Intro to DD-WRT and D-Link DIR 615 E4 router
Latest Firmware update for D-Link DIR 615 E4 was in 2016. There are different custom Open source Firmware available that can add you more security against current vulnerabilities as well as add you some functionality. One of them is DD-WRT.
*** Flashing your Firmware voids manufacturer’s warranty and can BRICK your router!
The latest version of DD-WRT tested by us working with this router is “v3.0 [Beta] Build: 37305”.
The stock firmware of D-Link DIR 165 E4 (5.11) won’t let you flash the DD-WRT firmware. You will need to flash OpenWRT first and then from this firmware flash the DD-WRT. Maybe other versions of the stock firmware won’t have these problems so you might first try flashing DD-WRT directly before flashing OpenWRT.
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Some folks over the official forums used Hex editor to match DD-WRT Firmware to the router. We didn’t test it, but you can check it out.
In addition, you may try router’s Emergency Room Web interface.
We didn’t have any luck with it on the stock firmware of our version, but many users state that this is working.
Preparations before flashing the Router with DD-WRT custom firmware
. Goto OpenWRT Download page (follow the link)
*** There’s only one link available for D-Link DIR 615 E4 OpenWRT firmware
*** Version 15.05.1 is the latest version for this router, but there is no WIFI support, though we need it only to flash DD-WRT after wards. If you would like to stay with this custom firmware, check our article on OpenWRT with WiFi support.
*** If none of the links work or location of files has changed, check our article about OpenWRT.
. Make sure that the computer is connected to the router with a cable and not on Wi-Fi!
. After you downloaded the BIN file – follow our guide on how to flash D-Link DIR 615 E4 with firmware.
Download latest DD-WRT custom firmware, flash, and login
. Download Latest release from DD-WRT Router Databse.
. You will need the file
dir615e3-factory-to-ddwrt-firmware.bin
*** E3 and E4 have the same hardware
*** If you have trouble downloading the Firmware, try mode detailed explanation in our guide about DD-WRT
. Goto
192.168.1.1
*** OpenWRT is configured to that IP.
. [Login] with username “root” and empty password
. Goto => [System] => [Firmware]
. Upload the ROM of DD-WRT and wait for the process to finish. After the router is restarted goto DD-WRT default IP “192.168.1.1”
*** Most likely you will be redirected to the old web page of OpenWRT because it was cached and receive error 404:
. Delete the cache of the browser
. Restart the browser
. Try to enter the GUI again
. After you entered the GUI, you will be asked to reset the password, if not, we suggest you reset it anyway.
Additional Tips for DD-WRT custom firmware flashing
You can follow the official Wiki for another Installation methods of DD-WRT custom firmware.
In addition, you can find more information regardless D-Link DIR 615 E4/E3 router on their Wiki.
If you have problems flashing or you want to get back to the stock firmware, check our Troubleshooting D-Link DIR 615 E4 flashing firmware guide.
Can I check the file required for flashing DD-WRT from Open WRT?
Isn’t it dir615e3-firmware.bin?
I also notice that dir615e3-factory-to-ddwrt-firmware.bin size appears too large for 4M flash.
Hello,
As the article states, it is the file:
dir615e3-factory-to-ddwrt-firmware.bin
that you require in order to upgrade OpenWRT later to DD-WRT. The “Factory” version is used to upgrade any firmware that is not DD-WRT.
While on the opposite “dir615e3-firmware.bin” is the “Webupgrade” version, which is used to upgrade existing installations of DD-WRT to higher versions.
Indeed the “factory” version size is higher than the Flash memory available on the D-Link DIR 615 E4. I am not familiar with D-Link’s upgrade process. I can only say that it worked. If you’re interested in more details, you should check DD-WRT forums.
In addition DD-WRT Wiki states the same: you need the “factory” BIN file although the Flash memory is 4 MB.
Source: https://wiki.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/D-Link_DIR-615_rev_E3