Broadband-Hamnet how-to for WRT54G-RG (Rogers router) and WRT54G-TM (T-Mobile router)
Note that these routers are equivalent to the Linksys WRT54GS v3.0 router and thus have the additional memory needed to load the extra files to implement vtun (see Tunnel Install Instructions at:
http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/documentation/204-the-tunnel.html
To prepare, download the latest version of the BBHN “bin” file supporting the WRT54GS v3 from: http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/software-download.html (in the following, I was installing bbhn-3.1.0 onto a new “RG” router).
Make sure you don't power off the router at any time during the upgrade. Wait 5 min after each software change for everything to settle down and all directories and files to be written by the router operating system.
1.Power-up the router and wait for it to boot.
2.Hold reset button for 10 seconds... then let go for 5 seconds...then press for another 10 seconds (this ensures a
proper reset)
3.Power cycle router and allow to boot (solid power light indicates boot completed).
4. Connect PC to router LAN port and allow it to acquire a DHCP IP address.
5. Log in to router (Google Chrome works well) at 192.168.0.1 (no username; password = admin)
6. Change PC network card to static IP eg. 192.168.0.17 (Netmask: 255.255.255.0)
7. Click on Administration tab; then Firmware Upgrade tab. Click “Choose File” and navigate to firmware file "CFE_Updater-WRT54G-RG.bin", or “CFE_Updater-WRT54G-TM.bin”. Click “Upgrade”.
Showing posts with label Broadband Hamnet Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Broadband Hamnet Canada. Show all posts
Your first HSMM-Mesh Broadband-Hamnet node should be a NanoStationM2
If you are just getting started in Broadband-Hamnet, I recommend you start out by purchasing a Ubiquiti NanoStationM2 as your first node. I do not recommend starting out with a Linksys WRT54G series.
Broadband-Hamnet has undergone a lot of growth over the last couple years. We now have another option in hardware vendors. We have the ability to use multiple frequency bands and even to link them together using Device to Device linking. We have more choices than ever.
When I first started in what was then known as HSMM-Mesh, now known as Broadband-Hamnet, the WRT54G series was the only hardware we had. It served its purpose, we were able to create some nodes, install them in locations that allowed for direct line of sight access and we were able to create some functional networks. The problem was the WRT54G was never designed to be used in this type of application. In order to use them in an outdoor location, it had to be mounted in a weatherproof enclosure. The stock antennas were intended to be used to provide links within a home. The stock antennas were not intended to be used for long range connections. Installing a high gain antenna on the WRT54G required coax to connect the two. The cable losses at 2.4 GHz required large diameter cables (at least LMR-400) and short cable runs. All this adds up to extra costs and complicates the building of a working node for us.
When I first started in what was then known as HSMM-Mesh, now known as Broadband-Hamnet, the WRT54G series was the only hardware we had. It served its purpose, we were able to create some nodes, install them in locations that allowed for direct line of sight access and we were able to create some functional networks. The problem was the WRT54G was never designed to be used in this type of application. In order to use them in an outdoor location, it had to be mounted in a weatherproof enclosure. The stock antennas were intended to be used to provide links within a home. The stock antennas were not intended to be used for long range connections. Installing a high gain antenna on the WRT54G required coax to connect the two. The cable losses at 2.4 GHz required large diameter cables (at least LMR-400) and short cable runs. All this adds up to extra costs and complicates the building of a working node for us.
| Component | Quantity | Unit Cost | Extended Cost |
| WRT54GL | 1 | 50 | 50 |
| Enclosure | 1 | 40 | 40 |
| Antenna | 2 | 45 | 90 |
| COAX | 2 | 15 | 30 |
| POE | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Ethernet Cable | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| TOTAL | 240 |
Ham Radio HSMM Using Ubiquiti Equipment
Ham Radio HSMM Using Ubiquiti Equipment (Part 1)
http://youtu.be/zRmOpFtIrwE
http://youtu.be/zRmOpFtIrwE
AREDN Project
AREDN Project - Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network
BTW: you may want to look at the AREDN group if you plan on doing anything with Ubiquiti gear as that is where all the BBHN developers have move to and are no longer developing the BBHN firmware. Channel -2 support for example is in the latest beta but Linksys gear can't handle it.
Formation
The AREDN Development Team was formed February of 2015 by former members of the BBHNDev team interested in making mesh software work for the needs of Amateur Radio Operators and emergency networks. The AREDN™ work is based on the experiences and skills gained working on the BBHNDev team.
Group Mission
To provide the Amateur Radio Community with a quality solution for supporting the needs of high speed data in the Amateur Radio and Emergency Communications field.
http://www.aredn.org/about-us
http://hsmm-meshubiquiti.blogspot.com/
BTW: you may want to look at the AREDN group if you plan on doing anything with Ubiquiti gear as that is where all the BBHN developers have move to and are no longer developing the BBHN firmware. Channel -2 support for example is in the latest beta but Linksys gear can't handle it.
Formation
The AREDN Development Team was formed February of 2015 by former members of the BBHNDev team interested in making mesh software work for the needs of Amateur Radio Operators and emergency networks. The AREDN™ work is based on the experiences and skills gained working on the BBHNDev team.
Group Mission
To provide the Amateur Radio Community with a quality solution for supporting the needs of high speed data in the Amateur Radio and Emergency Communications field.
http://www.aredn.org/about-us
http://hsmm-meshubiquiti.blogspot.com/
Starting to use Broadband-Hamnet or HSMM-Mesh
So you just discovered Broadband-Hamnet™ and may be wondering what is going on. Broadband-Hamnet™ is the self configuring ham network. It is time to have our own Broadband-Hamnet. Hams have transferred IP data by radio for ages. This network is FAST!
Lets start with some basic concepts. We will be expanding this page so check back from time to time.
Lets start with some basic concepts. We will be expanding this page so check back from time to time.
- Broadband-Hamnet is a network, it is not application software. It is a special firmware build that transforms consumer wireless gear to a specialized ham radio function. It can use application software to transport your data from place to place, but you must provide the application software just like you do at your home or office.
- A Mesh network is a highway over which data travels. Turning on two mesh nodes loaded with our firmware creates a data network. This highway carries your cargo (data), and allows your local computer to use information or applications stored in other locations
- Mesh nodes were originally consumer wireless routers but changed function when the firmware was changed
- After conversion, the WAN, LAN and Wi-Fi ports are linked using special rules and no longer operate like a normal wireless router. Some devices like Ubiquiti Bullet have only a single network connection. Others like the WRT54x series have multiple LAN jacks and the .Internet jack. All have the RF (WiFi) antenna and signal.
- Mesh nodes are self discovering, self configuring, self advertising and fault tolerant
- Mesh nodes are a data network without the wires. Most tasks that you can do over a wired or wireless network at your home or office will work on a mesh node
High Speed Multi-Media MESH
High Speed Multi-Media MESH (www.hsmm-mesh.org) is a project that originated with the ARRL and took advantage of existing open software architecture on the WRT54Gx models of Linksys routers.
These routers can be found for as little as $30 (there is a hardware compatability list that should be referenced) and the firmware installation is painless with an easy to follow tutorial that lives on the main site.
In short, the firmware is based on "open-WRT" and has had a "MESH" layer added to it that gives the "magic" that makes it work. Except for changing the Node name to include your callsign, there is little else to be done ...the moment any of these "modified" routers come within range, they will automatically connect to each other.
So, that doesn't sound much different than a regular wireless network ....but it is!!
What sets a Mesh aside is the auto-traffic routing that it performs. The routers automatically take the most effective path to its destination and should any router fail, the mesh survives as it re-directs to the nodes still online. So, in the end, the more stations in range the better!!
These same routers have removeable antennas with RP-TNC connections that allow for higher gain or directional antennas to be used! So the creativity can pour forth into the metal wands we stick in to the air.
These routers can be found for as little as $30 (there is a hardware compatability list that should be referenced) and the firmware installation is painless with an easy to follow tutorial that lives on the main site.
In short, the firmware is based on "open-WRT" and has had a "MESH" layer added to it that gives the "magic" that makes it work. Except for changing the Node name to include your callsign, there is little else to be done ...the moment any of these "modified" routers come within range, they will automatically connect to each other.
So, that doesn't sound much different than a regular wireless network ....but it is!!
What sets a Mesh aside is the auto-traffic routing that it performs. The routers automatically take the most effective path to its destination and should any router fail, the mesh survives as it re-directs to the nodes still online. So, in the end, the more stations in range the better!!
These same routers have removeable antennas with RP-TNC connections that allow for higher gain or directional antennas to be used! So the creativity can pour forth into the metal wands we stick in to the air.
Open Mesh Wireless Network Introduction
Open Mesh Wireless Network Introduction
http://youtu.be/1YOoT3NxgYg
http://youtu.be/1YOoT3NxgYg
Setting up a MESH Node for Amateur Radio
2. Setting up a MESH Node for Amateur Radio - WRT54G firmware install. HSMM-MESH
http://youtu.be/pryc8jIl6Xo
http://youtu.be/pryc8jIl6Xo
HSMM Pi Tour
HSMM Pi Tour
A tour of the HSMM-Pi web interface. The HSMM-Pi project transforms a Raspberry Pi into a High-Speed Multimedia (HSMM) wireless mesh node. The web interface of HSMM-Pi greatly simplifies the process of creating the most common types of mesh nodes.
HSMM-Pi Project:
https://github.com/urlgrey/hsmm-pi
A tour of the HSMM-Pi web interface. The HSMM-Pi project transforms a Raspberry Pi into a High-Speed Multimedia (HSMM) wireless mesh node. The web interface of HSMM-Pi greatly simplifies the process of creating the most common types of mesh nodes.
HSMM-Pi Project:
https://github.com/urlgrey/hsmm-pi
Broadband Hamnet (TM) Node (VA3RRZ-99) on tower
Broadband Hamnet (TM) Node (VA3RRZ-99) on tower
This is a video of the installation of my Broadband Hamnet (TM) mesh node on my 64' tower. At the top, are two antennas. One is directional, parabolic grill antenna with a 24dBi gain. The second is an omnidirectional antenna with a 12dBi gain. This node is now live.
This is a video of the installation of my Broadband Hamnet (TM) mesh node on my 64' tower. At the top, are two antennas. One is directional, parabolic grill antenna with a 24dBi gain. The second is an omnidirectional antenna with a 12dBi gain. This node is now live.
Broadband-Hamnet MESH network working with Asterisk
Broadband-Hamnet MESH network working with Asterisk
Running a Broadband-Hamnet ( BBHN ) MESH network at home, I have connected a Cisco SPA525G SIP enabled VoIP phone to a Raspberry Pi running the RasPBX Asterisk software. Then, using a WiFi hotspot connected to the MESH network, I am able to connect my Android Nexus 5 phone and make a VoIP call to it. This project is designed to help the broadband-hamnet community in creating solutions for emergency and disaster preparedness, and separate ham networks.
Running a Broadband-Hamnet ( BBHN ) MESH network at home, I have connected a Cisco SPA525G SIP enabled VoIP phone to a Raspberry Pi running the RasPBX Asterisk software. Then, using a WiFi hotspot connected to the MESH network, I am able to connect my Android Nexus 5 phone and make a VoIP call to it. This project is designed to help the broadband-hamnet community in creating solutions for emergency and disaster preparedness, and separate ham networks.
Broadband Hamnet Router Shopping Guide
Broadband Hamnet Router Shopping Guide
WRT54G information courtesy Wikipedia.org 11/2012, Versions in shaded area are not usable.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRT54G
Consider printing this and keeping a copy handy to evaluate used equipment
Warning: There are a number of router models made by linksys with confusingly similar names.
Check the model name carefully. If it has a suffix or added letters in the middle, check the broadband-
hamnet.org web site to see if it's compatible.
Keep on the lookout for Rogers WRT54G-RG or T-Mobile WRT54G-TM routers as they are the same as the WRT54GS. The vtun tunneling needs the extra flash/memory of the GS to work. More info about the RG and TM can be found at
WRT54G information courtesy Wikipedia.org 11/2012, Versions in shaded area are not usable.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRT54G
Consider printing this and keeping a copy handy to evaluate used equipment
Warning: There are a number of router models made by linksys with confusingly similar names.
Check the model name carefully. If it has a suffix or added letters in the middle, check the broadband-
hamnet.org web site to see if it's compatible.
Keep on the lookout for Rogers WRT54G-RG or T-Mobile WRT54G-TM routers as they are the same as the WRT54GS. The vtun tunneling needs the extra flash/memory of the GS to work. More info about the RG and TM can be found at
http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/hsmm-mesh-forums/view-postlist/forum-21-ontario-canada/topic-1477-wrt54g-rg-and-wrt54g-tm-linksys-routers.html
Simplified shopping list:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#WRT54G-RG
WRT54G Series
The WRT54G-RG and the WRT54G-TM are identical in terms of hardware.
Higher numbered versions of each model are not compatible with Broadband-Hamnet™ firmware.
Detailed model information:
WRT54G
WRT54G-RG
The WRT54G-RG and the WRT54G-TM are identical in terms of hardware.
WRT54GS
WRT54GL
Ubiquiti Radios
There is now a full release of BBHN for Ubiquiti radios.
Many of the details and fine points of the Ubiquity based mesh nodes are different from the WRT-54G
based mesh nodes.
Please read and understand the relevant BBHN web site pages before starting
a project with the Ubiquiti radios.
http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/documentation/186-ubnt-fw-release-101
The Ubiquiti radios are excellent radios with some significant advantages in terms of RF
characteristics, mounting, and enclosures. They lack some of the features of the WRT-54G such as an
attached 4 port switch and dual antennas.
Supported as of 02/01/2014. The authors of the Ubiquiti BBHN firmware are working on expanding
this list, so check the forum.
•Rocket M2
•Bullet M2 HP
•AirGrid M2 HP
•NanoStation Loco M2 (NSL-M2)
•NanoStation M2 (NS-M2)
Other Router Types
Members of the Broadband Hamnet (BBHN) community have installed the firmware on hundreds or
thousands of WRT54G series routers.
We have produced versions of the firmware for a number of other routers, but don't have much
experience with using these routers. You may find some things work differently from the way
WRT54G series routers work. The current software may not work on some of these routers.
Please report success/failure/problems to
http://broadband-hamnet.org/hsmm-mesh-forums/view-postlist/forum-2-hardware/topic-674-successfailure-for-different-router-models.html
There is software on the BBHN web site for the following routers.
Customized WRT54G Versions
There are some customized versions of the WRT54G router that Linksys produced for certain
customers. Some of these are have compatible hardware but require a different process to load
software. There are probably some custom versions of the hardware that don't work with BBHN.
There is some discussion on the BBHN web site.
Other Hardware
Some of the more advanced members of the BBHN community have installed some of the software
components used to make other hardware devices work in a BBHN network.
Please understand and respect the difference between the complete, supported, BBHN package and
other hardware software combinations. The process of installing, configuring, and using this other
hardware is very different and may be much more difficult than the process for the official BBHN
firmware on supported hardware.
We encourage everyone to experiment with such enhancements and share your results on the BBHN
website. http://broadband-hamnet.org/hsmm-mesh-forums/view-postlist/forum-2-hardware/topic-823-bbhn-mesh-ports-to-other-hardware.html
http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/images/hsmm_docs/WRT54Shop.pdf
Hopefully you will find some useful information here.
Discussion
https://groups.io/g/AREDN
https://aredn.blogspot.com/
Simplified shopping list:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series#WRT54G-RG
WRT54G Series
The WRT54G-RG and the WRT54G-TM are identical in terms of hardware.
| Version | CPU speed | RAM | Flash memory | S/NPrefix | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRT54G-RG | Broadcom BCM5352 @ 200 MHz | 32 MB | 8 MB | CDF1 | FCC ID: Q87-WT54GV40. The WRT54G-RG is supported by DD-WRT.[33] |
Higher numbered versions of each model are not compatible with Broadband-Hamnet™ firmware.
Detailed model information:
WRT54G
WRT54G-RG
The WRT54G-RG and the WRT54G-TM are identical in terms of hardware.
| Version | CPU speed | RAM | Flash memory | S/NPrefix | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRT54G-RG | Broadcom BCM5352 @ 200 MHz | 32 MB | 8 MB | CDF1 | FCC ID: Q87-WT54GV40. The WRT54G-RG is supported by DD-WRT.[33] |
WRT54GS
WRT54GL
Ubiquiti Radios
There is now a full release of BBHN for Ubiquiti radios.
Many of the details and fine points of the Ubiquity based mesh nodes are different from the WRT-54G
based mesh nodes.
Please read and understand the relevant BBHN web site pages before starting
a project with the Ubiquiti radios.
http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/documentation/186-ubnt-fw-release-101
The Ubiquiti radios are excellent radios with some significant advantages in terms of RF
characteristics, mounting, and enclosures. They lack some of the features of the WRT-54G such as an
attached 4 port switch and dual antennas.
Supported as of 02/01/2014. The authors of the Ubiquiti BBHN firmware are working on expanding
this list, so check the forum.
•Rocket M2
•Bullet M2 HP
•AirGrid M2 HP
•NanoStation Loco M2 (NSL-M2)
•NanoStation M2 (NS-M2)
Other Router Types
Members of the Broadband Hamnet (BBHN) community have installed the firmware on hundreds or
thousands of WRT54G series routers.
We have produced versions of the firmware for a number of other routers, but don't have much
experience with using these routers. You may find some things work differently from the way
WRT54G series routers work. The current software may not work on some of these routers.
Please report success/failure/problems to
http://broadband-hamnet.org/hsmm-mesh-forums/view-postlist/forum-2-hardware/topic-674-successfailure-for-different-router-models.html
There is software on the BBHN web site for the following routers.
- WRT54G3G – Confirmed to work
- WR850G – confirmed by one user with some problems
- WA840G v1 only - unconfirmed
- WE800G v1 only - unconfirmed
- WRT300N_v1 (ONLY version 1. The v1.1 and higher versions don't work) -unconfirmed
- WRT150N – several people have reported that they have failed to load software successfully on this model
Customized WRT54G Versions
There are some customized versions of the WRT54G router that Linksys produced for certain
customers. Some of these are have compatible hardware but require a different process to load
software. There are probably some custom versions of the hardware that don't work with BBHN.
There is some discussion on the BBHN web site.
Other Hardware
Some of the more advanced members of the BBHN community have installed some of the software
components used to make other hardware devices work in a BBHN network.
Please understand and respect the difference between the complete, supported, BBHN package and
other hardware software combinations. The process of installing, configuring, and using this other
hardware is very different and may be much more difficult than the process for the official BBHN
firmware on supported hardware.
We encourage everyone to experiment with such enhancements and share your results on the BBHN
website. http://broadband-hamnet.org/hsmm-mesh-forums/view-postlist/forum-2-hardware/topic-823-bbhn-mesh-ports-to-other-hardware.html
http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/images/hsmm_docs/WRT54Shop.pdf
Hopefully you will find some useful information here.
Discussion
https://groups.io/g/AREDN
https://aredn.blogspot.com/
Broadband Hamnet from HSMM-Mesh - Install broadband hamnet Ubiquiti
Install broadband hamnet firmware 3.0.0 on Ubiquiti Nanostation M2
Broadband hamnet flash and startup, flashing a Ubiquiti Nanostation M2 with 3.0.0 code.
Check out my new Kindle ebook on amazon, here:
http://smile.amazon.com/Mesh-Networki...
1. download the code for your ubiquiti unit from here:
http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/softw...
2. set your computer static IP to 192.168.1.22, gateway 192.168.1.20, mask 255.255.255.1, DNS 192.168.1.20
Broadband hamnet flash and startup, flashing a Ubiquiti Nanostation M2 with 3.0.0 code.
Check out my new Kindle ebook on amazon, here:
http://smile.amazon.com/Mesh-Networki...
1. download the code for your ubiquiti unit from here:
http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/softw...
2. set your computer static IP to 192.168.1.22, gateway 192.168.1.20, mask 255.255.255.1, DNS 192.168.1.20
Broadband Hamnet from HSMM-Mesh node is up and running
Broadband Hamnet from HSMM-Mesh
Now what? - Some ideas on what to do AFTER your node is up and running.
Now what? - Some ideas on what to do AFTER your node is up and running.
[After
answering many of the same questions of newbies in email, I put this
together to give a few folks an idea of what's in store...]
If you are
like me, you found out about this mesh stuff and thought this might be
an interesting tool... You saw possibilities. You thought, yeah, this
is what TCP/IP packet SHOULD have been!
If you are
like me, you hunted down some gear, you figured out which software to
download, you leaned how to get inside the box and re-flash the firmware
– and voila! You are almost there! You click update and cross your
fingers...
MESH how do you deploy and finance in a city?
We have started to create a mesh in our city. Some significant
issues. The terrain (especially with tall buildings) means we need lots
of nodes for infrastructure. I am getting a strong 'have you build it
yet' from the local ham population.
How have other areas financed (or convinced the local hams) to be involved (AKA donate kit) ?
Unlike a repeater which only needs 2 or 3 guys to do EVERYTHING, a mesh needs to be a community project. What if the community is not ready? Do we cancel and use the existing kit for other purposes or keep pushing slowwwwwly forward? Even when we setup the packet nodes & PBBS 25 years ago, it was only a few hams that really got involved.
Any words of wisdom are welcomed. Even doom and gloom are welcomed. Will the mesh catch on with the general ham population or is this going to be the pet project of a select few?
How have other areas financed (or convinced the local hams) to be involved (AKA donate kit) ?
Unlike a repeater which only needs 2 or 3 guys to do EVERYTHING, a mesh needs to be a community project. What if the community is not ready? Do we cancel and use the existing kit for other purposes or keep pushing slowwwwwly forward? Even when we setup the packet nodes & PBBS 25 years ago, it was only a few hams that really got involved.
Any words of wisdom are welcomed. Even doom and gloom are welcomed. Will the mesh catch on with the general ham population or is this going to be the pet project of a select few?
Broadband Hamnet from HSMM-Mesh - Setup Password
Broadband Hamnet from HSMM-Mesh - Setup Password, I forgot the Setup Password how to...
The password: hsmm, should all be lowercase.
hmss or hsmm?
Take a look at the posts here: http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/hsmm-mesh-forums/view-postlist/forum-3-firmware/topic-533-safe-mode-change-user-name.html You will diverge slightly in the failsafe directions (my posts there are still relevant to your case).
Hopefully you will find some useful information here.
Discussion
https://groups.io/g/AREDN
https://aredn.blogspot.com/
,
The password: hsmm, should all be lowercase.
hmss or hsmm?
Take a look at the posts here: http://www.broadband-hamnet.org/hsmm-mesh-forums/view-postlist/forum-3-firmware/topic-533-safe-mode-change-user-name.html You will diverge slightly in the failsafe directions (my posts there are still relevant to your case).
Hopefully you will find some useful information here.
Discussion
https://groups.io/g/AREDN
https://aredn.blogspot.com/
,
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