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PTCL's (newer) Wireless n 150mbps W150D xDSL Router by Tenda Part2

From the hardware point of view, the PTCL/Tenda W150D is not much different from other BCM6328 based routers but the difference surely lies in the software/firmware ... so let's take a look at the gui side of things ...

From the start it was apparent that the firmware for PTCL was not 'special/locked' one and just used image replacement replacing Tenda's images/logos with those for PTCL ... anyways it also didn't seem to work well, felt kind of like a beta version of the firmware ... couldn't hold onto some settings ... my long line and difficult stats didn't help either (awaiting conversion from copper to fiber) ...

so in desperation I looked at firmware updates for the router on Tenda's website knowing full well that a corrupted/interrupted/slightly-changed firmware update would brick the router with no obvious way to recover as serial & jTAG pinouts are not known (there are some test points ... but lack of interest) and no full flash backup currently ... I decided upon v1.0.1 of the update (taking note of the version previously installed ... http://www.tenda.cn/tendacn/product/show.aspx?productid=389&type=2) and flashed the newer firmware "bcmw150dv3_fs_kernel-IPOA" ... it was successful :) and now its running Tenda's original firmware ... and things have improved significantly! Be sure to clear browser cache as well!

Note: There are (currently) 2 versions of the W150D, V3.0 and V5.0, with this one being V3! You may need to confirm this before flashing firmware!


Update: The board seems to originate from Micronet Taiwan with the product number SP3367NL! I had to remove a little of the header to install Micronet's firmware on the router (I was upgrading from Tenda's firmware mentioned above)! The modified version is here: http://sdrv.ms/12HdFOr and the original product page is at: http://www.micronet.com.tw/mod/product/index.php?REQUEST_ID=cGFnZT1kZXRhaWwmUElEPTEwNQ==
... try the Download Center from the Support page to get information about SP3367NL ... http://www.micronet.com.tw/mod/support/index.php?REQUEST_ID=cGFnZT1kbA==

Caution: If you follow with a firmware update, you alone are responsible for your actions as a firmware update can brick your router and may void your warranty!!!

(My upgrade path: PTCL's firmware->Tenda's Firmware->Micronet's Firmware)

In my haste, I forgot to take screenshots of PTCL's firmware but one thing for that firmware I know is that the telnet username: admin and the password: admin ... if you want to play with the commandline ... you have to type "sh" without quotes to get into the busybox shell!!!

Here's Tenda's interface (almost same as the old one):








Any benefits??? Yes, the firmware keeps settings and seems to work much better than before ... though it runs very hot as usual and I have had to 'enlarge' some openings making air flow better ... another thing (more related to line quality than router) is that although it can hold onto dying connections well, it holds on too tightly showing connectivity via leds but you cannot use the internet until finally the connection dies and the router re-initiates sync after quite sometime ... so for noisy lines, you may have to wait a while before reconnecting (hoping shifting to fiber would sort this problem out at its roots)

Next time, we'll take a look at Telnet and some tweaking options provided by the root access ... in case you are wondering, the username: root and password: ConsoleFireitup  (case-sensitive) ...

Comments

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My experience was different. I had not any problem with the modem before but, I decided anyway to install this new firmware. After the reboot it was a mess. It could not save any settings change at all, although it managed to connect to the internet with the previous configuration.

    I don't know if using IE or Firefox to change settings makes a difference, but for this modem I will go for IE from now.

    So after failing with v1.0.1 and since I haven't the original firmware, I used the previous version on Tenda website (W150DV3br_1.0.0_en_TD). Now its OK, like before the first update it saves the settings.

    I had a backup of the settings but the modem could not save them after loading. Basically I had to re enter the NAT values.

    So, If your TENDA modem is working well already, do not update it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. one thing i noticed that on tenda website i read whole specs of w150 there wrote in specs it has bandwidth control but which modem provided by ptcl it doesn't has bandwidth controling feature but why ? can we update latest firmware ?

    ReplyDelete
  4. i need ptcl firmware for w150d if anyone have email me at

    shujah50@yahoo.com
    thnx

    ReplyDelete
  5. salam...
    will you please tell me where to get firmware of ptcl an1020-25 cux i have got my device firmware corrupted. Please if you have then please mail it on this email id : shoaibrafiq42@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. i just forgot my login details of ptcl dsl router tenda 150mbps... now i cant login by using the website 192.168.1.1
    i forgot password! what should i do.. plzzz help me

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sorry, the W150D only has QoS though I haven't enabled it to confirm whether it actually works or not!

    ReplyDelete
  8. @Sandeer If you have forgotten the login details, then, you'll have to reset the router by pressing and holding the WPS/Reset Button on the back! You'll have to reconfigure or restore backup configuration!

    However, if on ptcl's firmware, first you try to login with admin/admin ... then ... you'll see in address bar of browser what username/password you typed ... like 192.168.1.1/login.cgi?username=admin&password=admin ... just change username and password to "user" without quotes like 192.168.1.1/login.cgi?username=user&password=user ... and you'll be able to login and change admin password as well :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. i have a spear ptcl wifi modem can i use ptcl wifi modem as simple wifi router

    ReplyDelete
  10. AOA hi all hi sir AHMED FARAZ ......i have a spear ptcl wifi modem can i use as simple wifi router for other internet line iam wating for ur nice reply THANKS in advance

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great info. Appreciate it regarding providing us all this type of useful info. Sustain the favorable perform and also carry on providing us all a lot more excellent info every once in awhile. If possible, while you obtain skills, does one thoughts changing your site with additional information

    ReplyDelete
  12. vicky
    i have spare ptcl device W150D can i change into just wifi router that can help me bosst my wifi range for uper portion of my house
    please reply me and tell me the solution

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello Again!

    Thank you for your interest! And, sorry for the late reply!

    - I have created a new post regarding using the W150D/SP3367NL as a 'Wireless Router' here at: Go There

    - I'll also create another one regarding using the W150D/SP3367NL to extend wireless coverage soon

    - Wrt Firmware, once you go from PTCL's to Tenda's and wish to go to Micronet's you'll have to use the 'headerless' file I have attached in my post here at: Go There
    If it still does not load, send me both firmware files and I'll try with mine!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey bro just wanna ask if you can help me, I want to install the v5 firmware, can you help me in that case? I also have w150D.

    ReplyDelete
  15. hello @ahmedfarazch
    bro i have few questions regarding ptcl router can i get your email id. Please reply
    Regards

    ReplyDelete
  16. My id is ahmedfarazch and I have gmail account!

    Thanks for your confidence in me!

    ReplyDelete
  17. AoA,
    I have W150D-U whose board ID BCM96318, I tried to upload both files name "Micronet_SP3367NL_RC1.0.1_En_header deleted" & "Micronet_Latest_SP3367NL V3_NUT_V10010_fs_kernel" but it says
    "Image uploading failed. The selected file contains an illegal image. "
    Please assist.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walaikum As Salaam,

      Although I haven't tried it, but, you could try the suggestion by Mike:
      "dear just use tenda d303 firmware...
      it will resolve your problem."
      Click here to go to the discussion

      Hope this helps!

      Delete
  18. i have installed sagecome F@st 1704 firmware but now all ptcl settings have been removed. can i still connect to ptcl dsl as the installed firmware is non ptcl sagecome firmware

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      You'll have to configure it again just like a new router. For PTCL's dsl service, you need:
      - VPI/VCI (Fiber: 8/81, Copper: 0/103)
      - PPPoE connection type with LLC encapsulation
      - username and password for dsl (helpline shall provide this info if you don't know)

      Here is a video I found that shows the process (should also be posted by PTCL on their portal):
      https://youtu.be/XkBPKFQzEzA

      The thing missing from the video is that they don't show the creation of the ATM interface which you'll have to do by yourself. If you have problems doing that, then let me know!

      Hope this helps!

      Regards,
      Ahmed

      Delete
    2. do u have real ptcl firmware?

      Delete
    3. Hello!


      Don't have PTCL's firmware available ... there isn't any listed on their website ... and it's likely that they don't provide updates for the routers ... use of original manufacturer's updated firmware is highly recommended!

      Regards,
      Ahmed

      Delete
  19. Thank you Ahmed for your prompt reply... i have reconfigured the ATM layer interface and then wan services but still unable to connect to internet. i have also called ptcl help line and tell the story to them but they have asked me that our technical expert will call you back but still no one contacted yet.
    i have also searched PTCL website for stock firmware but have no luck so far...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome!

      A firmware update shouldn't (normally) cause any problems once the router has been reconfigured. Kindly email me your settings and I'll try to send you screenshots to help configure it (though I have 2504 and 2504n by Sagem ... but interface is mostly similar).

      My email id is ahmedfarazch
      and I use Gmail

      Regards,
      Ahmed

      Delete
  20. Ahmed, I am using PTCL W150D-U ADSL2+ WIFI-MODEM WITH EVO SUPPORT and a XPOD XD-3G15 USB 3G adapter. Is it possible to share Internet WIFI connection form XPOD 3G adapter via W150D-U and use it on devices connected to it. I don't seem to figure out settings in original PTCL firmware.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      You may try:
      - putting the xd-3g15 device in modem only mode if there is such an option provided by its firmware
      - the W150d-u is similar to Tenda's d303 and you could use its manual User Manual as a guide ... the settings for 3g should be provided by your operator to fill in the fields
      - if it doesn't work, you could get a wifi repeater

      Regards,
      Ahmed

      Delete
  21. What firmware is available for W150D-U, I opened it up and it seems to version 6! I want to get rid of PTCL firmware.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi!


      You may try the firmware for Tenda d303 router as suggested above and let us know if it works!

      Please note that updating firmware carries risk of bricking your router! Proceed with caution at your own risk!

      Regards,
      Ahmed

      Delete
  22. i updated my ptcl modem by installing tenda firmware.now i want to bring back my old ptcl version.can any one send me ptcl modem firmware. advanced thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi, ahmed
    There is update available on micronet firmware page for SP3367NL. Its firmware date stamp is 2016. Do you have headerless file of such firmware for flashing to avoid any bricking.

    Want to update becoz of non stable connection. Currently its running on ptcl firmware.

    Another thing i noticed is tenda w150d firmware on there website has date stamp of 2011 where as ptcl firmware installed has date stamp of 2012.

    My concern is stable firmware. What do u recommend in my case.

    Waiting for ur reply.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!


      For ADSL, the condition of the line is the most important thing, especially so in the case of your ISP. If the condition of the line cannot be improved further, one has to trade off speed for stability by increasing SNR Margins. A firmware update can help in this case if the ISP's firmware is locked down (does not provide access to Telnet).

      Kindly see:
      - https://ahmedfarazch.blogspot.com/2013/12/ptcltenda-w150d-and-micronet-sp3367nl.html
      - https://ahmedfarazch.blogspot.com/2013/12/broadcom-dsl-diagnostics-tools.html

      However, a firmware update might also contain bugfixes (and new bugs), patches and security updates, so it might be a good idea to use the latest firmware version in any case. As far as the SP3367NL is concerned, I'll try to make the headerless file for the newer firmware version.

      Caution: A firmware update might brick your router! Proceed at your own risk!

      Hope this helps!

      Regards,
      Ahmed

      Delete
  24. Thank you for the reply.

    Another thing i noticed is that my tenda w150d has v3.1 written. So in this case flashing tenda v3 original firmware or SP 3367NL firware my brick it.

    What do you say in my case?

    Attaching my board picture for reference

    https://i.ibb.co/R3QnP18/20190905-232613.jpg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Again!


      The v3.1 seems to be a minor revision as there is not much difference and the flash seems to be the same, though couldn't figure out the model number from the photo. However, there is certainly a risk involved in upgrading the firmware. One can do it as a last resort depending upon how frustrated you are with the current firmware version.

      Also, the upgraded firmware you pointed to does install on the router once the header is removed, but, I have been unable to move past the login screen and wireless is not showing up (as of today). So, stick with the "older" SP3367NL's firmware if you have to.

      Regards,
      Ahmed

      Delete
    2. PS: The standard recovery method is to keep pressing the reset button (after assigning a static IP) until the router goes into recovery mode (takes a while after the router restarts)! This allows a firmware image to be uploaded.

      Delete
  25. By standard recovery mode you mean 30/30/30 , you mentioned in part 1 comments.

    Regards

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi!


      The 30/30/30 is a method to reset the configuration. The (firmware) recovery method allows to upload a valid firmware image in case a firmware update goes wrong or is corrupted. Usually, as long as the CFE / bootloader is intact, the router's firmware can be "recovered".

      Also, as far as the 2016 firmware is concerned, it is for the newer version of the SP3367NL as confirmed by Micronet "The model SP3367NL have 2 version v2 and v4, please make sure the model version which have different firmware." themselves. So, for the W150Dv3.0 at least, only the "older" firmware version is recommended!

      Hope this helps!

      Regards,
      Ahmed

      Delete

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