How to Install OpenWRT on NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 R9000

OpenWRT Installation for NETGEAR R9000

For those R9000 owners who are Linux buffs, router enthusiasts, or simply want to try open source firmware -- developer Tathagata Das has provided the community with an updated OpenWRT for R9000 release. The new release, out December 2016, is based on OpenWRT "Barrier Breaker" and offers WPA2 encryption and uPnP functionality to get you up and running quickly and securely.

If you're familiar with DD-WRT, there are some differences with OpenWRT in terms of installation and setup. Here's how to get started.

Step 1: Reset the R9000 to factory defaults

This can be done easily, either in the Admin section of the stock NETGEAR firmware, or via the reset button on the back of the router.

Step 2: Install OpenWRT

Head over to the Administration section of the stock firmware and browse to the Update Firmware section. Manually select the OpenWRT firmware file (.IMG extension). The firmware will alert you that the version is "older" than what is currently installed; disregard the message and continue forward with installation. After installation, allow the router to reboot and settle for a few minutes while OpenWRT initializes.

Step 3: Verify OpenWRT Login

In your browser, navigate to your router directly (192.168.1.1) and verify that the OpenWRT screen pops up, indicating a successful installation. At this point, it's advised to perform a "hard reset" on the router using the button on the back of the unit, holding it in for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Login and change your admin password

After the reset is complete, login using the router address as noted in step 3. The default credentials for this version of OpenWRT are "root:" and "admin" respectively. After this is complete, follow the prompts to change to a secure password, and click "Save & Apply." You can see the status of the change while it is processing; wait until it is complete before proceeding.

Step 5: Configure basic settings

At this point, the R9000 is ready to run with OpenWRT, but some basic settings should be modified. First, begin with the wireless settings. This is one place where configuration is a bit different than DD-WRT. To begin, click on "Network," then "Interfaces," then "WiFi." The available connections are listed as shown; note the 802.11ad hotspot is not supported in this version.

OpenWRT Wireless Configuration

Click "Edit" next to each wireless connection, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. From these screens, the wireless channel can be selected, as well as the SSID, via the "General Setup" tab in the bottom section. You can either make changes on the fly by clicking "Save & Apply," or queue the changes to be applied later.

OpenWRT WIreless Encryption

Then, head to the "Wireless Security" tab to configure the desired security method as well as the password, and save and apply.

OpenWRT WAN Settings

If you are using custom DNS servers, these can be set up via Network -> Interfaces -> LAN as shown above.

uPnP can be enabled via Services -> uPnP. Again, as with the other settings noted above, save & apply will process the changes immediately. If you've queued any changes, make sure to apply them. (Note that the above screenshot is utilizing a different OpenWRT theme: this firmware comes with two available to start.)

Assuming all has gone well, the R9000 is up and running for general use; we've been running our tests here for a week with absolutely no issues at all! Have fun with OpenWRT on your NETGEAR R9000!

https://www.myopenrouter.com/download/openwrt-netgear-r9000-update-relea...

crencom
crencom's picture
I have performed the above

I have performed the above install several times and cannot get a internet connection.  I can connect to the router via ethernet and wireless, but cannot get to the internet.  I have checked the settings over and over, but still the same result.  I just get the sense that I am missing something obvious.  Any help is appreciated.

scott

coscurt
coscurt's picture
I have recently got my first
I have recently got my first Netgear router, an R9000. Because with the stock firmware wifi is intermitent, i decided to give openwrt a try.
 
When I try to run update the packages list, i get a few errors:
 
wget: server returned error: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found
wget: server returned error: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found
wget: server returned error: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found
wget: server returned error: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found
wget: server returned error: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found
wget: server returned error: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found
wget: server returned error: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found
Collected errors:
 * opkg_download: Failed to download http://downloads.openwrt.org/barrier_breaker/14.07/r9000/generic/package..., wget returned 1.
 * opkg_download: Failed to download http://downloads.openwrt.org/barrier_breaker/14.07/r9000/generic/package..., wget returned 1.
 * opkg_download: Failed to download http://downloads.openwrt.org/barrier_breaker/14.07/r9000/generic/package..., wget returned 1.
 * opkg_download: Failed to download http://downloads.openwrt.org/barrier_breaker/14.07/r9000/generic/package..., wget returned 1.
 * opkg_download: Failed to download http://downloads.openwrt.org/barrier_breaker/14.07/r9000/generic/package..., wget returned 1.
 * opkg_download: Failed to download http://downloads.openwrt.org/barrier_breaker/14.07/r9000/generic/package..., wget returned 1.
 * opkg_download: Failed to download http://downloads.openwrt.org/barrier_breaker/14.07/r9000/generic/package..., wget returned 1.
 
I assume its because there is no `R9000` for barrier_breaker 14.07.
Do you know what I should set instead of R9000 in the packages config urls?
tobsch
tobsch's picture
Hi,

Hi,

same direction as coscurt: Will there be a package repo?
Right now it's really crippled...

 

Best,
Tobias

Njj0425
Njj0425's picture
How do I Unistall DD-WRT if I

How do I Unistall DD-WRT if I have too..

denny16126
denny16126's picture
how change the power from

how change the power from 100Mw to 1W??

usafltg
usafltg's picture
This thing is all screwed up

This thing is all screwed up because there are no packages. There's no USB 3.0 support for any open-wrt, and mounts to NTFS drives won't work because you can't download any packages. Looks like there is still no option but to run factory firmware in order to run plex. DD-WRT doesn't / won't support plex, and this Open-WRT package is too crippled.

awsam
awsam's picture
Only broadcasts default SSID

Only broadcasts default SSID no matter how many resets/changes. Cant get a single wifi device to connect. LAN though, plug & play.
Applying wifi changes and selecting apply, reboots the modem and then there's NO ssid being shown, and no LAN connections can access the router. Internet works over LAN during this however.

No USB storage at all...

Total rubbish, waste of my time.
The R9000 is truly a consumer rip off. Sell/bin it ASAP.

conpaul503
conpaul503's picture
Happy New 

Happy New 

It appears that this article refers to openwrt image that is no longer available for download, I have seen a few grumpy comments on openwrt forums, perhaps it may be a good idea to remove this article from public view