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Should I download firmware?
Installed router Aug 2013. Upload speed currently a miserable .7mb on my rural DSL connection. Not sure if speed/internet performance due to router needing updated firmware, lousy DSL, or my old Dell 2005 XP computer.
Should I leave well enough alone or should I upload all firmware?
Do I only load the last update (version 1.0.0.64) or start at the begining of listed available software (windows xp, then version 1.0.0.30 and all the way thru version 1.0.0.64 ?
I would rather just keep what I have if downloading has any possibility of leaving me without a working router. Appreciate your input and opinion.
When it comes to firmware upgrades, you'll probably get two, conflicting forms of advice.
- If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
- Upgrade to stay on top of all features and fixes.
Having said that, it's relatively uncommon for firmware to be the root cause of speed issues. It does happen but most of the time, speed issues are usually caused by something else. In your case, it could probably be your DSL line. You should log into your modem and check the statistics. Or ask your ISP to do the same.
If you do decide to upgrade your firmware, it's generally possible to install the last update. There is always a risk that an update can fail and leave the router in a broken state. While the risk is usually very small, it's not zero. If you absolutely cannot afford to take this risk, then avoid the upgrade for now. Seek solutions to your speed problems elsewhere and hope that the cause doesn't ultimately come down to the firmware.
3 Replies
When it comes to firmware upgrades, you'll probably get two, conflicting forms of advice.
- If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
- Upgrade to stay on top of all features and fixes.
Having said that, it's relatively uncommon for firmware to be the root cause of speed issues. It does happen but most of the time, speed issues are usually caused by something else. In your case, it could probably be your DSL line. You should log into your modem and check the statistics. Or ask your ISP to do the same.
If you do decide to upgrade your firmware, it's generally possible to install the last update. There is always a risk that an update can fail and leave the router in a broken state. While the risk is usually very small, it's not zero. If you absolutely cannot afford to take this risk, then avoid the upgrade for now. Seek solutions to your speed problems elsewhere and hope that the cause doesn't ultimately come down to the firmware.
seidelnavy wrote:I would rather just keep what I have if downloading has any possibility of leaving me without a working router. Appreciate your input and opinion.
You can always, well usually, roll back to earlier firmware if an update fails to do anything for you.
Just download and save copies of the original before you flash the thing.
But like TheEther says, firmware rarely affects speed.
seidelnavy wrote:
Upload speed currently a miserable .7mb on my rural DSL connection. Not sure if speed/internet performance due to router needing updated firmware, lousy DSL, or my old Dell 2005 XP computer.
Test by connecting to modem directly if same lousy speed then you'll know it's not worth the effort to update.
