Custom firmware build for R7800 v. 1.0.2.54SF

[Voxel]

Second attempt to publish.

Continuation of

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800.36859/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-22sf.37222/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-23sf-v-1-0-2-24sf.37477/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-25sf-v-1-0-2-29sf.38032/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-30sf.38366/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-31sf.39142/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-32sf.39657/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-33sf.40198/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-34sf.40523/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-35sf.40794/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-36sf.41166/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-37sf.41317/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-38sf.41751/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-39sf.41945/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-40sf-1-0-2-41sf.42222/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-43sf.42683/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-44sf.42882/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-45sf.43853/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-47sf.44781/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-49sf.45296/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-r7800-v-1-0-2-50sf.45812/
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/c...800-v-1-0-2-53sf-1-0-2-53sf-kf-updated.46941/

New version of my custom firmware build: 1.0.2.54SF.

Changes (vs 1.0.2.53SF-KF):

1. dnsmasq: dnsmasq.conf options are changed (compliance with v. 2.78).
2. OpenVPN client optimization (thanks to kamoj).
3. miniupnpd is corrected to avoid its startup if disabled.
4. ethtool package is upgaded 4.16->4.17.
5. dbus package is upgraded 1.10.4->1.12.8.
6. curl package is upgraded 7.60.0->7.61.0.
7. avahi version is upgraded 0.6.32->0.7.
8. libubox package is upgraded 2018-04-12->2018-06-07.
9. jansson package is upgraded 2.10->2.11.
10. libgcrypt package is upgraded 1.6.6->1.8.3.
11. libogg packages is upgraded 1.3.2->1.3.3.

The link is:

https://www.voxel-firmware.com (thanks to vladlenas for his help with hosting).

NOTE: Most probably no reset is needed to upgrade from my previous versions. But if you face problems it is better to perform reset.

Voxel.

 

[GuruGuy]

Newbie here. I've read multiple threads regarding this firmware and have a question or two.

#1 I understand it can just be downloaded, unzipped, and installed using the router update page in administration. Subsequent updates don't require a reset of the router but the first time you install, you do? Correct? How is that accomplished - Pressing reset button on back and holding for x amount of time.

#2. What are the advantages of doing this. I don't use a vpn or any of the other things I've read. Fixing bugs in the core code I think is a yes. Will it just plain speed up the router and wireless. What about range.

Sorry for the dumb questions but trust me, I've searched and read everything I can find. Maybe there should be a voxel sticky.

 

[GuruGuy]

Found this old 2017 thread: https://www.myopenrouter.com/forum/first-time-setup-voxel-firmware-doing-right
Answers my Q #1. Backup latest .cfg then from NG factory firmware install latest Voxel and no need to do restore afterwards. I have seen posts that say otherwise but this is from the man himself.

 

[Voxel]

In general no reset is needed if you change from the latest stock firmware. But sometimes people flash my version from the very old version of a stock firmware. And there could be problems if e.g. QCA drivers are changed. So as a rule I recommend to make reset if you face any problems. First time after migration. So no problems - no reset.

Voxel.

 

[GuruGuy]

Thanks, I succeed today to publish.

In general no reset is needed if you change from the latest stock firmware. But sometimes people flash my version from the very old version of a stock firmware. And there could be problems if e.g. QCA drivers are changed. So as a rule I recommend to make reset if you face any problems. First time after migration. So no problems - no reset.

Voxel.

Thanks for confirming answer to my Q #1 above. What about Q #2. For the average user not using the vpn or any of the special things that your build adds, what are the advantages, if any, of using the build. Does it improve on wifi speeds and/or range? I know you optimize the code but what does it do in the real world where you can see results? Thanks for your hard work on this for the NG community!

 

[Voxel]

For the average user not using the vpn or any of the special things that your build adds, what are the advantages, if any, of using the build. Does it improve on wifi speeds and/or range?

People wrote somewhere that Wi-Fi speed was improved. Range: rather no. I do not violate FCC Rules and Regulations.

Rest advantages for average user not using my add-ons: bug fixing and stability. There are intentional fixing bugs like with samba or attached device list, and unintentional. I keep most of packages up to date that means bugs correction, closing security holes, improved stability.

Voxel.

 

[GuruGuy]

People wrote somewhere that Wi-Fi speed was improved. Range: rather no. I do not violate FCC Rules and Regulations.

Rest advantages for average user not using my add-ons: bug fixing and stability. There are intentional fixing bugs like with samba or attached device list, and unintentional. I keep most of packages up to date that means bugs correction, closing security holes, improved stability.

Voxel.

Thank you for the answers. Appreciate the response.

 

[Voxel]

It is interesting, guys. Some statistics. Currently, only today, there are 294 downloads of this firmware. 11 hours since my advertisement. I guess that my build is (relatively) popular over the world. But, the only single "like" from SwampKracker (thanks to him). US, UK, DE, NL, CH, RU, SW, DK, other countries... You know, it is very important for us to have some "thanks" showing that our efforts are not a useless waste of the time. I do not mean donation, but just a "thank you". It is easy to download and use fw. But if you want this project to be continued, spend 5 sec of your time to click this "like". It is not only my job, but other guys: kamoj, vladlenas do a lot for you. They are happy when your push this damn [like] button. Sometimes I start to think: what for I and these guys do all of this...

Well. The same for R9000 owners. Even worse. R7800 owners are more active.

Voxel.

 

[Restalfep]

It is interesting, guys. Some statistics. Currently, only today, there are 294 downloads of this firmware. 11 hours since my advertisement. I guess that my build is (relatively) popular over the world. But, the only single "like" from SwampKracker (thanks to him). US, UK, DE, NL, CH, RU, SW, DK, other countries... You know, it is very important for us to have some "thanks" showing that our efforts are not a useless waste of the time. I do not mean donation, but just a "thank you". It is easy to download and use fw. But if you want this project to be continued, spend 5 sec of your time to click this "like". It is not only my job, but other guys: kamoj, vladlenas do a lot for you. They are happy when your are press this damn [like] button. Sometimes I start to think: what for I and these guys do all of this.

Well. The seme for R9000 owners. Even more. R7800 owners are more active.

Voxel.

Very good point, sorry about that. Love your work, I usually browse the forum not signed in so didn't realize there even was a like button. I will definitely stay signed in and always donate, along with using that link on the bottom for Amazon Referral. Thanks!!!

 

[Voxel]

Very good point, sorry about that. Love your work, I usually browse the forum not signed in so didn't realize there even was a like button. I will definitely stay signed in and always donate, along with using that link on the bottom for Amazon Referral. Thanks!!!

Well, thank you. You know, just imagine: kamoj is a real professional. Old school, the same as me but from the other country. Well it does not matter. Everything regarding OpenVPN client improvements is a result of his investigations and research. He did a lot of add-ons (BTW I'd suggest the other guys to push him to publish his add-ons, I cannot do this pushing myself alone) and as a result we have improvements of OpenVPN client speed from 25-30Mbps to 90-120Mbps. Impressing. But. He just does not know how many people are happy with his improvements. I do not talk re: his idea used by me to resolve this "attached device list".
vladlenas (yet another country): he just wrote to me that he is feeling so happy that he can help a lot of people to resolve their problems and provide the environment for the users of my builds,. But he does not know how many people are happy...

They just have to know: people like their job.

P.S.
I do appreciate the permanent "likes" from the set of SNB users. I remember all of them. Thanks for their "thanks". Thanks to everybody who makes donations. But "thank you" is the most important.

P.P.S
We are the world guys and ladies. Let's do our world perfect together. Different countries, but the same illness re: ng routers.

Well, now emotions off. I stop this.

Voxel.

 

[xBryan]

Hi,

Would it be possible to update DNSCrypt to the latest one?

The one you are using is EOL and not maintained.

The most current one is located at:
https://dnscrypt.info/ with the source info at https://github.com/jedisct1/dnscrypt-proxy


I got onto my router running your latest fw and tried to modify it to allow a new provider but it didn't work, possibly if the provider is using the newer DOH instead of DNSCrypt (which this newer one supports all of them).

Thanks in advance and thanks for the great work you do!

 

[SwampKracker]

Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Donation sent.

 

[gobble]

Ahh yeah, it's firmware time!

@GuruGuy I've been on Voxel's firmware on and off for ages now, the off times has been due to being on a trial of something for Netgear that needed me to use a particular firmware, but the second it's over, I'm straight back into the promised land.

If you don't use Entware, you may one day (like me) have a need for it and Voxel talked me through setting bits up and doing what I needed in PM, you just won't get that or any support from NG like that. I have no doubt that at some point I will need something else and that he would help me once again in the future if I needed it.

Honestly, I don't have any of substance to give you on this, but everything has always felt faster and smoother on this firmware.

You will notice in NG releases that there are added bugs/'quirks' and where possible either Voxel or someone else will look to fix it, like @kamoj recently. It's great to see additional support for this!

Add the fact all the packages are up to date etc, there's actually no reason not to be on it. I recommend this router to a fair few people, but with the caveat that you need to be on this firmware to make the most of it.

Didn't know you took donations, Vox, have sent something over.

 

[kamoj]

..
Would it be possible to update DNSCrypt to the latest one?
..

See here for a discussion about this (Found by entering DNSCrypt in the Search window ;-)
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/c...r-r7800-v-1-0-2-49sf.45296/page-5#post-395107

 

[pege63]

Is the WEB GUI changed again to a normal windows login?

 

[kamoj]

Is the GUI changed again to a normal windows login?

Can you elaborate the question a bit? What is "normal windows login"?
(You can login with telnet, ssh (ftp, scp) and through a web-browser.)

 

[xBryan]

See here for a discussion about this (Found by entering DNSCrypt in the Search window ;-)
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/c...r-r7800-v-1-0-2-49sf.45296/page-5#post-395107

yea i saw that but didn't want to bump old thread. That was from April. It's had one release in June and one in July now.
I've run it locally on machines also and not had any stability issues. I think his concern was with how frequent they released updates but I don't know that's a bad thing? That's like saying this FW is unstable because it's had so many frequent updates which isn't true either.
I'd think just updating it as you update other packages should be fine at this point but just my opinion.

 

[Voxel]

Guys, thanks for donation. But I stress that I had in mind just pushing "Like" button in my very first post. It is available if you login to the forum.

Voxel.

 

[pege63]

Can you elaborate the question a bit? What is "normal windows login"?
(You can login with telnet, ssh (ftp, scp) and through a web-browser.)

Its no longer a WEB GUI

 

[Voxel]

The one you are using is EOL and not maintained.

The most current one is located at:
https://dnscrypt.info/ with the source info at https://github.com/jedisct1/dnscrypt-proxy


I got onto my router running your latest fw and tried to modify it to allow a new provider but it didn't work, possibly if the provider is using the newer DOH instead of DNSCrypt (which this newer one supports all of them).

I have it in my 2do list. Just I did not have enough time to test. You know, really life is changed. If you check Entware list of the packages you will see this dnscrypt-proxy2 package there. It is available for testing. Plus of course some changes in dnsmasq startup. So if you wish to test...

Voxel.