Linksys router - should I upgrade the firmware?

I have a Linksys 4-port router - model BEFSR41. Got it 2 or 3 years ago. Works just fine with 3 computers attached.

Firmware on it is version 1.30 (June 9/00). From the Linksys website, the latest version is 1.46 (June 24/04). I've been told that I really should update the firmware to take advantage of the latest security changes, etc.

My question is: should I upgrade the firmware if I'm not having a problem? I hate to fix something that isn't broken!! In looking through anything I can read, there doesn't seem to be a "fall back" path - that is, if I upgrade and start having problems, I can't go back to the old firmware? Is this true?

Any comments would be most appreciated......... Thanks.

 

Hi scotts...

No that is false...you can "go back" by downgrading your firmware.

I have the same router and found after upgrading the firmware last month I was getting disconnected when using VPN. I ended up downgrading back to my 1.44.2 (December 2002) version.

When I was having my problems I did a "Google" search and came up with some hits on other users using our Linksys router having lots of disconnect problems. If I can find the link I have I will add it to the post later.


EDIT:It was the 1.45.11 version which I tried 6/20/2004 which gave me and other grief. It looks like Linksys brought out 1.46 to fix whatever the issue was but there seems to be issues there also => http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,10444935~mode=flat~days=9999. Start reading on page 18 if you what to read up on the 1.46 firmware.

Just to let you know I have been using ver 1.44.2 for quite awhile without any issues. If you want to get older firware version go to => ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pub/befsr41/

Other Links:
- http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,9702276~mode=flat
- http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,9617762~mode=flat
- http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/7779&mode=feedback
- http://www.clariondeveloper.com/firewallreporting/linksysalert.htm

 

Scotts,

I also had troubles with the new firmware and had to downgrade my software. No problems since going back! If what you have works, I wouldn't worry about upgrading right now. I went back to 1.43.3. If you try the upgrade and need the downgrade, I can send it to you.

Mike

 

Not in my book. That's kind of like asking if you need to change your shirt because it has no wrinkles.

 

I fully agree with Rockster2U

BillyBob

 

Thank you all for your input. I think I'll perhaps leave it alone until the day when I start having problems!!

scotts