NetGear WGU624 Double 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router Firmware 2.0.1.1

This article provides information about the NetGear WGU624 Double 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router and its various firmware updates, culminating in version 2.0.1.1. This firmware is specifically designed for use in the United States and incorporates features and fixes implemented across several previous versions. Understanding these updates is crucial for maintaining optimal router performance, security, and compatibility with other devices.

Firmware Version 2.0.1.1: Enhancements for US Users

Firmware version 2.0.1.1 focuses on regulatory compliance and performance improvements tailored for users in the United States. The key features of this update are:

Country Selection Restriction: To comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, this firmware version restricts the country selection option to the United States only. This ensures that the router operates within the legally mandated parameters for wireless communication within the US.
Improved Throughput with 10M Ethernet: The update optimizes data throughput when the router’s Wide Area Network (WAN) side is connected to a 10 Mbps Ethernet interface. This improvement ensures more efficient data transfer speeds for users with slower internet connections.
Extended Account and Domain Name Length: The maximum length allowed for Account and Domain Name fields in the Basic Settings page has been increased from 32 characters to 50 characters. This change specifically addresses compatibility requirements for Xbox Live, allowing users to configure their routers for optimal online gaming experiences.

Evolution of the NetGear WGU624: Key Features in Previous Firmware Versions

To fully appreciate the enhancements in Firmware 2.0.1.1, it’s essential to understand the significant features and bug fixes introduced in earlier versions.

Firmware Version 1.0.1.11

This version was a crucial stepping stone for future updates, primarily focusing on laying the groundwork for Wireless Multimedia (WMM) support.

Increased Firmware Upgrade Size Limit: Version 1.0.1.11 significantly increased the allowable size for future firmware upgrades. This was a preparatory step to accommodate the larger file size anticipated with the introduction of WMM functionality in subsequent updates. It’s critical to note that users with older firmware versions must first upgrade to 1.0.1.11 before attempting to install any later version.
Fix for Traffic Imbalance Lock-up: This update addressed a lock-up issue that occurred when there was a significant imbalance in traffic between the 11g and 11a wireless bands. This issue typically arose when one band was handling a disproportionately large amount of the overall traffic, causing the router to become unresponsive.

Firmware Version 1.0.1.10

This version tackled specific performance issues and improved user experience.

P2P Client Handling Improvement: This update resolved the issue of the NetGear WGU624 router struggling to handle heavy traffic loads generated by peer-to-peer (P2P) clients like Azureus. By optimizing the router’s handling of P2P traffic, this update improved network stability and performance for users who frequently use such applications.
Statistics Page Freeze Fix: The firmware addressed a bug that caused the router to freeze when the "Show Statistics" page was accessed while either the 11a or 11g radio was disabled. This fix ensured that users could access the router’s statistics page regardless of the status of the wireless radios.
Password Change Validation: This version introduced password change validation to prevent users from accidentally setting passwords containing invalid characters like commas. Previously, the router would silently ignore these characters, leading to login problems. The new validation ensures that passwords meet the required criteria, preventing login issues after a password change.

Firmware Version 1.0.1.9

This version introduced new features and addressed several bugs.

XR Availability in 11g Only Mode: This update enabled the Extended Range (XR) feature when the router was operating in "11g only" wireless mode. This allowed users to benefit from enhanced wireless range even when using only the 11g band.
Static IP Option for PPPoE: The update added the option to configure a static IP address for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connections. This provides users with greater control over their network configuration and allows for more predictable IP addressing.
UPnP Enabled by Default: Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) was enabled by default in this version. UPnP simplifies network configuration by allowing devices to automatically discover and communicate with each other.
Expanded Regional Domain List: Several European countries were added to the regional domain list, improving localization and compatibility for users in those regions.
Bug Fixes:
- Addressed a rare router lock-up issue, enhancing overall stability.
- Improved browser compatibility with Netscape, Firefox, and Redhat browsers. (Note: Macintosh Safari was not supported in the current design.)
- Improved the DHCP server module for more reliable IP address assignment.
- Fixed an issue where PC card WG511U pings to the router would occasionally time out.

Firmware Version 1.0.1.7

This version laid the foundation for many of the features found in subsequent updates.

Wireless Card Compatibility: Compatible with 11b, 11g, 11a and 108Mbps-capable wireless cards, offering broad compatibility with various wireless devices.
Security Protocol Support: Supports WEP, WPA and WPA-PSK security protocols for wireless encryption.
Extended Range (XR) and Adaptive Radio (AR) Features: Included Extended Range (XR) and Adaptive Radio (AR) features to enhance wireless performance.
Xbox Live Certificate: Featured an Xbox Live certificate for seamless online gaming.
Auto-assisted Firmware Upgrade Feature: Simplified the firmware upgrade process with an auto-assisted feature.
Dedicated Hardware DMZ Port: Offered a dedicated hardware DMZ port for improved security and ease of use.

Known Issues

Despite the numerous improvements, the NetGear WGU624 router, like any electronic device, has some known issues. In rare cases, the router may stop responding to clients. Power cycling the router usually resolves this problem. If not, a hardware reset (pressing the reset button on the back for 5 seconds) may be necessary.

Upgrade Instructions

Important: If you are using firmware older than 1.0.1.11, you must upgrade to version 1.0.1.11 first before upgrading to version 2.0.1.1. Failing to do so may result in complications or render the router unusable.

Download Links

You can download the NetGear WGU624 Double 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router Firmware 2.0.1.1 from the following locations:

Primary Download Link: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/12653/
Alternative Download Links:

Conclusion

The NetGear WGU624 Double 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router has seen several firmware updates to enhance its performance, security, and compatibility. Firmware version 2.0.1.1 is specifically designed for users in the USA and incorporates improvements from previous versions. Keeping your router’s firmware up to date is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and security. Always follow the upgrade instructions carefully and download the firmware from a reputable source. By understanding the features and fixes included in each version, users can make informed decisions about their router’s configuration and maintenance. The NetGear WGU624 remains a viable option for users seeking a reliable wireless firewall router.