sky broken firmware original V1 router V1.04.13

[Scubbie]

I understand that the older firmware does not support WPA2 and it doesn't support Sky's implementation of MER. The new firmware does fix both of these.

[itype]

But in return it breaks the DHCP table which is a massive pain in the behind tbh.

I understand that the older firmware does not support WPA2 and it doesn't support Sky's implementation of MER. The new firmware does fix both of these.

[Scubbie]

I was not defending the damage which has been caused by the update, merely pointing out what benefits the update was meant to bring, rather than just suggest "the update is to fix a security issue with the wifi".

Sky would like more moved across to MER but I guess that there are many who are using their own routers which is making it a little difficult.

[fuzzy logic]

How would that work if you don't mind me asking? Would I need to use a custom firmware on the router?

No it works on unmodified Sky firmware.

I've been using a little hack for a few years on mine to make it auto enable telnet whenever it is rebooted. I've just modified it to run a script instead, which will be stored in the router's non-volitile ram.

And I've created a simple script to make the firmware update job lie about the firmware version

[fuzzy logic]

For what it is worth, I've found a way of stopping the firmware update that also survives a reboot, and all without creating a firmware mod.

It should even be possible to still allow any future updates, just in case Sky pay Netgear to fix it!

I've now got to add it to my router plugin.

Ok, I've added an option to run a user defined script when the sky dg834gt attempts to establish a PPP connection.

You'll need to run my plug in (link at bottom), Select upload dgstats, open the router UI in your browser, or reload it if you've already got the page open, and select the "Extra" option on the router's side menu, and paste your script into the "Script to run before connect" and click enable.

You can use this to either kill the firmware update task (provisioning_ap) or change the firmware version number.

The following script/command will stop the update task running (I'd recommend using this option if your router hasn't already been upgraded to the broken firmware, as it is possible that sky's update server might try to downgrade routers that have prematurely upgraded):-

killall provisioning_ap

If you prefer to modify the version number of the firmware use the following line (this only changes the version number if the last version is installed (it will show up as V1.04.13 in the router's UI as well) this will allow the router to update itself if a new (hopefully fixed) version is ever released:-

cd /etc;if [ "$(cat version)" = "A1.03.87" ] ;then echo "A1.04.13">version;fi

isitme has provided a link to download the 1.03.87 firmware in a previous post. EDIT: If you need to flash your router, then I'd recommend rebooting it before flashing.




The script + hack will survive a reboot, you can remove it using my program, or by a factory reset, or via telnet.

The script won't get to run if the router's phone line is not plugged in, so if you ever do something in your script that stops you accessing the router UI, reboot the router with the phone line unplugged and you'll be able to log in to the router back-up your settings and factory reset it.


I'm using the following script which also enables telnet

cd /etc;if [ "$(cat version)" = "A1.03.87" ] ;then echo "A1.04.13">version;fi;if [ ! -f 1st ] ;then touch 1st; else exit;fi;utelnetd -d -l /bin/sh

[itype]

Will try this as soon as possible mate, cheers.

[EzyRyder86]

HI guys, sorry to hijack the thread, I've had a similar problem with 1.04.13 and sent them an email complaining. Today I get one back saying a new routers on the way, so it does work! Their still charging me postage of 2 quid but I can live with that!

[kan.grewal]

Who did you email? My email simply resulted in them telling me to get a new router off them for £35!

[EzyRyder86]

I sent it to their complaints department instead of broadband support. I basically told them that A) the firmware update is broken and I know it, they know it, and everybody in this thread knows it, and B) I refuse to pay out of pocket for their screw up. I got the email back next day saying there's a new router on its way. I used to work for a notorious competitor who told us never to replace gear unless it came from Complaints, that way they can write it off. To be honest I did it all the time lol

[ginganinga]

I sent it to their complaints department instead of broadband support. I basically told them that A) the firmware update is broken and I know it, they know it, and everybody in this thread knows it, and B) I refuse to pay out of pocket for their screw up. I got the email back next day saying there's a new router on its way. I used to work for a notorious competitor who told us never to replace gear unless it came from Complaints, that way they can write it off. To be honest I did it all the time lol

Good tip - thanks EzyRyder

Wish I'd thought of that - I had to pay and got the disclaimer about how Sky don't support DHCP