OpenWrt on TL-WR902ACv3.md

OpenWrt on TP-Link TL-WR902AC v3

First get the OpenWrt firmware. You need the tftp-recovery file for initial flash, but it is also worth getting the sysupgrade file to use if you ever want (or need) to do a rollback.

You need to run tfpt for flashing the firmware. That is a command line program already on your Mac but a GUI to it makes things easier. There is TftpServer but that site is unreliable so it is likely easier to download from MacUpdate or c|net. There is also Transfer which is commercial software with a 7 day free trial.

1. Copy the OpenWrt tftp-recovery file to /private/tftpboot/tp_recovery.bin.
2. In Terminal run sudo chmod 777 /private/tftpboot/*.
3. Start the tftp server using your choice of GUI or command line.
4. Connect the router to power & to your Mac using ethernet*.
5. In System Preferences > Network set the ethernet to connect manually, with IP address 192.168.0.66, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, & router blank.
6. Disconnect power to router.
7. Press & hold the router's reset button (in a hole between the power socket & USB port).
8. While keeping the reset button pressed, re-connect power & keep the reset button pressed for 6 or 7 seconds until the power LED is lit & the next one (the ethernet LED) is flashing rapidly.
9. Flashing is finished when the ethernet LED is blinking slowly.
10. In System Preferences > Network set the ethernet to connect dynamically.
11. In your web browser go to 192.168.1.1 or OpenWrt.net.
12. First log in with no password & immediately go to System > Administration to set a password.
13. No go to Network > Wireless to set up wi-fi as you like.
14. Now you can connect to the router without ethernet.

* If your Mac has no ethernet port you will need a USB to ethernet adapter.