Calling all Buffalo WHR-G54S Users

[Quad Master]

Hi All

This is my first post here

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This is whats required in a AP if i need to share internet.

===============================================================

  Quote

You need a wifi router with pppoe dialing capabilities. Also to use your connection account with the new router you will need an "@linuxuser" id from pacenet because most ppp/prouters use a stripped down version of Linux based on kernel 2.4.

Then in the router config page you will get options to enter your username , password etc for pacenet.

The problem here is that though most wifi routers come with pppoe , they dont have a provision to select service (from the ones which you get when you do raspppoe or pppoecfg) . So if there are multiple services/access concentrators on your LAN then you will be scewed! So before buying a router , check that it asks for service name. Also if there is currently one service in your LAN , still go for a router which asks service name because if your cable walla decides to offer more services then again trouble will start.

Forget the linuxuser login part that i can manage.

All i wanna know is does Buffalo WHRG54S allows me that service name thing.

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1.> I wud like to know if Buffalo WHR-G54S had a option for "Service Name".

We have raspppoe or pppoecfg which lists various services in my lan and then

i select and create a dialer and then access net using that dialer.

I want to purchase a AP which will help me share internet wirelessly on my P990i.

2.> The scenario after i purchase a wifi ap will be like this , i wanna know will i be able to share net on my P990i.

I have come here with lot of hope , please help me resolve my queries.

Edited July 24, 2007 by Quad Master

[+BudMan MVC]

I'm not sure if the WHR-G54S native firmware supports the ability to set service name or not. But what I can tell you is the 3rd party firmware dd-wrt uses rp-pppoe which does allow for you to set it

pppoe.conf

# Specific desired service name

SERVICENAME=

As to where you connect it. You would connected it to the internet/wan port of the router. Your pc would connect to one of the routers switch ports. An yes that router supports B&G so yes any 802.11b or 802.11g device would be able to connect.

Your biggest issue with the b device - is this more than likley going to force you to have to use WEP as your only means of encryption.

[Quad Master]

Firstly thanks a lot to answer my query.

  BudMan said:

I'm not sure if the WHR-G54S native firmware supports the ability to set service name or not. But what I can tell you is the 3rd party firmware dd-wrt uses rp-pppoe which does allow for you to set it

pppoe.conf

# Specific desired service name

SERVICENAME=

I m checking this thread every five minutes since i posted it.

So i will have to flash it with the DD WRT firmware as that will enable me to set a service name.

Is there no other way out to stay with the default firmware and set this option.

I m a bit worried to flash firmwares , will i be able to revert to the default firmware if the need arises.

Also will it not void the warranty if i flash it with third party fimware.

I know i m acting like a noob but i have really never handled any router nor any wifi based

device in my life so being a bit skeptic.

Ok if i do flash with DDWRT firmware , i will be able to set the service name.

This a screenshot of the services that are running and which provide internet in my lan.

As u can see currently only one is active but normally there are 3 or more.

Hope u guys are getting what i mean by service name option.

1.> where is this file pppoe.conf located.

2.> how to flash this firmware.

3.> which version of firmware to exactly flash as there are so many versions.

  Quote

As to where you connect it. You would connected it to the internet/wan port of the router. Your pc would connect to one of the routers switch ports. An yes that router supports B&G so yes any 802.11b or 802.11g device would be able to connect.

Got it.

  Quote

Your biggest issue with the b device - is this more than likley going to force you to have to use WEP as your only means of encryption.

P990i even if its 802.11b it has WPA in its settings.

So will i be able to use WPA while connecting the G54S with my P990i.

Hope i aint asking to many questions , but i know only here can i get answers.

Edited July 24, 2007 by Quad Master

[+BudMan MVC]

Like I said -- I'm not sure what the native firmware supports or does not support for that specific model.. Every time I have dealt with those it has been just long enough to flash it to 3rd party ;)

I do not use PPPOE, so had not looked at the interface for quite some time. I just knew that rp-pppoe did support that, an that dd-wrt can use it. in etc/config there are 2 files rppppoe.nvramconfig an rppppoe.startup

But from a quick look at the gui - you seem to be able to do it without having to directly access the conf file.

As to voiding the warranty.. I would assume so, etc.. Never really cared that much - they are only $40-50 devices ;) But I have never bricked one to the point were I could not recover it.

As to going back to the original firmware - it would depend on the device, I know there some issues with going back to the original linksys firmware on some models.. Not sure on that one -- check the dd-wrt site.

As to all your questions about flashing, which version -- the process an what version you should use is quite clearly documented on the dd-wrt site.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Insta...54_and_WHR-G125

As to reverting.

Limitations/Notes

* Once you flash to DD-WRT on the Buffalo WHR-G54S/WHR-HP-G54/WZR-RS-G54 and you, for whatever reason, want to flash back to the Buffalo firmware, look in the downloads section of dd-wrt.com in the "buffalo factory revert" folder for unencrypted firmware that will load from the DD-WRT gui. The WHR-HP-G54 image is the German version. Download the English version from Buffalo's site. Flash the German version and use that to flash the English version.

[Quad Master]

Thanks a lot , that almost answers all my queries.

You Rock.

So i will finalize on the Buffalo WHR - G54S.

The DDWRT interface will be same for the WHR G54S once i flash it.

Do u really ever felt the need to revert back to the orignal firmware.

======================================================

Also one more way out for sharing net --> NAT.

Share Net in WLAN / LAN via NAT is it possible in this scenario.

So i will only use the 4 Switch Ports not the router port in this Scenario.

VMware Scenario used to share my net in a virtual machine

On my pc while using Vmware and deploying as a virtual machine.

I was able to share my PC's internet in the virtual machine by enabling NAT.

i donno much about NAT but know that its used to share internet some how.

Also i dint do any settings inside the virtual machines OS to access the net.

  Vmware said:

Network address translation - or NAT - provides a simple way for virtual machines to use most client applications over almost any type of network connection available to the host. The only requirement is that the network connection must support TCP/IP.

NAT is useful when you have a limited supply of IP addresses or are connected to the network through a non-Ethernet network adapter. NAT works by translating addresses of virtual machines in a private VMnet network to that of the host machine. When a virtual machine sends a request to access a network resource, it appears to the network resource as if the request came from the host machine.

NAT uses the host's own network resources to connect to the external network. Thus, any TCP/IP network resource to which the host has access should be available through the NAT connection.

The chief advantage of NAT is that it provides a transparent, easy to configure way for virtual machines to gain access to network resources.

The Buffalo WHR G54S also supports NAT.

So will i be able to share net via NAT if i connect all my cables to the 4 port switch.

Is this possible.

Edited July 24, 2007 by Quad Master

[+BudMan MVC]

yes that is the interface you will see. As to flashing back - no, I can not think of any reason what so ever you would ever want to flash back.. Unless there was some specific feature that was only supported in the native firmware - which I highly doubt theres anything ;)

Or if you wanted to return it for some reason, etc.

Keep in mind that is not a drop down of services - you will have to put in a name. So I would suggest you make sure what your current client is using, etc.

[Quad Master]

======================================================

Also one more way out for sharing net --> NAT.

Share Net in WLAN / LAN via NAT is it possible in this scenario.

So i will only use the 4 Switch Ports not the router port in this Scenario.

VMware Scenario used to share my net in a virtual machine

On my pc while using Vmware and deploying as a virtual machine.

I was able to share my PC's internet in the virtual machine by enabling NAT.

i donno much about NAT but know that its used to share internet some how.

Also i dint do any settings inside the virtual machines OS to access the net.

  Vmware said:

Network address translation - or NAT - provides a simple way for virtual machines to use most client applications over almost any type of network connection available to the host. The only requirement is that the network connection must support TCP/IP.

NAT is useful when you have a limited supply of IP addresses or are connected to the network through a non-Ethernet network adapter. NAT works by translating addresses of virtual machines in a private VMnet network to that of the host machine. When a virtual machine sends a request to access a network resource, it appears to the network resource as if the request came from the host machine.

NAT uses the host's own network resources to connect to the external network. Thus, any TCP/IP network resource to which the host has access should be available through the NAT connection.

The chief advantage of NAT is that it provides a transparent, easy to configure way for virtual machines to gain access to network resources.

The Buffalo WHR G54S also supports NAT.

So will i be able to share net via NAT if i connect all my cables to the 4 port switch.

Is this possible.

[+BudMan MVC]

yes it supports NAT, every broadband soho router on the planet supports an uses NAT ;)

You would plug your machines into the routers switch ports, or wireless connect to it.. An the router's built in dhcp server will hand out IPs to your machines.. 192.168.1.? etc..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_address_translation

[Quad Master]

so can i share my internet using NAT on my wireless network

[+BudMan MVC]

Yes -- that is what the router does, it shares your internet connection with devices connected to it with a wire or wireless.. What did you think it did?? ;)

[DavidM]

Sorry for my late entry, I don't usually log in to check out the news, so I just got your message.

Yes, I have a WHR-G54s, I flashed with Tomato instead of DD-WRT. I have never used "raspppoe or pppoecfg" so I really couldn't help you much there. I only used the default firmware for a few minutes before flashing, so I'm not sure if you can set your service name or not.

I can tell you it's easy to flash with other firmware, just follow the directions and you'll be fine. I picked Tomato over DD-WRT for ease of use, it had everything I needed and seemed easier to learn than DD-WRT. It was my first router and flash/firmware upgrade and I haven't had a bit of down time or trouble from this router.

You might go to the Tomato and the DD-WRT website and read up on how to flash and set up the router with the new firmware. DD-WRT has many settings and options, but it also comes in different packages. Make sure the one you get has the features you need. Versions of DD-WRT.

Both firmware, DD-WRT and Tomato are better than the original firmware. They have more advanced security and network settings. Buffalo seems to have gotten the hardware right, but the firmware is sorely lacking.

I wish I could do more, but I just don't know enough to help you.

Budman helped me in the tread you mentioned so you are in capable hands. Good Luck!

[Quad Master]

Thanks a lot David to help me here.

Thanks for telling me that there are different versions of DDWRT.

I checked on the ddwrt website that the different firmwares are Micro,Mini,Standard,VOIP,VPN

  Note for WHRG54S on DDWRT Website said:

(WARNING: I had problems using the mini version of dd-wrt on my WHR-G54S. When using the full generic version, everything worked fine. So you might want to confirm that the mini v23 SP2 works well on WHR-G54S before using that version.)

Use only v23 SP1 final or later. Older releases may cause trouble!

So does full generic mean the standard version of DDWRT.

From the different versions of DDWRT i feel the "standard version" is ok for my needs

Also i can use V23 SP1 or SP2 any one [as they said SP1 or later]

Is this the file i need to download.

V23 SP1

http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/down.php?pa...v23_generic.bin

V23 SP2

http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/down.php?pa...v23_generic.bin

---------------------------------------------------------------

Can u just tell me in the Tomato firmware updated WHR-G54S under the internet connection settings

where u key in the username and password for connecting to ur isp do u have a filed like service name.

Also does tomato have different versions like this.

That will answer all my questions.

Edited July 25, 2007 by Quad Master

[Quad Master]

@BudMan - What version of DDWRT are u using V23SP1 or SP2 [Micro/Mini/Standard/VOIP/VPN]

I feel the standard generic will be perfect fo my needs.

Simulation of V23-DD-WRT interface is here

http://www.informatione.gmxhome.de/DDWRT/S...inal/index.html

In the simulation part on the website

But when i select PPPoe in the options it

It shows me this

Hoping this wont happen in reality.

Edited July 25, 2007 by Quad Master

[+BudMan MVC]

An how exactly would you connect to 192.168.1.1 across the public net ;)

on the sp2 standard..

[Quad Master]

Its a simulation of the DDWRT website , all other configuration links are opening.

Give it a try here :- http://www.informatione.gmxhome.de/DDWRT/S...inal/index.html

[Quad Master]

Cannot edit my prev post so making a new one.

I have been in touch with h3xis over PM.

And he gave a screenshot of his Tomato flashed firmware on his Buff WHR G54S

So tomato firmware also has the service name option.

Thanks h3xis for all ur help.

[+BudMan MVC]

tomato is a great 3rd party firmware.. its reporting of bandwidth usage etc is top notch.. Would be a good choice as well.

[Quad Master]

Will first try to find if the default f/w has that service name option.

If not then will try DDWRT using TFTP method

then Tomato using Wen Interface method via DDWRT.

Thanks a lot BudMan , u have been of gr8 help to me and for all ur valuable time.

Will be getting the Buffalo WHR G54S in one or two days.

Edited July 25, 2007 by Quad Master

[DavidM]

Glad to see you are getting things sorted out.

Tomato's latest version is 1.07, but comes with several files. You will need to use the tomato.trx file, which you can TFTP to the router. He has also made a WHR batch file to make it really easy to flash the Buffalo router.

You don't need to install DD-WRT before you install Tomato if you don't want to. I used DD-WRT first because it was the most widely recommended on Newegg when I was checking for reviews on the router. There are a lot options in DD-WRT, most of which I didn't need and when I found Tomato it seemed to be just what I needed.

Let us know how it turns out, I'm sure everybody here at Neowin will be around to help if needed.

Good Luck.

[Quad Master]

All u guys here have been really helpful and helping me finalize on the Buffalo WHR G54S.

One of the best forums i have ever seen in my online experience.

You guys are really rocking. (Y) :punk:

[Quad Master]

Guys got my final answer.

my friend just mailed me this

even the default f/w on the buff WHR G54S supports Service Name option.

[+BudMan MVC]

I would still put on 3rd party!! ;)

Native firmware is always so freaking limited in what it can do.

[Quad Master]

Will surely flash the Tomato f/w

[Quad Master]

Hi guys

facing some issues with my Buffalo WHR G54S

I am not able to connect to internet using PPPOE.

every time i try connecting it says username or password incorrect.

while some times it automatically connects when i re start.

If i connect the cable to my pc and try it connect it using the windows dialer

it connects instantly without any issues.

I am on default Buffalo firmware.

[+BudMan MVC]

Guess its time to flash to better firmware then ;)