WGR614L really a WG614v9?

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seaner
seaner's picture
WGR614L really a WG614v9?

Hi all,

So I purchased a WGR614L from a local shop, and the Netgear part # that shipped was WGR614L-100NAS.  Everything seems to point to the unit I received as being a WGR614v9.  I've opened it up and it does only have 2MB of flash.

I guess I'm wondering what the hell I just paid the additional money for?  I can't seem to flash any of the images from this website onto the unit.. just the netgear stock 614v9 image can be programmed into it.

Did I get the wrong product?  What gives?

Cheers,

Sean 

seaner
seaner's picture
to add insult to injury.. I

to add insult to injury.. I just went back to the store to pick up the cheaper WGR614, and I ended up getting a v8 model with 16MB ram and 4MB flash.
I think I know what to do with the buggered one now... exchange and pocket the difference. what the heck?

rakha
rakha's picture
614L is not 614v9. The former

614L is not 614v9. The former has 4 mb flash while the other has 2 mb only

johnm304
johnm304's picture
Som,

Som,

I seem to have the exact same problem... I purchased my WGR614L from Amazon.com. The box is labeled with a sticker that says "WGR614L Open-source Wireless G Router". Inside the box, I got a V9. And, I can't flash with the DD-WRT firmware posted on this site.

I called Netgear tech support, but couldn't convince them of the issue. Can you help me out?

Thanks,
John

Jason
Jason's picture
All,

All,

I just ordered two WGR614Ls from TigerDirect. They both came as v9. I contacted Netgear, and the support person denied the existence of the WGR614L and that they were the same. I showed her the website (netgear's) and that they were two entirely different routers. She told me to contact TigerDirect. I told her it was a packaging issue and I cannot be guaranteed to get the correct product from TigerDirect. She said I shouldn't worry, management would take care of it. I contacted TD, and sure enough.. great guy.. confirmed there's no way to know. I contacted NetGear again, and spoke to another lady, and literally went through the exact same conversation. (she also denied the existence of the product). I argued this time when she told me to contact TD. I told her TD most likely has a stock full of these and I do not want to get the wrong router again. I told her it was a packaging issue. At this time I am still on the phone. When i know more, I will update with more. Also understand that I have not been rude at all, just firm. Even though both netgear reps asked me three times each where I bought the product.

The update: I am supposed to receive a call from the corporate office at 2pmEST on 6/27

Another update. I received a call almost immediately afterwards. I am working with a gentleman named 'Sam', and he is replacing the two routers with the 'L' in an advanced shipment.

Jason
Jason's picture
Steve said:

Steve said:
I purchased my WGR61L from NewEgg and recieved a WGR614v9 as well... sticker on the cover naming it a WGR614L and all... but it wasn't.
Does anyone have steps to getting Netgear to replace it with an actual WGR614L?
Thanks in advance.

Call them.  Do what i did above. know your facts, and make sure they know you know your facts.

They will most likely tell you it's not their problem, and that the are the same.  Direct them to their own website where they are quite different.

Be firm, and polite. You will have good results.  I hope!

Jay
Jay's picture
I also just purchased this

I also just purchased this router thru Amazon as I saw this router advertised on lifehacker and received the v9 as well. I called Netgear and explained politely but got the run around and no one willing to help me out on this issue. Guess this is the first and last time I buy a Netgear product.

delmuerte
delmuerte's picture
Same thing here. I have

Same thing here. I have called Netgear twice with bad results. First time The guy denied that the L router existed told me they wouldn't replace it, contact directron.com, etc., etc. Second time The guy gave me the customer service number and steps through the phone tree that took me to a long message about how their site is different from the company and then promptly hung up.

I've called and left a message for Som Pal Choudhury and emailed him with no response. Very frustrating as I needed to get this done on Tuesday and no two people seem to have any contact with each other.

Prof Chaos
Prof Chaos's picture
Unfortunately I too am having

Unfortunately I too am having a similar issue. I purchased, from Amazon.com, a WGR614L the Netgear part # on outside box is WGR614L-100NAS.

(Not to mention the big sticker on the outside of the box that says open source linux router WGR614L...and even mentions/references this url myopenrouter.com.)

However, when I opened the box and took out the router the model I received is a WGR614v8. Pretty annoying. I'll give calling Netgear tech support a call and hopefully they can resolve this quickly and efficiently. But looking at this thread it doesn't seem like they're much help and that i'll probably have to return to Amazon.com.

I would really like to purchase a WGR614L but I won't bother if Netgear Support cant rectify the problem. I don't want to go through the same hassle of purchasing one router but receiving another, lesser/cheaper, model.

Jason
Jason's picture
Prof Chaos said:

Prof Chaos said:
Unfortunately I too am having a similar issue. I purchased, from Amazon.com, a WGR614L the Netgear part # on outside box is WGR614L-100NAS.
(Not to mention the big sticker on the outside of the box that says open source linux router WGR614L...and even mentions/references this url myopenrouter.com.)
However, when I opened the box and took out the router the model I received is a WGR614v8. Pretty annoying. I'll give calling Netgear tech support a call and hopefully they can resolve this quickly and efficiently. But looking at this thread it doesn't seem like they're much help and that i'll probably have to return to Amazon.com.
I would really like to purchase a WGR614L but I won't bother if Netgear Support cant rectify the problem. I don't want to go through the same hassle of purchasing one router but receiving another, lesser/cheaper, model.

 

Here's a few things I've learned.  The 614 box is generic.    The side will say what version it is v8or v9.

They can both have the opensource sticker on them. This is where the mistake begins. Generic packaging for multiple routers.

Whomever got the v8... you're fine.  The 614L is the v8. That's that you want.

To those without luck calling netgear.  Stop giving up.  Know your facts and make sure they know you are right.  I called them and was knowledgable and persistent.   I was able to get my two v9s replaced with two v8s. I sited their website, this website, etc.

Prof Chaos
Prof Chaos's picture
Jason said:

Jason said:

Here's a few things I've learned.  The 614 box is generic.    The side will say what version it is v8or v9. They can both have the opensource sticker on them. This is where the mistake begins. Generic packaging for multiple routers. Whomever got the v8... you're fine.  The 614L is the v8. That's that you want. To those without luck calling netgear.  Stop giving up.  Know your facts and make sure they know you are right.  I called them and was knowledgable and persistent.   I was able to get my two v9s replaced with two v8s. I sited their website, this website, etc.

Thanks for the reply.  One thing I noticed.... the box really doens't make a distinction as to whether it has v8 or a v9 router. You mentioned the box is generic which I guess explains the general WGR614 model number printed on the box....but stickers on the box say it's a WGR614L-100NAS.

Another thing is I was able to load DDRWT (micro) firmware on the router.  After loading the firmware, logging in and checking the status page...It says the CPU is only 125 mhz..... not the 240mhz CPU that should be in a WGR614L.   Which is why I'm still skeptical that the router I have is not really the WGR614L.

 

 

 

Jason
Jason's picture
Prof Chaos said:

Prof Chaos said:

Jason said:
Here's a few things I've learned.  The 614 box is generic.    The side will say what version it is v8or v9. They can both have the opensource sticker on them. This is where the mistake begins. Generic packaging for multiple routers. Whomever got the v8... you're fine.  The 614L is the v8. That's that you want. To those without luck calling netgear.  Stop giving up.  Know your facts and make sure they know you are right.  I called them and was knowledgable and persistent.   I was able to get my two v9s replaced with two v8s. I sited their website, this website, etc.

Thanks for the reply.  One thing I noticed.... the box really doens't make a distinction as to whether it has v8 or a v9 router. You mentioned the box is generic which I guess explains the general WGR614 model number printed on the box....but stickers on the box say it's a WGR614L-100NAS.
Another thing is I was able to load DDRWT (micro) firmware on the router.  After loading the firmware, logging in and checking the status page...It says the CPU is only 125 mhz..... not the 240mhz CPU that should be in a WGR614L.   Which is why I'm still skeptical that the router I have is not really the WGR614L.

 

Yup, you're right.  Mine are also 125Mhz which I noticed was not the advertised speed on the website.

http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/GWirelessRouters/WGR6...

I have no idea on that at all. 

 

 

DiscWog
DiscWog's picture
I too bought a "L" router

I too bought a "L" router from Newegg.com and received a v9 router. I called customer support and after staying on the line for about 30 minutes and holding my ground was told they would escalate the issue and someone would call me back within 24 hours. 23 hours later Kevin called and issued an RMA number. They are shipping the "L" router to me with a label to return the old router pre-paid.

Other than the initial problem and having to be very determined that Netgear should replace the router they are totally taking care of me. I did "drop" Som's name to the support person and that may have helped push the issue for them to resolve it rather than forcing me to deal with Newegg.

marcmo
marcmo's picture
I brought one of the from my

I brought one of the from my local Tiger Direct store and yes, even though it was labled all over it as the L, I got a v9. I sent an e-mail to Som who replied directly and sent a v8 on its way to me. I for one would like to applaud Netgear and Som for their prompt service -- if only every vendor took a stand like this.

Thanks again Som!

Marc Mondragon

gotbandwidth
gotbandwidth's picture
I just had ordered 2 of the

I just had ordered 2 of the wgr614l's and when I opened one up it ended up being the v9. From what I am understanding the v9 is not the right one. My question, is the v8 and wgr614l the samething?
I sent Som an email to see about getting it replaced. Im wondering too if I should just send them back to Amazon?

w6bi
w6bi's picture
I'm another one that received

I'm another one that received the v9 instead of the L from newegg.com. I've emailed Som about a replacement.

Brandon C
Brandon C's picture
As a side note.

As a side note.
Some of the folks in the DD-WRT forums seem to be working on a V9 capable DD-WRT firmware. It looks like they may have something soon.

jtinney
jtinney's picture
I ordered my WGR614L from

I ordered my WGR614L from newegg.com 2 weeks ago. I received a WGR614v9. I called Som and he answered promptly. He asked me to send him an e-mail with the pertinent information (serial number, my name and address, etc). I did so and received my replacemEnt WGR614L. I received a box with a WGR614v8 in the box. Based on what I had read that WGR614L and that is a WGR614v8 I hooked it up. Now, the sadness: I can't update it with any firmware. My suspicion is that I did in fact receive a WGR614v8 and not WGR614L. This is assuming there is a difference between those two models. I don't know that there is at all. I am working with their tech support to figure out the problem. I've tried all available firmwares from this site and also the latest firmware from kb.netgear.com as recommended by the tech. Here's hoping!

Derek Buranen
Derek Buranen's picture
So if I'm trying to see if dd

So if I'm trying to see if dd-wrt works on a v9, where do I look? I happen to have a v9 and am very much interested in dd-wrt.

Jay
Jay's picture
Som Pal Choudhury said: Hi,

Som Pal Choudhury said: Hi, Anybody who still has a v9, please email me at [email protected] The 125 MHz report generated by the DD-WRT Firmware is a bug in DD-WRT and a few open source experts in the forum are fixing it. The CPU is a BRCM 5354 240 MHz CPU. Thanks -Som

After I tried for another 2 days and remaining unsuccessful I found a coworker who was looking for a new router and sold it to her. I took the money and purchased another brand. I appreciate you actually trying to help out your customers but for me it was a nightmare trying to get mine replaced with the proper version. I was really upset before but seeing everyone getting help from you wont turn me off to Netgear. Smile

markstinson
markstinson's picture
I just opened my Amazon

I just opened my Amazon WGR614L box to find a WGR614v9 also. I've sent an email to Som Pal Choudhury about it. I'll post my results here.

 FYI ... Tomato (on a Linksys WRT54GL) will dynamically update an OpenDNS.com account to protect you from DNS poisoning, as well finer control over your DNS experience. I highly recommend using OpenDNS.com. It's free for the public. They make their money from Companies as an SOA.

Later, Mark S.

markstinson
markstinson's picture
markstinson said:

markstinson said:
I just opened my Amazon WGR614L box to find a WGR614v9 also. I've sent an email to Som Pal Choudhury about it. I'll post my results here. 

I spoke with Som Pal Choudhury today and had a great conversation about the 614. He was very much interested in my plans with it/them and my experiences with other embedded systems Linksys WRT54G & my 3 Linksys NSLU2 (http://nslu2-linux.org & http://nas-central.org).

For those having the same problem, definitely email or call Som with the important info & details about your purchase. Be sure to include your Serial number, mailing address, email address(es) and a phone number to be contacted at. My replacement will be on the way next week. FYI ... The Netgear number has changed. It's 408.907.8000. You'll need to enter his last name on the phone pad to be transfered to his extension/VM.

For those interested in the conversation, here's the highlights. (I've not signed an NDA, I don't know what I'm at liberty to say so I'll keep it brief and info that's publically available.)

He was very interested in what my plans were. He's also interested the Open Router community. From what I could tell, it sounds like they would really like to have a open hardware platform that's affordable & multi-purpose.

I mentioned my WRT54GL+Tomato firmware updating OpenDNS to protect our home PCs & content management for my kids.

I mentioned how I like using the NSLU2 (aka Slug) for embedded projects (ARM based), but I was considering zip-tie'ing a Slug to a 614L. My reasoning is that combination would be:

  1. Keep the 2 NSLU2 USB ports free for storage and other purposes
  2. Keep the wireless/network security stacks/firewalls off the NSLU2's processor all together
  3. Better NSLU2 network throughput (100Mb & 54g) & xmitter power vs. WiFi through a USB dongle (USB speed/xmit power).
  4. Power trade-off is minimal, an additional Amp due to the 614L. The NSLU2 uses draws up to 2 Amps depending on the USB load. This combination is great for a mobile/boat/automobile unit.

I mentioned what I really wanted is ... there have been some hackable WiFi routers in the past with USB 1.1 or 2.0 ports. Most aren't available anymore, were more expensive or are hard to find now. With the newer/faster processors & lower part prices/BOM, they could provide a perfect combination of a 614L+NSLU2. Think of all the stuff you can plug into a USB port that's supported. Or better yet, a multi-purpose mesh nodes around your house to provide specific purposes (streaming music, baby monitor web cam, stand alone print server, Game/TiVo console network bridge) while also providing a better quality of signal & bridge for your other WiFi devices (PC & Mobile devices).

He mentioned that the 614L's (v8's) Broadcom chip has USB pins and driver support could be found & built. [that's public information available on the Broadcom's chip's spec sheet.] (Scratching head. Hrmm. ;-) As to what he mentioned after that. Well, that's where I don't know if I'm at liberty to mention. But it sounds really nice and I'd probably buy at least 3 for my personal projects. (I'd still keep my adorable Slugs though ;-) )

Enjoy, Mark.

 

jtinney
jtinney's picture
jtinney said: I ordered my

jtinney said: I ordered my WGR614L from newegg.com 2 weeks ago. I received a WGR614v9. I called Som and he answered promptly. He asked me to send him an e-mail with the pertinent information (serial number, my name and address, etc). I did so and received my replacemEnt WGR614L. I received a box with a WGR614v8 in the box. Based on what I had read that WGR614L and that is a WGR614v8 I hooked it up. Now, the sadness: I can't update it with any firmware. My suspicion is that I did in fact receive a WGR614v8 and not WGR614L. This is assuming there is a difference between those two models. I don't know that there is at all. I am working with their tech support to figure out the problem. I've tried all available firmwares from this site and also the latest firmware from kb.netgear.com as recommended by the tech. Here's hoping!

My suspicion was incorrect; I did receive a WGR614L for the RMA'd v9. However, Firefox 3 is not compatible with their firmware update function for my version of the NETGEAR firmware. The tech confirmed this with a 614L that he had. Sure enough: I opened it up in IE and it loaded Tomato just fine.

charika
charika's picture
i see how lot of you guys

i see how lot of you guys recieved the wrong router, I tried to by it, and it does not exist in any shop in this country (united kingdom), maybe this product does not exist at all?

Duck
Duck's picture
Fry's electronics (Frys.com)

Fry's electronics (Frys.com) has them, at least at the Atlanta GA retail location, for $US69.95. Clearly labeled carton "open source wireless-G router". Device inside labeled WGR614V8 on the underside.
-Duck

blackmacbook
blackmacbook's picture
Frys, in Burbank, CA has the

Frys, in Burbank, CA has the v.8 in the standard packaging, not in the opensource packaging. I just picked up two of them for $29.99. I guess Frys got a hold of some old stock wgr614 with v.8 before netgear repackaged the v.8 and hacked the price higher.

Xyzzy
Xyzzy's picture
I ordered a 614L and inside

I ordered a 614L and inside the box I received is a v8 router.  Standard Netgear firmware (V1.1.11_6.0.36NA) is installed and the install CD that came with the router seems to just have some standard setup utility for the standard Netgear firmware.   The only thing inside the box that says anything about open source
is a small yellow piece of paper with a warning that, "This product
includes software code developed by third parties...."  That's rather
amusing as it most certainly does not.  This leads me to ask the following questions:

  • What firmware is supposed to come installed on the 614L?
  • Can I assume from the above that all I have to do is flash this unit with my choice of firmware and that the hardware I have is correct?
turo62
turo62's picture
Are you saying the WGR614V8

Are you saying the WGR614V8 is the same router as the WGR614L both having 4mb of flash and a CPU of 240mhz not just 125mhz and 2mb of flash like the WGR614V9? My router says WGR614V8

mona
mona's picture
yes. WGR614V8 and WGR614L

yes. WGR614V8 and WGR614L both are same router.