-based administration interface. Fixing an "HTTPd response error issue" ensures that the web interface functions correctly, allowing users to access and configure the router’s settings without encountering errors.

7. PPPoE Keepalive Issue:

PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) is a network protocol commonly used for DSL internet connections. A "PPPoE keepalive issue" suggests that the router was having problems maintaining a stable PPPoE connection, potentially leading to intermittent disconnections. Fixing this issue improves the reliability of DSL internet connections.

8. RIP Static Route Issue:

RIP (Routing Information Protocol) is a routing protocol used to exchange routing information between routers. Static routes are manually configured routes that override the dynamic routing protocols. Fixing a "RIP static route issue" ensures that static routes are correctly implemented and used by the router, allowing for more precise control over network traffic.

9. DynDNS/TZO Update Issue:

DynDNS and TZO are dynamic DNS services that allow users to access their home network using a domain name, even if their IP address changes. Fixing a "DynDNS/TZO update issue" ensures that the router can correctly update its IP address with these services, maintaining remote access to the network.

10. Wireless WEP Authentication in Auto Mode Issue:

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is an older wireless security protocol. Fixing a "Wireless WEP authentication in auto mode issue" ensures that the router can correctly authenticate wireless clients using WEP when the authentication mode is set to automatic. While WEP is considered insecure and should be replaced with WPA2 or WPA3, this fix addresses a specific issue for users who may still be using WEP.

11. MAC Cloning Invalid MAC Address Issue:

MAC cloning allows a router to use the MAC address of another device, often required by some ISPs. Fixing a "MAC cloning invalid MAC address issue" ensures that the router correctly handles MAC cloning and accepts valid MAC addresses.

12. MAC Filtering Issue with Wireless Clients:

MAC filtering allows administrators to restrict network access based on the MAC address of devices. Fixing a "MAC filtering issue with wireless clients" ensures that MAC filtering works correctly for wireless devices, enhancing network security.

13. Port Forwarding with Overlapped Port Numbers:

Port forwarding allows external traffic to be directed to specific devices on the internal network. Fixing a "Port forwarding with overlapped port numbers" issue ensures that port forwarding rules are correctly applied, even when multiple rules use overlapping port ranges.

14. Web Filtering ActiveX Issue:

Web filtering allows administrators to block access to specific websites. Fixing a "Web filtering ActiveX issue" ensures that web filtering works correctly with websites that use ActiveX technology.

15. WPS Issue when Router Uses Default Settings:

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a protocol that simplifies the process of connecting devices to a wireless network. Fixing a "WPS issue when router uses default settings" ensures that WPS works correctly when the router is using its default configuration.

16. PING Function Stopping Issue:

The PING function is a network diagnostic tool used to test the reachability of a device on the network. Fixing a "PING function stopping issue" ensures that the PING function works correctly and doesn’t unexpectedly stop.

17. Config Restore Warning when Using an Invalid Config File:

This fix addresses an issue where the router might not have provided a clear warning when attempting to restore settings from an invalid configuration file. This update ensures that users receive a proper warning message, preventing potential configuration errors.

Downloading and Installing the Firmware

It is crucial to download the firmware only from trusted sources to avoid malware or corrupted files. One trusted source is TechSpot. Here’s the download link:

https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/14470/

Alternative Download Links:

While TechSpot is a reliable source, it’s always a good idea to have alternative download locations. Here are five alternative links for the Linksys WRT400N Firmware 1.0.02.11 (please verify the file integrity before installing):

1. Softpedia: Search "Linksys WRT400N Firmware Softpedia" – Always verify the downloaded file’s checksum.
2. Driverscape: Search "Linksys WRT400N Firmware Driverscape" – Ensure the file version matches 1.0.02.11.
3. DriverGuide: Search "Linksys WRT400N Firmware DriverGuide" – Be cautious of bundled software during download.
4. CNET Download: Search "Linksys WRT400N Firmware CNET" – Double-check the file size and date.
5. DriverPack Solution: Search "Linksys WRT400N Firmware DriverPack" – Note: DriverPack Solution often includes multiple drivers.

Important Considerations Before Updating:

• Backup Your Configuration: Before updating, back up your current router configuration. This allows you to restore your settings if something goes wrong during the update process.
• Stable Power Supply: Ensure a stable power supply during the update. A power outage during the update can brick your router.
• Wired Connection: Use a wired connection to your router during the update. This provides a more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
• Read the Instructions: Carefully read the instructions provided by Linksys before starting the update process.

Updating the Firmware:

1. Download the firmware file from a trusted source.
2. Log in to your router’s web-based administration interface.
3. Navigate to the firmware update section (usually found under "Administration" or "Firmware Upgrade").
4. Select the downloaded firmware file.
5. Start the update process.
6. Wait for the update to complete. Do not interrupt the process.
7. Once the update is complete, the router will automatically restart.

Conclusion

Firmware 1.0.02.11 for the Linksys WRT400N is a significant update that addresses a wide range of issues and improves the router’s overall performance, stability, and compatibility. By fixing problems related to Windows 7 support, NVRAM, PPTP forwarding, DHCP reservation, multicast, HTTPd responses, PPPoE keepalive, RIP static routes, DynDNS/TZO updates, wireless WEP authentication, MAC cloning, MAC filtering, port forwarding, web filtering, WPS, PING function, and configuration restoration, this update ensures a more reliable and secure networking experience for users of the Linksys WRT400N. Keeping your router’s firmware up-to-date is essential for maintaining optimal performance and protecting your network from security threats.