New Firmware 1.0.7.8

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Originally Posted by kfurge

Why do I always miss the good posts??? I can't believe I missed a $50k payout!

;-)

- K.C.

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Make it happen and I'll pay, many others will too;) better hurry cause I'm trying to sell the router.
Someone else came with the idea to pay a programmer to build a custom firmware that can be upgraded easily, it was a guy from Greece, you posted in that thread if I remember right.
Sucks for asus then, I'll build a true multifunctional server/computer, I'm buying a micro ATX case with the Biostar G965 mobo, 1GB of ram and the intel core 2 duo 4300 and run windows XP not vista, no I wont use a graphics card, I hear the integrated graphic controller is pretty good for basic use(GMA X3000) and I'm trying to keep the power consumption down to a minimum, Total cost will be $320, $50 more then what I paid for this router and I can run the latest version of bitcomet or any other program I want:D ooo yea lets not forget the E4300 will be 50x more powerful then the processor running in this router with a lot more ram.
My old belkin Pre-N router will do a nice job connected to the Micro ATX computer, I actually get a better single with the belkin, all the features that the 700GE has I can get with the belkin+MicroPC combo and more a lot more.
It's a great product don't get me wrong but for the price they charge I expect better software and more processing power ooo yea and better customer service(IT SUCKS)
Hopefully someone will buy this router from me.

A nice piece of information would be to post a big sign on the box saying "Linux is running on this product, if you don't have knowledge using this OS avoid this product because we will not help you" or maybe just "running Linux" that would be enough for me:D

This router was made in China, I dont think it cost more then $50 to build and they charge 3x-4x that amount whatever the cost I am not happy with it and trying to sell it, if you people like it good for you.

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Originally Posted by fireflash

Do you realize just to get an x86 processor would exceed the router's price point? Not to mention the fact that a router would suddenly have a need for video display hardware (read: added cost) because you'd have to hook a monitor up to it, which doesn't make it very feasible your average Joe. If you want a Windows router, go build or buy yourself a PC, some networking hardware and a nice copy of Windows Server 2003 or something, and have fun. When you compare the costs and time requirements to do that compared to the WL700g, the Asus solution is starting to look a lot more appealing

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I think this has been answered by Guru above, for the same price as the Asus router, infact for even less, one can get a windows based PC having all functions with proper GUI, no installing crap like screen etc.

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Most of the people who buy this router probably have no desire what-so-ever to dive into what makes it tick. As long as you can plug it in, use a nice web interface to configure it, and it all works, then that's all most people want and need. It's the select few of us who wanna see what makes it tick and try to make it do more, or do what it does better.

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there u go, u have yourself mentioned the crux of the problem. If asus cant provide proper functions with this router they should put a disclaimer "only for geeks" on the router because the average joe likes the brainless click and point system because it has been doing his jobs with aplomb for several years and will continue to do so in the future.

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I'm sorry if I start ranting here, but Windows fanboys really irk me. They think Windows is the end-all be-all of Operating Systems, and everyone and everything should be running Windows because it's fairly brainless to use. But I think they seem to forget that a very very large portion of the internet is running on operating systems OTHER than Windows, mostly a UNIX-based OS. Why? The point I'm trying to make is every operating system has it's place and purpose. Windows is for the masses. It can do a little bit of everything. Linux and other UNIX based operating systems are incredibly scalable, and can do many things, and do them well.

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thats exactly what i am trying to say, windows is for masses and this is further evidenced by the huge popularity of win over linux in home environments.

by the way, u dont have fans if you are useless, so microsft has gotta have something which made them so popular, Linux AFAIK predates microsoft(in form of unix) if it was so heavenly good why isnt it the staple home OS today?

for the record i am not criticizing kfurge or anybody here, infact he has done an excellent job by coming to help of those people who were left high and dry
by Asus. If its anybody i am condemning its Asus, for the price that Asus is charging for the router one can get a good windows based system which most people can use. I feel most people are being tricked by Asus and they are stuck with a device they cannot use for the purposes they bought in the first place.

i'm happy with my customized WL700, because when i consider the power consumption of the Asus WL700 compared to any Windoze based Mini-Server then i got what i wanted. a low-power consuming device which serves (slowly) all my needs. my WL700 is working fine and i got everything running with moderate amount of fine-tweaking. thanks to K.C. (kfurge) again :)

brgds

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tiwag

Hope I'm not fanning the flamings, but it seems to me that Guru and Wl700g are missing a crucial point: The wl700ge is a network device. Not a pc. It is easy to forget when asus (and perhaps even more so kfurge) makes it do tasks that used to be reserved for PCs. Being a network device and not a pc, it consumes a lot less power, is more silent and takes up way less space. It is even deceptively attractive on the outside.

If you know your computer history, there are very real explanations to why Bill Gates and Microsoft in general had such luck marketing their product in the dawn of the PC age. First and foremost Gates had the bright idea to go into business with the people supplying customers with computers, so that they came ready to use with an operating system already installed.

Arguing that network devices should run desktop windows is insane, if you will pardon my choice of words.

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Originally Posted by Guru

I'll build a true multifunctional server/computer, I'm buying a micro ATX case with the Biostar G965 mobo, 1GB of ram and the intel core 2 duo 4300 and run windows XP not vista, no I wont use a graphics card, I hear the integrated graphic controller is pretty good for basic use(GMA X3000) and I'm trying to keep the power consumption down to a minimum, Total cost will be $320, $50 more then what I paid for this router and I can run the latest version of bitcomet or any other program I want:D ooo yea lets not forget the E4300 will be 50x more powerful then the processor running in this router with a lot more ram.

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If you were to run Linux on this same intel core 2 duo 4300 machine, it would of course be easier to install (say by using a Xubuntu liveCD), it would be far more multifunctional (remember that "the latest version of bitcomet or any other program" does not actually come with Windows), it would run faster and be more functional.

remote admin via web interface? = webmin (http://www.webmin.com/ ___ http://www.webmin.com/standard.html ___ http://www.webmin.com/screenshots/chapter32/figure2.png ____ http://www.webmin.com/screenshots/chapterfs/figure2.png ___ http://www.webmin.com/screenshots/chapter37/figure2.png )
Router/firewall functionality? = iptables (http://www.webmin.com/screenshots/chapter19/figure2.png ).
Web server functionality? = lamp (linux, apache, mysql, php). (http://www.webmin.com/screenshots/chapter9/figure2.png ___ http://www.webmin.com/screenshots/chapter29/figure4.png ___ http://www.webmin.com/screenshots/chapter35/figure2.png )
Print server functionality? = CUPS (http://www.webmin.com/screenshots/chapter22/figure2.png ).
Bittorrent? = pick one for linux from this list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitTorrent_client
Mail server? = xmail ( http://www.xmailserver.org/ )

All for free, apart from the hardware cost.

If you are going to blather on about Windows, then at least compare to a similar use case on Linux.

Windows is limited to x86 architecture and it scales poorly ... Linux runs on everything from supercomputers to wristwatches to google-clusters.

Xubuntu feisty will support 3D desktop (via compiz fusion http://compiz.org/Home/Screenshots ) natively on a GMA X3000 video card (Intel provides open source 3D graphics drivers).
http://vness.wordpress.com/2007/07/1...compiz-fusion/ ___ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiz

Dare I say, wow!

A core 2 duo E4300 CPU will not support x86 virtualization because it lacks the Intel VT functions. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86_virtualization
If you were to step up the CPU to an E6xxx series CPU, then you would be able to run virtualization software: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel-...irtual_Machine (again for free).

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:H...screenshot.png

Try and do that for the same cost with Windows as the primary host OS!

On any given piece of hardware, for the same overall outlay, you are far, far more likely to be able to get far more stuff (and more powerful stuff) running far more easily, cheaply and reliably by starting with a Linux OS than starting with a Windows OS.

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Originally Posted by tiwag

i'm happy with my customized WL700, because when i consider the power consumption of the Asus WL700 compared to any Windoze based Mini-Server then i got what i wanted. a low-power consuming device which serves (slowly) all my needs. my WL700 is working fine and i got everything running with moderate amount of fine-tweaking. thanks to K.C. (kfurge) again :)

brgds

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tiwag

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That's one of the reasons why I got the wl-700GE:p
Low Power consumption/running torrents sounded bad ass at first, but i fails at torrent part:(

Yes a mini-PC will consume more power no doubt about that but the performance gain+easy to install software will make it worth it in my opinion, on the 700GE we are stuck with using Linux base software and even then some of the programs still won't work on it.
Yes you are right, you can't have a mini-pc consume as little power as the 700GE but you can come close.
Use a 65nm CPU clocked at 2ghz or lower, use 512mb or 1gbRam max, use only 1 hard drive, no graphics card, no sound card, remove the floppy drive, only 1 Fan(zalman 7000) to cool the CPU and everything around.
I'll do some testing and see what the difference is between 1 core and 2 cores, I hear you can disable a core and run only one, I'm pretty sure Bitcomet wont have a problem with that if the power consumption is lower.


@AverySimonsen
All I ever wanted is a good BT client, but this people can't even deliver that:mad:
I downloaded a Axxo movie with over 8000 seeders and it took me 3 days to finish the movie, If I download the same movie on Bitcomet it takes 2 hours to finish the download.
Yes the 700GE is able to download a torrent but it does a shit job compare to any current BT client.
Since I have fast cable connection(8mb dl/718up) I have become spoiled and like my downloads to finish in my lifetime.lol


I decided to add the http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=377018 n1 vision with my mini-PC, yes I know the price but I got a coupon for 50% off at best buy, I'm getting this sucker for $100:p
I plan to install it in the living room with my media center PC, it looks so sexy.lol

@hal2k1
If Linux is so much better, then why is everyone using Windows?
I never seen a single person running linux and I have a lot of geek friends who use C++,HTML,Java etc

"blather on about Windows"

I don't like windows more then you do but it's easier to use,(more user friendly) 99% of software will run on it, if something breaks I can fix it on my own.

I'm not sure how much it would have cost asus to run windows but I do know they could have install a better BT client, if KC manage to add new feautures and run a better BT client why hasn't Asus done this in the first place? at least step up to the game and fix the problem now, you people must work for asus or something, seriously how can you be so happy after 9 months with a firmware that only fix 2 things that I never had problem with, actually this firmware was a nightware for me:mad:
Seriously 1 programmer could have done a better job at this then asus in 9 months, big ass company they make billion of dollars and this is the best they can do?

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Originally Posted by AverySimonsen

Hope I'm not fanning the flamings, but it seems to me that Guru and Wl700g are missing a crucial point: The wl700ge is a network device. Not a pc. It is easy to forget when asus (and perhaps even more so kfurge) makes it do tasks that used to be reserved for PCs. Being a network device and not a pc, it consumes a lot less power, is more silent and takes up way less space. It is even deceptively attractive on the outside.

If you know your computer history, there are very real explanations to why Bill Gates and Microsoft in general had such luck marketing their product in the dawn of the PC age. First and foremost Gates had the bright idea to go into business with the people supplying customers with computers, so that they came ready to use with an operating system already installed.

Arguing that network devices should run desktop windows is insane, if you will pardon my choice of words.

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Amen brother :) It's not because Windows or any MS OS is better than any UNIX-based OS, it was essentially shoved down the consumer's throats back in the early 80's with MS-DOS, thanks to a very brilliant plan by Gates & Co.. MS got the consumer market cornered early on and has been able to hold on to it, but slowly others are starting to chip away at their mighty empire. Just because it's the most used doesn't always mean it's better.

If I ever build a PC-based router for my home, it won't be running Windows. There's plenty of *NIX-based easy to use setups out there that require a lot less hardware and overhead to run, and will still run circles around this Asus box. But I like the Asus because it's a low powered router with a few extra perks, which is why I bought it. My old DLink router was working perfectly, but the hard drive and the fact that (supposedly) it could run my BT downloads was enough to make me cough up the cash for it. I didn't expect much out of it, just that it did what was advertised. Sadly, while it did, it wasn't pretty, and we've had to turn to others to make it do what Asus says it's suppose to do. Maybe that was their plan all along, half-ass it and hope the user base takes care of the rest. And since it is running Linux, under the GPL they have to release the source code, so anyone with the know-how can have a lot of fun with it.

But again, we've gotten off topic. :)

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Originally Posted by Guru

seriously how can you be so happy after 9 months with a firmware that only fix 2 things that I never had problem with

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You do have a point here. I'm not an Ausu shill and am personally disappointed with the lack of ongoing support for the firmware. I think they could earn major points with the community by just implementing a workable BT client.

- K.C.

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Originally Posted by Guru

Yes a mini-PC will consume more power no doubt about that but the performance gain+easy to install software will make it worth it in my opinion, on the 700GE we are stuck with using Linux base software and even then some of the programs still won't work on it.

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Your error here is assuming that the limitations you experience on the WL700ge are due to its use of Linux. That assumption is not correct. The limitations are due to (a) the WL700ge hardware (particularly lack of memory), and (b) your lack of knowledge about Linux.

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All I ever wanted is a good BT client, but this people can't even deliver that:mad:
I downloaded a Axxo movie with over 8000 seeders and it took me 3 days to finish the movie, If I download the same movie on Bitcomet it takes 2 hours to finish the download.
Yes the 700GE is able to download a torrent but it does a shit job compare to any current BT client.

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On the WL700ge running kfurge's custom firmware or running OpenWrt, enhanced-ctorrent or rtorrent will do a fair job ... just without a graphical "GUI". rtorrent has a "pseudo GUI" ... it is easier to use than a straight command line.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rtorrent
http://portfolio16.de/tmp/chunks.png
http://libtorrent.rakshasa.no/images/file_list_01.png
http://libtorrent.rakshasa.no/images...ad_list_01.png

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Since I have fast cable connection(8mb dl/718up) I have become spoiled and like my downloads to finish in my lifetime.lol


I decided to add the http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=377018 n1 vision with my mini-PC, yes I know the price but I got a coupon for 50% off at best buy, I'm getting this sucker for $100:p
I plan to install it in the living room with my media center PC, it looks so sexy.lol

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On Linux in general, any one of several choices of bittorrent client will do just as good a job as any Windows program running on the same hardware.

In general, whatever you can do buy buying expensive Windows-based software, you can do better and for free with Linux-based software.

For example, your media centre PC.
http://linuxmce.org/
http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Screenshots

For free.

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@hal2k1
If Linux is so much better, then why is everyone using Windows?
I never seen a single person running linux and I have a lot of geek friends who use C++,HTML,Java etc

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I don't know, but I suspect it is because Linux is free, so it doesn't have an advertising budget. Since most people are like yourself who are too lazy to find out for themselves and won't listen anyway, then most people simply don't know (and won't believe when told) that Linux options are better and are free.

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"blather on about Windows"

I don't like windows more then you do but it's easier to use,(more user friendly)

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A pure myth. Linux will support any GUI function that Windows will.

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99% of software will run on it,

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Including all of the viruses and malware that are out there. You have to load down your Windows PC with a whole raft of bolt-on-afterthought-expensive-security-protection-performance-hit software such as Norton's or whatever to keep your PC safe, and it nearly brings the PC to its knees.

I repeat ... anything you can do on Windows, you can do just as well on Linux on the same hardware. On Linux it will be free, and it won't nag you, or spy on you, or stop working on you after 30 days, or require extra protection programs or cost you anything.

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if something breaks I can fix it on my own.

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How is this different for Linux? Linux is actually better in this regard ... most Windows executables are binary-only closed source which you have no chance to fix.

http://www.linuxhaxor.net/2007/08/13...-dump-windows/

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I'm not sure how much it would have cost asus to run windows but I do know they could have install a better BT client, if KC manage to add new feautures and run a better BT client why hasn't Asus done this in the first place? at least step up to the game and fix the problem now, you people must work for asus or something, seriously how can you be so happy after 9 months with a firmware that only fix 2 things that I never had problem with, actually this firmware was a nightware for me:mad:

Seriously 1 programmer could have done a better job at this then asus in 9 months, big ass company they make billion of dollars and this is the best they can do?

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All of this rant is all a problem of Asus, not of Linux.

There are better software programs for Linux that Asus could have used (particularly if they had thought to include a bit more memory), but they didn't. Rant at Asus, by all means, but do not mistake Asus for Linux or for FOSS software in general.

I personally have ditched the Asus software, and I have gone with OpenWrt for this router. OpenWrt is still in development for the WL700ge, and it isn't stable, and it runs into memory restrictions just as Asus software does or kfurge's custom firmware + oleg's optware does, but OpenWrt is the most open and configurable of the lot. Not recommended for beginners though.

I am hoping that Debian embedded or even perhaps the "Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded Edition" will eventually proove a better solution for the Asus WL700ge hardware.

Certainly we will never have a hope of running Windows on this hardware ... and that is a good thing.

I'm really starting to think this a windows vs lynux tread :confused: :confused:

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Originally Posted by back2basic

I'm really starting to think this a windows vs lynux tread :confused: :confused:

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Well, when someone tries to blame Linux for deficiencies of Asus firmware, and in the same breath says "I can do more with better hardware and Windows and it won't cost much" ... well it should be pointed out that Windows + applications for Windows (that don't come with Windows) will in fact cost a good deal (more even than the hardware), and that Linux on the same hardware would be easier, more powerful, flexible and secure and actually save money.

I don't mind someone having a rant, but they should at least rant at the correct party.

@Guru: I completely agree that Asus would have created fabulous firmware with great bittorrent support and everything else if they had had just 1 (one) dedicated and competent programmer full time on the project. I can only assume that firmware for the 700ge has but the lowest priority at Asus. Maybe because they expect the community to do the job for them as suggested above.

I had a very good impression Asus as a company having bought several motherboards and graphics cards by them in the past, but I must say that any network devices (and similar) that I buy in the future will NOT be from Asus. They have their priorities all messed up.

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Originally Posted by hal2k1

Well, when someone tries to blame Linux for deficiencies of Asus firmware, and in the same breath says "I can do more with better hardware and Windows and it won't cost much" ... well it should be pointed out that Windows + applications for Windows (that don't come with Windows) will in fact cost a good deal (more even than the hardware), and that Linux on the same hardware would be easier, more powerful, flexible and secure and actually save money.

I don't mind someone having a rant, but they should at least rant at the correct party.

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Assuming you pay for the software:rolleyes:
Don't think many people on this forum purchase software.....I wonder why(torrents).lol
I have nothing against linux dude, If you like it rock on.
I see another thread started by Kfurge doing another custom firmware for 1.0.7.8 Great work man, doing the work for asus again, seriously they should hire you:D

Can someone else verify, that the orange power button has no function any more, please?

I haven't been able to shut the router down since i installed firmware 1.0.7.8 ...

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Originally Posted by Psytrax

Can someone else verify, that the orange power button has no function any more, please?

I haven't been able to shut the router down since i installed firmware 1.0.7.8 ...

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It works normal over here it powers the box down and when I push it again the box powersup again , haven't got any problems with it

Did the BT client change or is it the same from the previous firmware?

I think the BT client changed. I have not been able to make it work at all while I ran 1.0.7.8. KFurge also said somewhere that the BT client binary had grown since 1.0.4.6.

Kfurge:

I remember back when you were working on the 1.0.4.6 firmware that you noticed that asus had done some customization to vsftpd. Question: did they use the new vsftpd release in the new firmware or is it the same one from the older firmware, and, if they did use the newer vsftpd (the one found in ipkg), did they make their same modifications. The modifications made in 1.0.4.6 seem to tie-in the GUI user management and security settings to vsftpd in a simple manner however the performance of directory browsing suffers (not sure if they are linked).

Anyway, if you have any info on the subject...

I don't think there were any changes for vsftpd from one version to the other. I'm in the middle of a computer upgrade and can't check right now to confirm.

If I forget to follow-up (which I probably will), please ping this thread again.

- K.C.

I compiled new custom firmware, based on 1.0.7.8:
WL700gE_1.0.7.8.nas
I use tutorial: http://home.comcast.net/~kfurge/wl700ge.html

1) Add 'traceroute'
2) hdparm 7.7
3) wget 1.10.2
4) ash 0.4.0
5) which 2.16
and more fixes

nos96, thank you very much!

I'd like to hear from a couple of folks before I install it myself.

Thanks

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Originally Posted by nos96

I compiled new custom firmware, based on 1.0.7.8:
WL700gE_1.0.7.8.nas
I use tutorial: http://home.comcast.net/~kfurge/wl700ge.html

1) Add 'traceroute'
2) hdparm 7.7
3) wget 1.10.2
4) ash 0.4.0
5) which 2.16
and more fixes

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So, I couldn't wait and I installed this customer firmware. It seems to work well so far. One thing I'm stuck on, and I have to admit to being a bit of a newbie here, is disabling Telnet. I got ssh working well now. I of course can just kill the telnet process, but I'd like to do this the proper way. Can anyone clue me in?

Thanks.

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Originally Posted by nos96

I compiled new custom firmware, based on 1.0.7.8:
WL700gE_1.0.7.8.nas
I use tutorial: http://home.comcast.net/~kfurge/wl700ge.html

1) Add 'traceroute'
2) hdparm 7.7
3) wget 1.10.2
4) ash 0.4.0
5) which 2.16
and more fixes

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Yes these are great functions, Hal :)

But how about if we show him something what Windows can't do, or at least not for free :D

Look at video of LinuxMCE and then you can go to www.linuxmce.com :)

Alex

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Originally Posted by hal2k1

If you were to run Linux on this same intel core 2 duo 4300 machine, it would of course be easier to install (say by using a Xubuntu liveCD), it would be far more multifunctional (remember that "the latest version of bitcomet or any other program" does not actually come with Windows), it would run faster and be more functional.
....

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