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| inbox:toh:xiaomi:xiaomi_mi_router_4a_gigabit_edition [2022/02/11 12:25] – [Notes on firmware exploit procedure] Add new section for Windows 10 users bill888 | inbox:toh:xiaomi:xiaomi_mi_router_4a_gigabit_edition [2024/02/12 13:41] – [Hardware Highlights] revert Version change bill888 |
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| /*****/ | /*****/ |
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| <WRAP important 100%>**Warning.!!** This hardware not same with **Mi Router 4A 100m** don't brick your router </WRAP> | <WRAP important 100%>**Warning.!!** This hardware not same with **[[toh:xiaomi:mi_router_4a_mir4a_100m|Mi Router 4A 100m]]** don't brick your router </WRAP> |
| |
| The Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition is an indoor wireless router based on the MediaTek MT7621 SoC, with three 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports (2xLAN + 1xWAN), dual band 802.11bgn+ac (dual radio) WiFi and four external non-detachable antennae. It is offered with either Chinese firmware, or Global (English) firmware. | <WRAP important 100%>**Warning** Xiaomi is currently shipping Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition devices without proper shielding since 2020. Be aware that those might cause problems due to radio interference. Nevertheless, it's flashable.</WRAP> |
| | |
| | <WRAP important 100%>**Warning 05/2022** Some differences have been observed with chinese model made in Sept 2021. Serial input may require modification [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/observations-on-xiaomi-mir4ag-newer-firmware/127373|Click Link]] </WRAP> |
| | |
| | <WRAP important 100%>**Warning 10/2022** Xiaomi is currently shipping v2 of the 4A Gigabit Edition, it's identifiable by fw version 2.30.20, and the name when assigned an IP from a DHCP (not your ISPs) via the WAN port, MiWiFi-R4AV2. This model **cannot** be flashed with Openwrt. [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/support-for-xiaomi-router-ac1200-rb02/124962|Click Link]] |
| | </WRAP> |
| | |
| | |
| | The Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition is an indoor wireless router based on the MediaTek MT7621 SoC, with three 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports (2xLAN + 1xWAN), dual band 802.11bgn+ac (dual radio) WiFi and four external non-detachable antennae. It is offered with either Chinese firmware, or Global International firmware. |
| |
| The hardware is identical to the [[toh:hwdata:xiaomi:xiaomi_miwifi_3g_v2#dataentry|OpenWrt Xiaomi R3G v2]]. **But.!!** different bootloader, don't use 4A-Giga firmware on R3Gv2 | The hardware is identical to the [[toh:hwdata:xiaomi:xiaomi_miwifi_3g_v2#dataentry|OpenWrt Xiaomi R3G v2]]. **But.!!** different bootloader, don't use 4A-Giga firmware on R3Gv2 |
| |
| **Support Forums** https://forum.openwrt.org/t/feedback-xiaomi-4a-gigabit-router-switch-patches | **Support Forums** https://forum.openwrt.org/t/feedback-xiaomi-4a-gigabit-router-switch-patches/78468 |
| |
| {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi_mi_router_4a_gigabit_edition_transparent.png?200|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition}} | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi_mi_router_4a_gigabit_edition_transparent.png?200|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition}} |
| | |
| | ===== How to tell the different versions apart ===== |
| | There are multiple versions of the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A, International and Chinese and the method used to install OpenWRT differs. The SKU printed on the box differs according to the year of manufacture. This table is an intent to list them all so as to avoid bricking. |
| | |
| | ^ Model | Mi Router 4A (MIR4A) || | | | | |
| | ^ <color #ffaec9>Alternate model name</color> | R4AC || R4AG |||| |
| | ^ Version | 100M || Gigabit |||| |
| | ^ Target market | [[https://openwrt.org/toh/xiaomi/mi_router_4a_mir4a_100m#photos|Chinese]] | //International?// | Chinese | International | International | ¿? | |
| | ^ SKU | DVB4222CN | DVB4230GL | DVB4218CN | DVB4224GL | ¿? | ¿? | |
| | ^ Firmware | | | | 2.28.132 | [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/observations-on-xiaomi-mir4ag-newer-firmware/127373/3|2.28.84]] | 2.20.30 | |
| | ^ Firmware language | | English | Chinese | //English?// | | | |
| | ^ Label language | | English | Chinese | //English?// | | | |
| | ^ PCB marking code | M49 R0101 | ¿? | M43 R0101 | | [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/observations-on-xiaomi-mir4ag-newer-firmware/127373/3|M43 R0201]] | | |
| | ^ Year available | //[[https://openwrt.org/toh/xiaomi/mi_router_4a_mir4a_100m#info|2019]]?// | | 2019 | | 2021 | //2022?// | |
| | ^ Other notes | | | 2019 model is shielded | unshielded since 2020 | | | |
| ===== OpenWrt support ===== | ===== OpenWrt support ===== |
| |
| The device is the same as MIR3G v2 and is supported as per the [[https://git.openwrt.org/?p=openwrt/openwrt.git;a=commit;h=522d5ff42835f7ad01c090b9ea1863f5d56b91d3|Git Commit]]. | <!-- ToH: { |
| | "source": "json", |
| | "dom": "t", |
| | "paging": false, |
| | "shownColumns": ["brand", "model", "version", "supportedcurrentrel", "oemdevicehomepageurl", "forumsearch", "deviceid"], |
| | "filterColumns": {"model": "^Mi Router 4A \\(MIR4A\\)$", "version": "^Gigabit Edition$"} |
| | } --> |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | The device is the same as MIR3G v2 (which is supported as per the [[https://git.openwrt.org/?p=openwrt/openwrt.git;a=commit;h=522d5ff42835f7ad01c090b9ea1863f5d56b91d3|Git Commit]]), but explicit support was added in commit [[commit>?p=openwrt/openwrt.git;a=commit;h=a51e46e543ef2e923fb97fb092d04355dfca7d7d|a51e46e543ef2e923fb97fb092d04355dfca7d7d]]. |
| | |
| | The new EON/cFeon EN25QX128A chip support was added by "[[commit>?p=openwrt/openwrt.git;a=commit;h=d7876daf6552a9f39bd5e0bf50b554e9406ec275|generic: add support for EON EN25QX128A spi nor flash]]". It is supported starting from 22.03.3 and 21.02.6 stable releases. |
| | |
| |
| For installing OpenWrt there are the following methods: | For installing OpenWrt there are the following methods: |
| * **Using a firmware exploit** (Does not require extra hardware): for instructions follow the [[https://github.com/acecilia/OpenWRTInvasion|OpenWRTInvasion repository]]. | * **Using a firmware exploit** (Does not require extra hardware): for instructions follow the [[https://github.com/acecilia/OpenWRTInvasion|OpenWRTInvasion repository]]. |
| <WRAP important 100%> **Warning.!!** snapshot build may brick your router if you use this method, You need to custom firmware server to older or more stable build.</WRAP> | <WRAP important 100%> **Warning.!!** snapshot build may brick your router if you use this method, You need to custom firmware server to older or more stable build.</WRAP> |
| A Video guide for this method can be found here:[[https://youtu.be/VxzEvdDWU_s|External Link]] | A Video guide for this method can be found here:[[https://youtu.be/SLbkce-M2nE|External Link]] |
| |
| * Using a chip programmer (Requires extra hardware): requires reading the stock firmware directly from the SPI flash chip (e.g., using a chip programmer), modifying the flash memory dump and writing it back to the SPI flash. For instructions follow [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-r4ag-r4a-gigabit-fully-supported-but-requires-overwriting-spi-flash-with-programmer/36685|this post on the OpenWrt forum]]. | * Using a chip programmer (Requires extra hardware): requires reading the stock firmware directly from the SPI flash chip (e.g., using a chip programmer), modifying the flash memory dump and writing it back to the SPI flash. For instructions follow [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-r4ag-r4a-gigabit-fully-supported-but-requires-overwriting-spi-flash-with-programmer/36685|this post on the OpenWrt forum]]. |
| | |
| | Once flash chip has been modified, the Uboot can be interrupted and **initramfs-kernel.bin** can be loaded via TFTP. Then use sysupgrade to install **squashfs-sysupgrade.bin** |
| |
| This particular post may be of interest too: | This particular post may be of interest too: |
| </code> | </code> |
| | |
| ===== Notes on firmware exploit procedure ===== | ==== Installation via Software exploit ==== |
| |
| * get stok | The OpenWRTInvasion is an exploit that allows to get a shell access to the router. You will be able to connect with Telnet, SSH and FTP. Then you can upload OpenWrt image and overwrite the stock firmware. |
| * connect xiaomi router to the internet in the wan port | |
| * connect through cable in the lan port | Find the instructions in the [[https://github.com/acecilia/OpenWRTInvasion|OpenWRTInvasion repository]] and a video guide can be found here: [[https://youtu.be/VxzEvdDWU_s|Installing OpenWrt on the Xiaomi 4A, 4C, 3Gv2, 4Q, miWifi 3C and debrick method OLD VERSION]] or a new version [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLbkce-M2nE|Installing OpenWrt on the Xiaomi 4A, 4C, 3Gv2, 4Q, miWifi 3C and debrick method New 2022]]. |
| * enter 192.168.31.1 | |
| * configure device | === Notes on firmware exploit procedure === |
| | Some instructions that may help you: |
| | |
| | * To get stok |
| | * Reset router if necessary to restore default settings. |
| | * Connect computer to Ethernet LAN port. |
| | * Connect Xiaomi router to the internet with the wan port |
| | * Open in a browser http://192.168.31.1 |
| | * Configure device |
| * select language, accept terms | * select language, accept terms |
| * put a wifi password (that is the admin password) | * Enter a wifi password (that is the admin password) |
| * go to 192.168.31.1 and enter the root password | * go to http://192.168.31.1 and enter the root password |
| * when you are in, your link changed and now it have a part with something similar to ''stok=3700b146c87e45fea51170f87f47d34c'' | * when you are in, your link changed and now it have a part with something similar to ''stok=3700b146c87e45fea51170f87f47d34c'' |
| * ''git clone https://github.com/acecilia/OpenWRTInvasion'' | * ''git clone https://github.com/acecilia/OpenWRTInvasion'' |
| * ''cd OpenWRTInvasion'' | * ''cd OpenWRTInvasion'' |
| * ''python3 remote_command_execution_vulnerability.py'' , and put the ip and stok, it should work | * ''python3 remote_command_execution_vulnerability.py'' , and put the ip and stok, it should work |
| * [download your openwrt image, use sysupgrade image] | * [download your openwrt image, use **<color #ed1c24>squashfs-sysupgrade.bin</color>** image] |
| * ftp session with user root and password root | * ftp session with user root and password root |
| * ''ftp 192.168.31.1'' | * ''ftp 192.168.31.1'' |
| * ''mtd -e OS1 -r write openwrt.bin OS1'' | * ''mtd -e OS1 -r write openwrt.bin OS1'' |
| |
| === Alternative method using Windows 10 === | **Warning**: If you got the below error message when trying to write the openwrt image with mtd command |
| | |
| | <code>Could not open mtd device: OS1 |
| | Can't open device for writing!</code> |
| | |
| | You can run ''cat /proc/mtd'' to check the flash layout. In this case, your router is having a different flash layout and you should not proceed with the installation using mtd. |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | ==== Alternative installation procedure using Microsoft Windows ==== |
| |
| <color #ed1c24>**Warning:**</color> Use at your own risk. | <color #ed1c24>**Warning:**</color> Use at your own risk. |
| |
| If you are unable to use a linux computer, there is an alternative to use Microsoft Windows 10 to install OpenWrt onto 4A Gigabit router. Scroll to the bottom of this wiki page for 'Alternative firmwares for 4A Gigabit'. | If you are unable to use a linux computer, there is an alternative to use Microsoft Windows 10 utilising the same exploit, to install OpenWrt onto 4A Gigabit router. Scroll to the bottom of this wiki page for 'Microsoft Windows installation instructions for R4A Gigabit' section. |
| | |
| | See section at bottom of this device page which refers to the english [[:inbox:toh:xiaomi:xiaomi_mi_router_4a_gigabit_edition#microsoft_windows_installation_instructions_for_r4a_gigabit|**Quick Guide to installing OpenWrt firmware for Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Giga version.PDF**]] contained in the Dropbox link for instructions. |
| |
| It is written in russian, so you may need to use a translator, such as Google Translate app with camera on an Android phone to read the instructions when executing the batch files. | |
| |
| Refer to the english **Quick Guide to installing OpenWrt firmware for Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Giga version.PDF** contained in the Dropbox link for instructions. | |
| |
| ===== Installation ===== | ===== Installation ===== |
| /* stable release table - used instead of previous snapshot table */ | /* stable release table - used instead of previous snapshot table */ |
| ---- datatable ---- | <!-- ToH: { |
| cols : Model, Versions, Supported Current Rel, Firmware OpenWrt Install URL_url, Firmware OpenWrt Upgrade URL_url, Firmware OEM Stock URL_url, Device Techdata_pageid | "source": "json", |
| headers : Model, Version, Current Release, Firmware OpenWrt Install, Firmware OpenWrt Upgrade, Firmware OEM Stock, Technical Data | "dom": "t", |
| align : c,c,c | "paging": false, |
| filter : Brand=Xiaomi | "rotate": true, |
| filter : Model=Mi Router 4A (MIR4A) | "shownColumns": ["model", "version", "supportedcurrentrel", "firmwareopenwrtinstallurl", "firmwareopenwrtupgradeurl", "firmwareoemstockurl", "deviceid"], |
| filter : Version=Gigabit Edition | "filterColumns": {"brand": "^Xiaomi$", "model": "^Mi Router 4A \\(MIR4A\\)$", "version": "^Gigabit Edition$"} |
| ---- | } --> |
| |
| **OpenWrt Factory Firmware:** Use this file the first time you flash OpenWrt onto the router - i.e. use with the above mentioned exploit / install method. \\ | **OpenWrt Factory Firmware:** Use this file the first time you flash OpenWrt onto the router - i.e. use with the above mentioned exploit / install method. \\ |
| **OEM Stock Firmware:** The above mentioned exploit provides a stock firmware image in its repository.\\ | **OEM Stock Firmware:** The above mentioned exploit provides a stock firmware image in its repository.\\ |
| |
| | ==== Flash Layout ==== |
| | This is the Flash layout under the 2.28.62 OEM firmware, after using OpenWRTInvasion to get //root// access. |
| | |
| | ^ Xiaomi Mi Router 4A (100M, Chinese version) Flash Layout ||||||||||| |
| | ^ Layer0 | [[wp>Serial Peripheral Interface Bus|spi]]0.0: [[https://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/download/1151510/GIGADEVICE/GD25Q127CSIG.html|25Q127CSIG]] 16384KiB |||||||||| |
| | ^ Layer1 | mtd0 **//ALL//** 16384KiB |||||||||| |
| | ^ Layer2 | mtd1 **//Bootloader//** 192KiB | mtd2 **//Config//** 64KiB | mtd3 **//Bdata//** 64KiB | mtd4 **//Factory//** 64KiB | mtd5 **//crash//** 64KiB | mtd6 **//cfg_bak//** 64KiB | mtd7 **//overlay//** 1024KiB | mtd8 **//OS1//** 13312KiB || mtd10 **//disk//** 1536KiB | |
| | | **Layer2 boundaries** | 0x0000000-0x0030000 | 0x0030000-0x0040000 | 0x0040000-0x0050000 | 0x0050000-0x0060000 | 0x0060000-0x0070000 | 0x00070000-0x00080000 | 0x00080000-0x00180000 | 0x00180000-0x00e80000 || 0x00e80000-0x01000000 | |
| | ^ Layer3 | | | | | | | | //firmware_partition// 1856KiB | mtd9 **//rootfs//** 11456KiB | | |
| | | **Layer3 boundaries** | | | | | | | | 0x0180000-0x0350000 | 0x0350000-0x0e80000 | | |
| | ^ Size in KiB | 192KiB | 64KiB | 64KiB | 64KiB | 64KiB | 64KiB | 1024KiB | 1856KiB | 11456KiB | 1536KiB | |
| | ^ Name | **//Bootloader//** | **//Config//** | **//Bdata//** | **//Factory//** | **//crash//** | **//cfg_bak//** | **//overlay//** | **//firmware_partition//** | **//rootfs//** | **//disk//** | |
| | ^ <color magenta>mountpoint</color> | //none// | //none// | //none// | //none// | //none// | //none// | ''/etc''''/data''''/mnt'' | //none// | ''/'' | | |
| | ^ filesystem | //unknown// | //unknown// | //unknown// | //unknown// | //unknown// | //unknown// | [[docs:techref:filesystems#JFFS2]] | | [[docs:techref:filesystems#SquashFS]] | [[docs:techref:filesystems#JFFS2]] | |
| | |
| | ***Note*** The partitions "mtd1 **//config//**", "mtd5 **//caldata//**", "mtd6 **//unkown//**" and "mtd8 **//caldata_copy//**" contain vendor specific raw (without filesystem) config values about your router, like WiFi calibration data, MAC addresses, etc. It's a good idea to [[docs:guide-user:installation:generic.backup|make a backup from them]]. |
| | |
| | ***Note2*** You can check mtd partitions of your router yourself by using commands "''cat /proc/mtd''" and "''dmesg''". Refer to [[https://www.mail-archive.com/kernelnewbies@nl.linux.org/msg02774.html|this link]]. |
| ===== Debricking ===== | ===== Debricking ===== |
| Using Mi Wifi Repair tool: | Using Mi Wifi Repair tool: |
| [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-r4ag-r4a-gigabit-fully-supported-and-flashable-with-openwrtinvasion/36685/747|Using MIWIFIRepairTool.x86]] | [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-r4ag-r4a-gigabit-fully-supported-and-flashable-with-openwrtinvasion/36685/747|Using MIWIFIRepairTool.x86]] |
| [[http://www1.miwifi.com/miwifi_download.html|Mi Wifi download]] | [[http://www1.miwifi.com/miwifi_download.html|Mi Wifi download]] \\ |
| | [[https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/436e57a5e2daf1c5b4ece8851a7b7517c1fbc9e69acba8fac3806aa160f251b5/detection|Numerous antivirus tools report Mi Wifi Repair Tool (files date stamped January 2019) identify it as a 'Potentially Unwanted App'. Unclear whether there is a genuine threat or it is a 'false positive'.]] |
| | \\ |
| | [[https://www.dropbox.com/s/bwkc11ntp2t8ryc/How%20to%20use%20MIWIFIRepairToolx86.pdf?dl=0|PDF guide]] |
| | [[https://www.dropbox.com/s/p5p7fdieh0wh1dw/How%20to%20use%20MIWIFIRepairToolx86.pdf?dl=0|PDF guide - Mirror]] |
| |
| Hoddys Guide | Hoddys Guide |
| [[https://hoddysguides.com/xiaomi-debrick-tools-all/#google_vignette|Link to Hoddys Guide]] | [[https://hoddysguides.com/xiaomi-debrick-tools-all/#google_vignette|Link to Hoddys Guide]] |
| [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxzEvdDWU_s|Youtube guide here]] | [[https://youtu.be/SLbkce-M2nE|Youtube guide here]] |
| |
| Zorro Router debrick method: [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-r4ag-r4a-gigabit-fully-supported-but-requires-overwriting-spi-flash-with-programmer/36685/678|forum info here]] | Zorro Router debrick method: [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-r4ag-r4a-gigabit-fully-supported-but-requires-overwriting-spi-flash-with-programmer/36685/678|forum info here]] |
| [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-r4ag-r4a-gigabit-fully-supported-but-requires-overwriting-spi-flash-with-programmer/36685/402|documented by Albertcp]] | [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-r4ag-r4a-gigabit-fully-supported-but-requires-overwriting-spi-flash-with-programmer/36685/402|documented by Albertcp]] |
| |
| If you have 4A Gigabit Global International model and have difficulty returning to Global International stock firmware, please read this thread: [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/mi-router-4a-gigabit-extremely-slow/117975/31|Link to Owrt forum]] using Mi Wifi repair tool. | If you have 4A Gigabit Global International model and have difficulty returning to Global International stock firmware, please read this thread: [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/mi-router-4a-gigabit-extremely-slow/117975/31|Link to Owrt forum]] using Mi Wifi repair tool. See also [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-4a-3-gigaport-cannot-flash-openwrt-21-02/122878/17|Using 2to3 firmware file.]] |
| |
| |
| |
| ===== Hardware Highlights ===== | ===== Hardware Highlights ===== |
| ---- datatable ---- | <!-- ToH: { |
| cols : Model, Versions, CPU, CPU MHz, CPU Cores_numcores_,Flash MB_mbflashs, RAM MB_mbram, WLAN Hardware, WLAN 2.4GHz, WLAN 5.0GHz, Ethernet 100M ports_, Ethernet Gbit ports_, Modem, USB ports_ | "source": "json", |
| header : Model, Version,SoC,CPU MHz,CPU Cores,Flash MB,RAM MB,WLAN Hardware,WLAN2.4,WLAN5.0,100M ports,Gbit ports,Modem,USB | "dom": "t", |
| align : c,c,c,c,c,c,c,c,c,c,c,c,c | "paging": false, |
| filter : Model=Mi Router 4A (MIR4A) | "rotate": true, |
| filter : Version=Gigabit Edition | "shownColumns": ["model", "version", "cpu", "cpumhz", "cpucores", "flashmb", "rammb", "wlanhardware", "wlan24ghz", "wlan50ghz", "ethernet100mports", "ethernet1gports", "modem", "usbports"], |
| ---- | "filterColumns": {"model": "^Mi Router 4A \\(MIR4A\\)$", "version": "^Gigabit Edition$"} |
| | } --> |
| |
| |
| /* Thanks, your wiki administration - Oct. 2015 */ | /* Thanks, your wiki administration - Oct. 2015 */ |
| |
| ^ Retail box| {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-case.jpg?0x250|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition retail box}} | | Here are pictures of the **chinese** version which ships with chinese language firmware v2.x. The earliest **Global** international model is labelled the '**Giga**' version (SKU: DVB4224GL, Model R4A) which shipped with v2.28.132, upgradable to v3.0.x. A revised Global international model is labelled the '**Gigabit**' version shipped with v3.x firmware. |
| ^ Top view| {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-top.jpg?0x250|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition top view}} | | |
| ^ Rear view| {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-back.jpg?0x250|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition rear view}} | | ^ Retail box (chinese) | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-case.jpg|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition retail box}} | |
| ^ Bottom view| {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-bottom.jpg?0x250|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition bottom view}} | | ^ Top view | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-top.jpg|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition top view}} | |
| | ^ Rear view | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-back.jpg|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition rear view}} | |
| | ^ Bottom view (chinese) | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-edition-bottom.jpg|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition bottom view}} | |
| | ^ Label (R4A Giga, first international version) | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-giga-global-label.jpg?600|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Giga label view}} | |
| | ^ Label (R4A Gigabit, revised International version) | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-global-label.jpg?600|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Giga label view}} | |
| |
| //**BOARD**// | //**BOARD**// |
| |
| ^ Top view| {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-board.jpg?0x250|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition board}} | | ^ Top view | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-board.jpg?0x250|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition board}} | |
| Supplied with a 12v @ 1A DC power adapter, fitted with a regular 2.1 x 5.5mm barrel plug. | ^ Top view of model shipped without shielding since 2020 (Global Gigabit model was FCC approved in April 2021. The PCB in photo shows week 14 of 2021 manufacture date)| {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-board-without-shielding-small.jpg?0x250|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition board without shielding}} | |
| | Supplied with a 12v @ 1A DC power adapter, fitted with a regular 2.1 x 5.5mm dia. x 12mm long barrel plug. Ensure the barrel plug is 12mm long. A shorter 10mm plug may result in intermittent power connection. |
| ==== Opening the case ==== | ==== Opening the case ==== |
| |
| There are 2 screws on the bottom of the case both are covered by the product label, remove the edges for access. There are also clips around the edge of the case you will need to prize open. | There are 2 screws on the bottom of the case both are covered by the product label. Carefully lift the ends of the label for access to the screws. There are also clips around the edge of the case you will need to prize open. Use a thin spudger/pry tool or blunt knife and start on the long edge next to the ethernet sockets and aerials. The remaining 3 sides of the cover unclip very easily by pulling the bottom cover away from the case body. |
| ==== Serial ==== | ==== Serial ==== |
| /* -> [[docs:techref:hardware:port.serial]] general information about the serial port, serial port cable, etc. */ | /* -> [[docs:techref:hardware:port.serial]] general information about the serial port, serial port cable, etc. */ |
| ==== RJ45 socket DIY modification ==== | ==== RJ45 socket DIY modification ==== |
| |
| If the ethernet plugs will not latch properly into the RJ45 sockets of a 4A 'Giga' model (Global v2.28.132 firmware), the solution is to modify the case as shown below\\ | If the ethernet plugs will not latch properly into the RJ45 sockets, the solution is to modify the case as shown below\\ |
| {{:media:xiaomi:4ag-rj45mod.jpg?400|}}\\ | {{media:xiaomi:4ag_rj45mod.jpg?400|}}\\ |
| To prevent accidental damage to the 'fragile' blue & black RJ45 sockets, the PCB can be slid slightly to one side, and the | To prevent accidental damage to the 'fragile' blue & black RJ45 sockets, the PCB can be slid slightly to one side, and the |
| sockets taped over to block dust. Use a fine square file to carefully carve out the notch in the white ABS case. | sockets taped over to block dust. Use a square file to carefully carve out the notch in the white ABS case. |
| |
| The ethernet cables should now latch into the RJ45 sockets with a positive and Loud click. | The ethernet cables will latch into the RJ45 sockets with a positive and Loud click. |
| |
| ===== Bootlogs ===== | ===== Bootlogs ===== |
| ===== Notes ===== | ===== Notes ===== |
| |
| ==== Alternative Padavan firmware for 4A Gigabit ==== | ==== Alternative firmware for R4A Gigabit ==== |
| <WRAP important 100%>**<color #ed1c24>Warning: Use at your own risk</color>**</WRAP> | <WRAP important 100%>**<color #ed1c24>Warning: Use at your own risk. |
| | |
| | Do not install Padavan firmware on later models with Eon or CFeon flash chips. Also not for latest v2 model. Padavan has been tested on very early 'Giga' 2019 model. </color>**</WRAP> |
| | |
| | For a quite long time, there is an alternative firmware called "**Padavan**". |
| | |
| | For Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition, the Padavan firmware is based on the deprecated [[wp>Linux_kernel_version_history#Releases_3.x.y|Linux kernel version 3.4.113]] that has reached EOL as of October 2016. Despite that this is rather outdated firmware, it is very popular in Russia and some other countries mainly due to its stability, open source code, and convenient ru interface, which is suitable even for non-advanced users, albeit potentially vulnerable due to the lack of updates and security patches. There is a community of enthusiasts that still produces fixes and custom builds for this firmware. The most popular fork for this firmware with a stable version can be found in this repository: [[https://github.com/hanwckf/rt-n56u|Github link]]. |
| | |
| | On the russian '4pda' forum, there are Windows scripts for flashing the alternative Padavan firmware on the Xiaomi 4A Gigabit (R3Gv2). In addition to being able to flash alternative firmware, these scripts can be reused for flashing OpenWrt. The original post with details and instructions can be found here: [[https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=988197&st=0#entry95240419|Link to 4pda.to forum]] |
| | |
| | ==== Microsoft Windows installation instructions for R4A Gigabit ==== |
| | <WRAP important 100%>**<color #ed1c24>Warning: Use at your own risk. |
| | |
| | Successfully tested by a number of OpenWrt users for Giga and Gigabit models.</color>**</WRAP> |
| | |
| | Windows-based scripts that are provided in the '4pda' forum **allow to flash OpenWrt into Xiaomi 4A Gigabit (R3Gv2) on the Windows 10 PC** via Windows command prompt. These scripts use OpenWRTInvasion vulnerability method too. The original instructions for this process are available in this post: [[https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=988197&st=0#entry95240419|Link to 4pda.to forum]] |
| | |
| | **Note**: the files with instructions from this forum (dated upto September 2020) were translated to English and uploaded to this dropbox folder: |
| | [[https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yis1ih40vfpfj9p/AACgEKJhdbFioCS3GkEPnSz3a?dl=0|Link to dropbox]]. [[https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d3alxc4hi9hb2g6/AABqBbPWrVdJ3XE5SaGqh8AWa?dl=0|Link to dropbox mirror]] |
| | * The PDF guide in the dropbox folder contains the most up to date instructions: |
| | * -- **Quick Guide to installing OpenWrt firmware for Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Giga version 1.1.PDF** |
| | |
| | ==== 100mb WAN port negotiation issues ==== |
| | |
| | [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-r4a-gigabit-21-02-problem-with-100mbps-ethernet-wan/107985|Owrt forum]] |
| | Issue known to exist up to 21.02.2 (and possibly later - TBC), when R4AG WAN port is connected to certain 100mb ports. The problem appears to be resolved in snapshots since 22 Feb 2022, and from 22.03.0-rc1. |
| | |
| | [[https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/issues/8840|FS#3839]] |
| | |
| | ==== 5 GHz wireless issues ==== |
| | [[https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/issues/8984|FS#3989]] |
| | |
| | |
| | ==== Unable to install OpenWrt to new R4A 'Gigabit' edition ==== |
| | |
| | **<color #ed1c24>Update (2023)</color>**: EON EN25QX128 flash chip is supported starting from 22.03.3 and 21.02.6 stable releases. |
| | |
| | [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-r4a-gigabit-upgrade-to-squashfs-sysupgrade-bin-from-initramfs-kernel-bin/122334/25|New EON EN25QX128 flash chip found in Chinese Language firmware model]] |
| | [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/xiaomi-4a-3-gigaport-cannot-flash-openwrt-21/122878|Second reported case found in Chinese Language firmware model]] [[https://forum.openwrt.org/t/new-xiaomi-4c-cannot-install-openwrt-flash-chip-changed-to-en25qx128a/|Same flash chip (EON EN25QX128A, ID 1c7118) found in a new 4C]] |
| | |
| | [[https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/issues/9442|Issue: 9442 - xiaomi-4a-gigabit-edition has a new flash which is EN25QX128@44Mhz cause a endless reboot]] |
| | [[https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/pull/9635|Add support for Eon flash chip]] |
| |
| Historically, the wireless bridge (AP-client) option offered by Padavan firmwares for other supported routers is far easier to configure and more effective than using Relayd in OpenWrt. It is known some Mediatek devices using Relayd may suffer from slow upload speeds. [[flyspray>2816|FS2816]] | You can determine which flash chip is fitted by inspecting the markings on the 8 legged chip which is near the DC power socket. It is just about visible by looking through the holes in the bottom of the case, or by opening the case. \\ |
| |
| There is a useful russian forum post hosting scripts for flashing alternative Padavan firmware or OpenWrt onto 4A Gigabit (R3Gv2) using Windows 10. The post was created by **OlegLOM**. Note it uses an alternative bootloader (NOT the breed bootloader). | {{media:xiaomi:xiaomi-mi-router-4a-gigabit-flashchip.jpg?300|Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit flash chip}} |
| [[https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=988197&st=0#entry95240419|Link to 4pda.to forum]] | |
| |
| As the pda.to forum can be difficult to log in for non-russians, the files dated upto September 2020, have been conveniently copied/archived to this dropbox folder. Google translations are included in PDFs. | As of August 2022, devices with global international v3.x firmware with manufacture date of 2022, and devices with chinese firmware from later half of 2021 have so far been found to contain the Eon flash chip. The manufacture date may be found on the barcode label attached to the cardboard shipping box. |
| [[https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yis1ih40vfpfj9p/AACgEKJhdbFioCS3GkEPnSz3a?dl=0|Link to dropbox]] | |
| |
| There also appears to be an AsusWrt build for the Xiaomi 4A Gigabit. Information can be found in the same dropbox folder. | The Debrick instruction for the MiWiFiRepairToolx86 can be used to restore Xiaomi stock firmware on these devices fitted with Eon flash chip. |
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