Converting a WRT54GC (compact unit) into an Ethernet Bridge

[Eric Weaver]

Anybody point me to how to turn a WRT54GC, the compact wireless router,
into a bridge like the WET11 or WET54? I've found how to do it for the
-G, -GS and -GL versions but not the GC...

Thanks.

[Jeff Liebermann]

Post by Eric Weaver
Anybody point me to how to turn a WRT54GC, the compact wireless router,
into a bridge like the WET11 or WET54? I've found how to do it for the
-G, -GS and -GL versions but not the GC...

It can't be done. The WRT54GC uses a Marvel chipset, which will not
work with DD-WRT or other alternative firmware. There seems to be
some cross platform hacks available that might work:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#WRT54GC>
However, I don't think any of the devices listed has a client bridge
mode (not sure).

[Eric Weaver]

Post by Jeff Liebermann

Post by Eric Weaver
Anybody point me to how to turn a WRT54GC, the compact wireless router,
into a bridge like the WET11 or WET54? I've found how to do it for the
-G, -GS and -GL versions but not the GC...

It can't be done. The WRT54GC uses a Marvel chipset, which will not
work with DD-WRT or other alternative firmware. There seems to be
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#WRT54GC>
However, I don't think any of the devices listed has a client bridge
mode (not sure).

OK, thanks. Doggone it. Gotta get a PCI card for the office machine
and move the WET11 over to the XBox...

[w***@gmail.com]

Post by Jeff Liebermann

Post by Eric Weaver
Anybody point me to how to turn a WRT54GC, the compact wireless router,
into a bridge like the WET11 or WET54? I've found how to do it for the
-G, -GS and -GL versions but not the GC...

It can't be done. The WRT54GC uses a Marvel chipset, which will not
work with DD-WRT or other alternative firmware. There seems to be
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#WRT54GC>
However, I don't think any of the devices listed has a client bridge
mode (not sure).

Well, I tried the IP806SM v231 firmware from http://www.everbesthk.com/8-download/sercomm_download.htm
changed the ID byte (0x000026) from 01 to 06 to match the WRT54GC v1.06.1 firmware from Linksys.
No luck, it gave me an error on the update page, and made no changes.

I suppose I could still try the Hawking or Airlink firmwares, but I'm not hopeful. At this point I'm just giving up and going to use one of my other computers as a bridge with a wireless dongle.

[w***@gmail.com]

Post by w***@gmail.com
Well, I tried the IP806SM v231 firmware from http://www.everbesthk.com/8-download/sercomm_download.htm
changed the ID byte (0x000026) from 01 to 06 to match the WRT54GC v1.06.1 firmware from Linksys.
No luck, it gave me an error on the update page, and made no changes.

I copied the header region from 0x00 to ox27 from the WRT54GC 1.06.1 firmware, and then it uploaded properly. I am now running the Sertec IP806SM v23.1A firmware on my WRT54GC!

[p***@nwz.pt]

Post by w***@gmail.com

Post by w***@gmail.com
Well, I tried the IP806SM v231 firmware from http://www.everbesthk.com/8-download/sercomm_download.htm
changed the ID byte (0x000026) from 01 to 06 to match the WRT54GC v1.06.1 firmware from Linksys.
No luck, it gave me an error on the update page, and made no changes.

I copied the header region from 0x00 to ox27 from the WRT54GC 1.06.1 firmware, and then it uploaded properly. I am now running the Sertec IP806SM v23.1A firmware on my WRT54GC!

Sorry for digging this out, but I have one WRT54GC laying around and want to play with it. Still running the Sertec Firmware with no problems? Can you tell me witch tool do you use to copy the firmware header region?

[j***@gmail.com]

Post by w***@gmail.com

Post by w***@gmail.com
Well, I tried the IP806SM v231 firmware from http://www.everbesthk.com/8-download/sercomm_download.htm
changed the ID byte (0x000026) from 01 to 06 to match the WRT54GC v1.06.1 firmware from Linksys.
No luck, it gave me an error on the update page, and made no changes.

I copied the header region from 0x00 to ox27 from the WRT54GC 1.06.1 firmware, and then it uploaded properly. I am now running the Sertec IP806SM v23.1A firmware on my WRT54GC!

with any luck that you're still on here, how do you edit these ID bytes etc to make it compatible? I'm way in over my head, but it's fun trying anyway, ha ha

[b***@MIX.COM]

Post by j***@gmail.com
how do you edit these ID bytes etc to make it compatible?

Use a hex editor, and just copy and paste the first 39 bytes
(decimal, base 10 number) from the stock firmware into the new
firmware. If you're using an Apple computer, 0xED is the best
editor. Someone else will have to suggest an editor for other
systems.

http://www.suavetech.com/0xed/0xed.html

Billy Y..

[r***@gmail.com]

Sorry to beat this dog to a pulp.. But. I can't find this sertec driver anywhere. Can you advise. Thanks!

[j r pierce]

This post might be inappropriate. Click to display it.

[j***@dgsd.us]

Post by Eric Weaver
Anybody point me to how to turn a WRT54GC, the compact wireless router,
into a bridge like the WET11 or WET54? I've found how to do it for the
-G, -GS and -GL versions but not the GC...
Thanks.

Wow, how weird. We have a WRT54GC and I just typed in "WRT54GC bridge mode" and your question in google groups came up as the first search result. Anyways did you ever figure out how to set these in bridge mode?

[Roy]

Post by j***@dgsd.us

Post by Eric Weaver
Anybody point me to how to turn a WRT54GC, the compact wireless router,
into a bridge like the WET11 or WET54? I've found how to do it for the
-G, -GS and -GL versions but not the GC...
Thanks.

Wow, how weird. We have a WRT54GC and I just typed in "WRT54GC bridge mode" and your question in google groups came up as the first search result. Anyways did you ever figure out how to set these in bridge mode?

I don't know the specific answer to your question but if you want to
turn a router into an access point, here are some steps I have used

1. Turn off the DHCP server in the box.

2. Se the LAN address to an empty address on your LAN. Use this
address to manage the router

3. Plug your LAN into a LAN port on the router.

This works in most cases I have tried. The question is whether or not
the box will function with the WAN port rmpty. Some boxes won't work