NetGear WGR101 54 Mbps Cable and DSL Wireless Travel Router Firmware 1009

The NetGear WGR101, a compact and versatile 54 Mbps wireless travel router, offered users a convenient solution for creating a wireless network on the go. While now a legacy device, understanding its firmware updates and capabilities can be helpful for those who still utilize this router or are interested in the evolution of networking technology. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the NetGear WGR101 firmware 1009, detailing the enhancements and known issues addressed in this release, as well as providing instructions for upgrading the firmware.

Firmware Enhancements: A Chronological Overview

Firmware 1009 built upon previous versions, incorporating several key improvements and bug fixes. To fully appreciate the significance of this release, it’s helpful to examine the changes introduced in earlier versions.

• Enhancements Since Version 1007: This update focused on stability and reliability. The following issues were resolved:

  1. Fix for Configuration Settings Not Saving: This addressed a critical problem where user-defined settings were not being persistently stored, requiring users to reconfigure the router after each reboot.
  2. Correction of Connection Status Display for PPPoE: This resolved an issue where the connection status was not being accurately displayed when using PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) to connect to the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
  3. Resolution of Blank WAN IP Address Issue: This fixed a bug where the WAN (Wide Area Network) IP address was not being displayed correctly on the router’s status page.

• Enhancements Since Version 1001: This version introduced significant functionality improvements. The key changes included:

  1. Addition of WPA-PSK: WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) was added, offering a more secure wireless encryption method compared to the older WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) standard.
  2. Support for PPPoE: PPPoE was implemented as a supported Internet connection method, expanding the router’s compatibility with various ISPs.
  3. Improved Throughput: The router’s throughput was improved, reaching speeds of up to 23 Mbps.
  4. Fix for SSID Broadcast Issue: A bug was fixed where wireless clients were unable to connect to the router when the SSID (Service Set Identifier) broadcast was disabled (hidden network).

• Enhancements Since Version 1000: The initial version mainly focused on performance improvements, laying the groundwork for future updates.

Known Limitations:

It’s crucial to acknowledge the known limitations of the NetGear WGR101, particularly its lack of support for certain VPN protocols.

• PPTP and L2TP Incompatibility: The WGR101 does not support PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) and L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) as Internet connection methods. This means the router will not function with ISPs that require these protocols for authentication.

Firmware Upgrade Instructions:

Upgrading the firmware is a straightforward process but requires careful attention to detail. It’s crucial to back up your existing settings before proceeding, as the upgrade process will reset the router to its factory defaults.

1. Preparation:

   • Download Firmware: Download the firmware file from the official download link: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/12648/ Save the file to a convenient location, such as your desktop.

   • Alternative Download Links: As the device is legacy, alternative download sources might be useful if the primary link is unavailable:

     • Netgear’s support archive (search for WGR101 firmware)
     • DriverGuide.com (search for WGR101 firmware)
     • Softpedia.com (search for WGR101 firmware)
     • DriversCollection.com (search for WGR101 firmware)
     • RouterUpdate.com (search for WGR101 firmware)
   • Record Current Settings: Before upgrading, meticulously record all your current router settings, including your wireless network name (SSID), password, IP address, DNS settings, and any port forwarding rules. Note the position of the physical switch on the router, as this will also need to be restored.

2. Entering Upgrade Mode:

   • Set the physical switch on the router to position 3. Consult the Installation Guide for your router for detailed information about the switch positions.

3. Accessing the Router’s Web Interface:

   • Open your web browser and enter the router’s IP address (typically https://192.168.0.1) in the address bar.
   • Log in to the router using the default username (admin) and password (password), unless you have previously changed them.

4. Initiating the Firmware Upgrade:

   • Navigate to the "Maintenance" section, then click "Router Upgrade."
   • Click the "Browse" button and locate the firmware file you downloaded in step 1.
   • Click the "Upload" button to begin the firmware upgrade process.

5. Waiting for Reboot:

   • Wait for the router to complete the upgrade process and reboot. This may take several minutes. Do not interrupt the process.

6. Verifying the Upgrade:

   • After the router reboots, verify that the firmware has been successfully upgraded by navigating to "Maintenance" > "Router Status." Check the firmware version to confirm it is the correct version (1009).

7. Resetting to Factory Defaults:

   • Reset the router to its factory default settings. This can be done in one of two ways:
     • Web Interface: Navigate to "Maintenance" > "Backup Settings" > "Revert to Factory Default Settings" > "ERASE."
     • Hardware Reset Button: Locate the "Default Reset" button on the rear panel of the router. With the unit powered on, press and hold the button until the Test lights illuminate (approximately 5 seconds). Release the button.

8. Waiting for Reboot (Again):

   • Wait for the router to reboot again after the factory reset.

9. Re-entering Settings:

   • Carefully re-enter all the settings you recorded in step 1. This includes your wireless network name (SSID), password, IP address, DNS settings, and any port forwarding rules.

10. Setting the Switch Position:

    • Set the physical switch on the router to the position it was in before the upgrade, or set it to position 1, which is the standard single-user mode.

Conclusion:

Firmware 1009 for the NetGear WGR101 represented a significant step in improving the router’s stability, functionality, and security. While the router is now considered a legacy device, understanding its features and the evolution of its firmware provides valuable insight into the development of wireless networking technology. By following the provided upgrade instructions carefully, users can ensure their NetGear WGR101 operates at its optimal performance level.