These are some notes to serve me as future reference for updating the x86_64 router

Pre-Update Preparation

  1. Create a Backup Image:

    • Open the router and use the dd command to create an image of the current setup.
    • This image will serve as a snapshot of the current system, allowing you to restore it if necessary.

  2. Backup Current Configuration:

    • Ensure that you have a complete backup of the current configuration.
    • Download and securely store the backup file to prevent data loss during the reinstallation.

Download and Prepare New Image

  1. Download Stable Image:

    • Visit the official OpenWRT download page and obtain the latest stable image. Currently, the recommended image is generic-ext4-combined.
    • Verify the integrity of the downloaded image using checksums provided by OpenWRT.

  2. Write Image to SSD:

    • Use an appropriate tool to write the downloaded image to the router’s SSD. Ensure that the writing process completes without errors.

Initial Setup and Boot

  1. Connect Console and Reboot:

    • Connect the console cable to the router and to a laptop.
    • Reboot the router and monitor the boot process via the console to ensure there are no kernel issues and that the system boots up correctly.

  2. Secondary Laptop for Configuration:

    • Connect a secondary laptop to the router for initial configuration tasks. This allows for a more efficient setup process and troubleshooting if needed.

Network Configuration

  1. Verify Network Interfaces:

    • Check that the network interfaces have not changed their order. This is a common issue with the hardware of my router.
    • Correct any discrepancies in the interface order to ensure proper network functionality.

  2. Reconnect Network Cables:

    • Reconnect the WAN and LAN cables to their respective ports.
    • Ensure that all cables are securely connected and that there is proper network connectivity.

Restore and Verify Configuration

  1. Upload Backup Configuration:

    • Upload the previously backed-up configuration to the router.
    • Verify that the configuration upload is successful and that all settings are restored correctly.

  2. Check Name Resolution:

    • Verify that the restored configuration does not cause any issues with name resolution.
    • If problems arise, particularly with the WAN and LAN interfaces, refer to the OpenWRT archive (https://archive.openwrt.org/releases/) for troubleshooting guidance.

Post-Installation Tasks

  1. Update and Install Services:
    • Once name resolution is confirmed to be working, proceed to update all packages.
    • Install necessary services such as AdGuard, Dynamic DNS (DDNS), and WireGuard.

Final Steps

  1. Final Checks and Verification:
    • Perform a final verification to ensure that all configurations and services are functioning correctly.
    • Document any changes or issues encountered during the reinstallation process for future reference.

Completion

  1. Completion:
    • Once all steps are completed successfully, the router should be fully operational with the new setup.
    • And I'm done!