NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router Software Version 1.0 Release 11

The NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router was a popular choice for home and small office networking, offering enhanced wireless capabilities compared to standard 802.11g devices of its time. While now considered a legacy product, its continued functionality relies on stable firmware and drivers. This article provides an overview of Software Version 1.0 Release 11 for the NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router, detailing the fixes it implemented and offering a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade.

Understanding the importance of firmware updates for network devices like the NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router is crucial for maintaining performance, security, and compatibility. Firmware acts as the operating system for the router, controlling its various functions and ensuring it interacts seamlessly with other devices on the network and the internet.

Key Improvements in Software Version 1.0 Release 11

This particular release addressed several critical issues, primarily focused on improving WAN connectivity and wireless performance:

• DHCP WAN IP Fix: The most significant fix addressed a problem where the NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router would sometimes fail to obtain a WAN IP address from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) via DHCP. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is the standard method for assigning IP addresses to devices on a network. This fix ensures that the router can reliably connect to the internet in diverse network environments. Without a properly assigned WAN IP, the router cannot route traffic to and from the internet, effectively disabling internet access for all connected devices.

• Improved ADSL WAN Functionality: For users connecting to the internet via ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), this update enhanced the router’s ability to maintain a stable connection. The NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router would now persistently attempt to re-establish the ADSL connection if the network or ADSL modem experienced a failure, with the idle timeout set to 0. This feature ensures continuous connectivity by automatically recovering from temporary network disruptions, providing a more reliable internet experience for ADSL users.

• Airgo Wireless Driver Update: The update incorporated Airgo wireless driver version 1.4.0.163. Airgo was a company specializing in pre-N wireless technology, and their chipsets were used in the WGM124 to provide enhanced wireless speeds and range compared to standard 802.11g. This driver update resolved minor compatibility issues that could negatively impact wireless performance and stability. By addressing these compatibility problems, the update aimed to improve the overall wireless experience for users of the NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router.

Upgrading Your NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before proceeding with the upgrade process, it’s crucial to understand that this process will reset your router to its factory default settings. This means that all custom configurations, including your wireless network name (SSID), password, and any port forwarding rules, will be erased. Therefore, meticulously documenting your existing settings is essential.

Preparation is Key:

1. Gather Your Information: Before starting, carefully record all your current router settings. This includes:

   • Your ISP configuration (e.g., DHCP, static IP, PPPoE credentials)
   • Wireless network name (SSID)
   • Wireless security settings (e.g., WPA2-PSK password)
   • Any custom port forwarding rules
   • Any other customized settings

2. Download the Firmware: Obtain the correct firmware file for your NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router. A reliable source for this firmware is: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/12647/

Upgrade Procedure:

1. Connect to Your Router: Connect a computer to your router using an Ethernet cable. This ensures a stable connection during the upgrade process. Avoid using a wireless connection for firmware upgrades.

2. Access the Router’s Web Interface: Open a web browser on your computer and enter the router’s IP address in the address bar. The default IP address is usually https://192.168.1.1. If you have changed the IP address previously, use that address instead.

3. Log In to the Router: Enter your username and password to access the router’s configuration interface. The default username is "admin" and the default password is "password" unless you have changed them.

4. Navigate to the Upgrade Section: In the router’s web interface, locate the "Maintenance" section and then click on "Router Upgrade."

5. Select the Firmware File: Click the "Browse" button and locate the firmware file that you downloaded in step 2 of the preparation phase.

6. Upload and Install: Click the "Upload" button to begin the firmware upgrade process. The router will upload the firmware file and start the installation process. This process may take several minutes.

7. Wait for Reboot: Do not interrupt the upgrade process. Wait for the router to automatically reboot. This is a crucial step, and interrupting it could damage the router.

8. Restore Your Settings: Once the router has rebooted, access the web interface again. You will need to re-enter all the settings you recorded in step 1 of the preparation phase, including your wireless network name, password, and any other custom configurations.

Important Considerations:

• Power Stability: Ensure a stable power supply during the upgrade process. A power outage could corrupt the firmware and render the router unusable.
• Do Not Interrupt: Never interrupt the upgrade process once it has started.
• Correct Firmware: Always use the correct firmware file for your specific router model. Using the wrong firmware can damage the router.
• Factory Reset (If Necessary): If you encounter problems after the upgrade, consider performing a factory reset by holding the reset button on the back of the router for about 10 seconds. This will revert the router to its default settings.

Alternative Download Links

While the primary download link provided above is a reliable source, here are alternative links for the NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router driver:

1. Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/Router-Switch-Access-Point/Netgear/Netgear-WGM124-Wireless-Router-Firmware-1.0.11.shtml
2. DriverGuide: (Requires registration) https://www.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=1884678
3. DriverScape: https://www.driverscape.com/manufacturers/netgear/routers/wgm124 (May link to older drivers, verify version)
4. MyDrivers: (Chinese website, use with caution and antivirus software) https://drivers.mydrivers.com/download/70-28257-NetGear-WGM124-Wireless-Router-Firmware-1.0.11/
5. CNET Download: (Check version carefully) https://download.cnet.com/Netgear-WGM124-Wireless-Router/3000-2660_4-186896.html

Always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites and ensure you have up-to-date antivirus software installed. Verify that the downloaded file is indeed the correct firmware version for your NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router before proceeding with the upgrade. While the NetGear WGM124 Pre-N Wireless Router may be an older model, keeping its firmware up-to-date ensures continued stability and security.