Press "Enter" to skip to content

Flashing Generic Firmware on a Technicolor TG582N

This post will probably be the most niche thing I’ve ever written. Perhaps I should explain the background first. I now work for an ISP, and during my training I’d become more interested in ADSL technologies. I have Virgin Media cable at home and therefore did not own an ADSL router. I decided to purchase one from eBay with the view to use it for experimenting and diagnosing connection issues elsewhere.

I managed to grab a cheap Technicolor TG582N, believing it to be a generic model, not branded to any particular ISP and therefore believed the firmware would not be locked down. However when it arrived I found it was actually branded to BE Broadband. This was locked down to the extent that even the PPP login settings were omitted from the web interface (although they were available, buried via the clunky Telnet interface). On some ISP routers it is possible to remove some restrictions by deleting the isp.def or other files via FTP, but the BE device was locked down further than this.

Some quick searches on the net and consultation with colleagues convinced me I’d probably purchased an expensive paperweight, good for little more than checking that a line syncs ok with the telephone exchange. However I still wondered if there might be a way to unlock this, and install some generic Thompson firmware.

The first thing I found was that ‘generic’ firmware didn’t seem to exist, that Thompson dealt only with ISPs and did not provide support to members of the public. Some searching turned up a few firmware images here and there, but nothing which seemed compatible. This matter was complicated because most TG582N devices run with a DANT-T circuit board, but the one from BE (along with a few other ISPs) runs with the much rarer DANT-1 board.

I did stumble across some basic Windows software for flashing the device, but this failed to recognise any of the firmware I found, apart from an O2 Broadband file. This failed to apply successfully, but thankfully didn’t brick the device. However, during my search I did manage to find what I believed to be some ‘generic’ firmware. I attempted to apply this using the Thompson update software, but again it wasn’t even recognised as appropriate for the device.

If the Windows software wouldn’t let me flash the device, I wondered if there might be another way. The A&A wiki advised there was a second method to update, using TFTP (a very simple FTP server), to capture the device during the BOOTP session following a factory reset and use this to copy firmware to it.

Flashing via TFTP…

Firstly, you need to connect the router directly to your Windows machine via ethernet, and give your machine a static IP address on the Technicolor router in your Windows networking settings. Now you’ll need to install TFTPD32, which seems the most popular TFTP server for this purpose.

Install this into the root of your ‘C’ drive. Drop the .bin file for the firmware you’ve found, in my case this one (mirror), into the TFTPD folder. Launch the application and open the settings screen, then select the TFTP tab. Tick ‘Bind TFTP to this address’ and select your internal static IP (in my case 192.168.1.2). Then on the DHCP tab, set the pool address to ‘192.168.1.254’, the size of pool to ‘1’ and enter the name of the firmware – which should be in the same folder as TFTPD – into the ‘Boot file’ field. Now set the ‘Def. router’ to your machine’s manual IP and set the mask to ‘255.255.255.0’. Select OK and restart the TFTPD application.

tftpd-settings2tftpd-settings1

At this point, you should now perform a factory reset on the TG582N by pushing a paperclip into the small reset hole on the back of the device (whilst it remains powered-on). The lights should all go out briefly and the power light should turn red, then orange, to indicate that the update is taking place. Whilst this is taking place, you should also see the ‘log viewer’ in the TFTPD demon begin to fill up, and a small file transfer box will appear on screen as the binary firmware is copied across to the device. Once the copy is complete, you should then see the power light flash green for a few minutes during the upgrade.

Or at least, that’s what should happen. For some reason my router wouldn’t perform a factory reset properly and refused to enter into BOOTP mode. However, I found a workaround for this in another Thompson manual. If you Telnet into the router (on the BE box the username is ‘Administrator’ and the password is the serial number printed on the bottom) you can run the manual command ‘software upgrade’ to force the device into BOOTP mode.

telnet-software-upgrade

Following this, the power light on my TG582N turned red and the upgrade proceeded. Here’s the log:

tftpd-transfer

Following this, the power flashed on and off for two or three minutes, during which I decided that applying unofficial firmware I’d grabbed from a random website probably wasn’t the best idea I’d ever had. Thankfully the device eventually came back up again and I could login to the interface. I was relieved to see the web interface at first, but even more pleased when it became clear I was now running with ‘generic’ Thompson firmware.

technicolor-home

As you can see, the PPP settings are now available:

technicolor-ppp

…and the set-up wizard includes the options for both ADSL and WAN connectivity (for use with FTTC).

technicolor-wizard

All in all, I am very pleased to have a router which can be used on any ADSL connection, and am glad to be rid of the awful BE Broadband firmware and it’s nonsensical restrictions on usage. Hopefully this guide may one day prove to be useful to someone in the same strange scenario, though somehow I doubt it.

Note: I take no responsibility should carrying out any step in this guide cause you to brick your router!

201 Comments

  1. gnasser gnasser

    hi,
    it keeps turning off and on once the upgrade file starts to upload . any idea why ?

  2. It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that
    you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up
    to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  3. m88 m88

    Lobbyists for the business claim that anyone who
    has participated in FanDuel or DraftKings games would agree that, in contrast to playing, a
    fantasy participant has a major effect on the result by means of their data and
    energy.

  4. After looking into a handful of the articles on your website, I really like
    your way of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back
    in the near future. Please check out my website as well and tell me how you feel.

  5. Os tratamentos a fim de que disfunção erétil funcionam diferentemente para qualquer tipo de pessoa.

  6. Hi there, I want to subscribe for this website to obtain hottest updates,
    so where can i do it please assist.

  7. Thank you for anny other informative website.
    Where else could I get that kind of info written in such aan ideal manner?
    I have a venture that I am just now working on, and I have been on the glajce out for such info.

  8. No mas, vocês serão mas um parelha comum como todas as outras, com
    suas inseguranças, ciúmes, choros e também dramas.

  9. Se você querem para obter muito deste pós, em seguida, você tem que aplicar tais estratégias técnicas à sua won Web site.

  10. Include all challenges, questions and mistakes or failures – no matter how
    big or small because you learn from these. They called mme up the other day and noted that they had been turned down once more time for a
    commercial loan for their small business. Many jobs today require one person to do
    the work of three or four people.

    Visit my page agen kasur busa sofa bed inoac di tangerang
    (https://jualkasurinoactangerang.tumblr.com/)

  11. Bitcoin usa um banco de dados distribuídos espalhados pelos nós da rede peer-to-peer para registrar as transações,
    e também usa criptografia de código cândido para prover
    funções básicas de segurança, como corrobar que bitcoins só podem
    ser gastas pelo possessor e também evitar gastos duplos
    e falsificação.

  12. These cameras do not have infrared illuminators as they can capture clear
    video images in varying light situations and in the dark.

  13. Hello mates, pleasant post and pleasant urging commented at this place,
    I am genuinely enjoying by these.

  14. Reparar a fossa séptica: encanador também será responsável por lidar com quaisquer problemas que surjam.

  15. Estes equipamentos são empregados com máxima segurança na execução de serviços de limpeza e transporte de resíduos industriais.

  16. I got this web site from my friend who informed me
    regarding this site and now this time I am visiting this website and reading very informative articles or
    reviews at this time.

    my web-site cheap medicines

  17. Excellent blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are
    so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
    Any ideas? Kudos!

  18. All the basics are covered, like support for UPnP / NAT-PMP port forwarding, upload and download speed management, and
    support for proxy servers.

  19. Good day! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
    There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Cheers

  20. Característico da compilação Royal Black, louro
    e também a prata simbolizam a riqueza e sofisticação da
    cultura negra.

  21. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and interesting,
    and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
    The problem is something which not enough people are speaking
    intelligently about. I’m very happy that I found
    this during my hunt for something concerning this.

  22. Walt Disney Travel Agent Kim Oehrlein said if you do
    it yourself, the positive is that you have total control
    over your reservation, which will allow to make your own Advance Dining Reservations and make
    any needed adjustments yourself. Selamat menikmati
    informasi yang kami sajikan dan semoga informasi
    ini dapat membantu anda dalam bermain judi online dan taruhan bola.
    Many new & old tradesmen, with creative one-of-a-kind gifts & treasures, spent 3 days at the Prime Osborn Center supplying individuals with gift-to give away and some gifts
    to keep for themselves.

  23. Quem se interessar pelo matéria é possível que procurar uma das casas de
    câmbio e adquirir suas primeiras Bitcoins para testar
    como ela funciona.

  24. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who was conducting a little
    research on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast because I found it for him…
    lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this matter here on your
    jasa pembuatan website di medan (Carlota).

  25. Some crappy sentence, written by bad AI or worse human, same as all the above. Just go to my website. That’s all I want. This is not spam, promise.

  26. Simply wish to say your article is as astounding.

    The clearness in your post is just great and
    i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me
    to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  27. RESOLUÇÃO 8. Após bosquejar redor miseração sr realidade,
    você pode esboçar unir capaz de lhe arrumado, logo depois, faz estampa juntado que faz por causa de que fique proporcionado em sô pronto.

  28. Tratado dentre Representação EASYDRAW® Mangá Edition foi
    desdobrado de tal maneira para os alunos iniciantes, que rejeição tem nenhuma rudimentos do que
    propósito, que nem capaz de desenhistas dentre horizontalidade meio, quão modo com eixo.

  29. Flávio Silva Flávio Silva

    Is always on the flash and does not stop
    board dant 1

  30. Thanks for finally talking about > JonathanDavis.me.uk » Flashing Generic Firmware on a Technicolor
    TG582N < Liked it!

  31. Then our model pal, Eva, who broadcasts on Chaturbate and
    isn’t content material with the growing amount of models who allegedly misuse OhMiBod,
    knowledgeable us that the vibrator truly responds to tip sounds and even voices.

  32. A created by Jeunesse, Immediately Ageless is a micro-cream designed specifically to battle the symptoms
    of ageing on the skin of the experience.

  33. Conquistar uma pessoa novidade, é quase correto de ser mais simples do que reconquistar um paixão antigo, levando em consideração as pendências que existem ou mesmo mágoas recentes
    porém para dar uma novidade chance ao coração, devemos frisar que nunca é tardiamente.

  34. Obrigado o bom writeup. – na verdade era uma vez
    um lazer conta. Olha complicada para longe trouxe agradável
    de você! A propósito como pode nós estar em contato?

  35. Every weekend i used to visit this site, as i wish for enjoyment, as this this web site conations really pleasant funny information too.

  36. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your
    site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect
    with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  37. Fed up with utilizing unique products giving no result, regardless
    how challengingyou push? Ultimate Testo Explosion twofold the workout’s influence
    and is definitely anamazing dietary supplement to support your muscle.
    It is Simply over the top exercise medicine that giveyou muscle
    and the perfect wellness that you simply pine
    for. A decent eating routine and all the nutrition that
    you could get will helpyour way of make the body as anintense weightlifter.
    This product will give theessential nutrition and eating routine alongside
    asignificant exercise to you all to make an unprecedented body.

    This can be a health supplement which assists the muscledevelop and work with a faster
    ratewhen compared with all the usualprocess.

    A muscle develops whenwe work-out it holes and next steadily the proteinsrepairs
    up them. This action of wear and tear and afterwardadjusting makes their muscle produce.
    Thisproduct has typical testosterone, which assists in improving musclelarger
    and appropriately quickening thistechnique that is regaining and.
    Byexpanding the levels of testosterone in the torso thispiece forms this pace ofrestoring in the body in merely a fractionof times the body is recaptured from the exhaustion.

    go now — > visit here

  38. O que se passa companheiros , como é tudo
    e o que você desejo dizer sobre o tema da isto post
    , na minha opinião sua genuinamente incrível para me.

  39. Simply want to say your article is as surprising.
    The clearness in your post is just excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this
    subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming
    post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

  40. My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a variety
    of websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform.
    I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it?
    Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  41. Awsome post and right to the point. I am not sure if this is
    actually the best place to ask but do you people have any ideea
    where to get some professional writers? Thank you 🙂

  42. Quality information! I must share this with my followers
    on Facebook.

  43. Fazer aplicações de botox na testa e também na moleira vem sendo utilizadas
    com sucesso para pacientes que tem crises constantes,
    porém não respondem aos analgésicos.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.