TP-Link TL-WR703N
The TL-WR703N is marketed as a "3G travel router". It does not include a 3G modem - it simply means that the OEM firmware supports USB 3G modems, and that the oem firmware contains drivers for USB modems! Ridiculous, since with OpenWrt ANY router with USB supports 3G hardware… 
The device was released in August 2011 in China.
The device is very similiar to the TL-MR3020.
Supported Versions
| Version/Model | Launch Date | OpenWrt Version Supported | Model Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| v1.0 | August 2011 | Trunk (r28294) | Confirmed working |
| v1.2 | Trunk (r29330) | Confirmed working | |
| v1.3 | Trunk (29283) | Confirmed working | |
| v1.5 | December 2011 | Trunk | Confirmed working |
| v1.6 | April 2013 | Trunk (r36145) | Confirmed working |
| v1.7 | December 2012 | AA(12.09) | AA confirmed working, trunk (r36641) broken |
Unlike many newer TP-Link devices, there appears to be no hardware differences between the version for the Chinese market and the version for the international market.
It was the first device that utilised the AR9331 chipset to be ported to OpenWrt. Newer TP-Link devices (such as the TL-WR741ND v4.x also use AR9331).
Features
- Atheros AR7240 CPU (400Mhz)
- Atheros AR9331 Chipset (integrated wireless)
- 802.11 b/g/n 150Mbps (130Mbps real)
- wireless power output 20dBm - 100mW
- 4 MB flash memory
- 32 MB RAM
- USB 2.0 port (High-Speed only, use an external High-Speed hub for Full/Low-Speed devices)
- Powered via micro-USB socket
- Tiny form factor: 5.7cm x 5.7cm x 1.8cm
Installation
- Please see generic.flashing for a generic description of the OpenWrt installation process.
Warnings / Gotchas
Please check the firmware version first, either:
- in the Chinese webadmin interface: "Build 120925" correspond to a v1.7 firmware
- on the internal sticker located on the Ethernet jack (may have 12B042)
- DO NOT RELY ON THE VERSION GIVEN BY THE EXTERNAL STICKER ON CASE BOTTOM : it may report falsely "1.6", even if the firmware is actually a V1.7
WARNING If you have a V1.7 firmware, current OpenWrt trunk (r36641) will brick
your router, unless you have access to the serial console!
Below is the version of the new bootloader (which disables the LAN port) of a version 1.7 hardware model (bought in December 2012).
root@tpl2:~# grep -a U-Boot /dev/mtd0ro | cut -d'I' -f1 U-Boot 1.1.4 (Sep 25 2012 - 09:04:47)For more info visit this forum topic: https://forum.openwrt.org/viewtopic.php?id=40986
Power consumption
This router is standardly powered via USB at 5V. The voltage regulator inside is unknown, but its input voltage should be at least between 3.7V - 5.5V, but not over 5.5V. The device will get damaged at too high voltages*. Maximum current draw at 5V is 185mA (OpenWrt boot), average current draw with WiFi at 18dBm is 100mA, without WiFi 80mA. Hence the average router power consumption is 0.5W, which is incredibly low.
Power consumption will be higher if a USB device is attached to its USB port!
*Hint: If the router seems to be damaged because of a too high voltage, connect 3.3V _after_ the voltage regulator. This resets an electrical fuse or something, and the router works again.
Serial console
The serial console connector does not utilise the regular TP-Link pinouts. Two pads labelled TP_OUT and TP_IN are the TX and RX signals. 115200 8n1
Note that the pads can very easily be lifted. There is slightly more mechanical strength if you can solder to the surface-mount components to which the pads are connected–but this also takes care–your device could easily be destroyed. Make sure that your connection is secured so that tension cannot be applied to the solder points when you connect to an external device.
Flashing
Upload the latest snapshot via the web interface (default: 192.168.1.1 / admin / admin).
Download latest squashfs-factory.bin or squashfs-sysupgrade.bin firmware for WR703N.
Note that the factory default web interface won't accept a file with a long name. Rename it to openwrt.bin and you won't get a "23002 Error".
For systems without a web interface, you can flash a sysupgrade file with mtd:
cd /tmp wget http://downloads.openwrt.org/snapshots/trunk/ar71xx/openwrt-ar71xx-generic-tl-wr703n-v1-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin sysupgrade openwrt-ar71xx-generic-tl-wr703n-v1-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin reboot
To flash from the Chinese web interface, at the present time you would select the last menu item on the left, and then the third submenu item. This initiates a popup with two buttons–the upper right one allows you to browse to find the file you want to flash on your PC, the lower left one initiates the flash.
When you roll over an item on the Chinese web interface, the rollover text will indicate which item you are selecting.
Failsafe mode
When the configuration no longer allows you to log in via any network connection (e.g. lost password), the OpenWrt failsafe mode can be entered via the single "Reset" button on the device. However, in contrast to the generic failsafe instructions, for the TL-WR703N you have to wait for ca. 10 (10-12) seconds before pushing the "Reset" button after powering on the device. If the button is pushed immediately after powering on, the single blue LED will start blinking, supposedly indicating some failsafe firmware recovery mody of the embedded bootloader (not yet discovered how to use it). In this mode, the OpenWrt failsafe is not being started. Instead, wait for slightly longer than 10 seconds and - as soon as the LED starts blinking for the first time after powering on the device, push the "Reset" button for ca. 1-2 seconds. Immediately afterwards, the LED will blink rapidly (multiple Hz) and OpenWrt will be in failsafe mode.
- The above didn't work on a Ver 1.6 box running OpenWRT r33312. To get into failsafe mode, power up the device and wait until the LED starts flashing (about 2Hz). Once it starts flashing (within about 4 seconds) then quickly press the button. The LED will then flash much faster and the device will be in failsafe mode.
Back to original image
- Setup serial console 115200 8n1
- Enter "tpl" as soon as U-Boot announces "Autobooting in 1 seconds"
- Download the original image: http://www.tp-link.com.cn/download/2011930104462.rar extact to tftp folder
- Setup your eth0 to 192.168.1.100, you can check detail by 'printenv'
- Run blow command under U-Boot:
tftpboot 0x81000000 wr703nv1_cn_3_12_11_up(110926).bin erase 0x9f020000 +0x3c0000 cp.b 0x81000000 0x9f020000 0x3c0000 bootm 9f020000
Internal images
You can see the serial connector labeled TP_IN and TP_OUT on the bottom right. GND is right next to it on the right pin of C55.
AN1 on the bottom right is the strip antenna for wifi.
Hi Res images here : https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/107211980242732541247/albums/5737162394063705409/5737162392085444242
Hardware summary
| IC | Info | Datasheet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | AR7240 | Click | |
| Flash ROM | Eon EN25Q32B | Click | |
| SDRAM | Zentel A3S56D40FTP | ||
| Chipset (Wi-Fi controller) | AR9331 | 1x1 | http://see.sl088.com/w/images/6/69/AR9331.pdf |
TL-WR703N Reverse Engineering
The TL-WR703N has been teared down by Kean and almost completely reverse-engineered by Squonk, including external layers layout and schematic.
AR9331 Pinout
Check the details here.
GPIOs
The AR933x platform provides 30 GPIOs. Some of them are used by the router for status LEDs, buttons and other stuff. The table below shows the results of investigations:
| GPIO | Available on WR703N | AR9331 Pin | POR Value | WR703N Name | Description | MR3020 Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | R4-E | A78 | 0 | Must have 0 value during bootstrap* | WLAN LED/LED4 | |
| 1 | R2-S | A77 | 1 | Must have 1 value during bootstrap | ||
| 2 | VIA | B49 | SPI_CS_0 | Used by SPI Flash | SPI_CS_0 | |
| 3 | VIA | B51 | SPI_CLK | Used by SPI Flash | SPI_CLK | |
| 4 | VIA | A57 | SPI_MOSI | Used by SPI Flash | SPI_MOSI | |
| 5 | R57-S/R60-S | B50 | SPI_MISO | Used by SPI Flash | SPI_MISO | |
| 6 | R16-S | B46 | LDO | Connected to U6 LDO* | LDO | |
| 7 | R15-S | A54 | 0 | * | ||
| 8 | R18-E | A52 | USB_POWER | Control USB Host Power | USB_POWER | |
| 9 | R82-N | B68 | 1 | TP_IN | UART RXD | TP_IN |
| 10 | C55-W | A79 | TP_OUT | UART TXD | TP_OUT | |
| 11 | R92-E | B48 | RESET SW | Soft Reset Switch | WPS/RESET SW | |
| 12 | VIA | A56 | 0 | Must have 0 value during bootstrap | ||
| 13 | R3-S | B66 | 1 | Must have 0 value during bootstrap | ||
| 14 | R11-N | A76 | 0 | Must have 0 value during bootstrap* | ||
| 15 | R12-N | B65 | 0 | Must have 0 value during bootstrap* | ||
| 16 | R13-N | A75 | 0 | Must have 0 value during bootstrap | ||
| 17 | R14-N | B64 | 1 | LAN LED/LED5 | ||
| 18 | NC | A28 | N/A | SLIDE SW1 | ||
| 19 | ||||||
| 20 | NC | A27 | N/A | SLIDE SW2 | ||
| 21 | ||||||
| 22 | ||||||
| 23 | ||||||
| 24 | ||||||
| 25 | ||||||
| 26 | ||||||
| 27 | LED2-S/LED3-S | B44 | LED2/LED3 | Blue PCB LED | 3G LED/LED3 | |
| 28 | VIA | A74 | 0 | Must have 0 value during bootstrap | ||
| 29 | R17-S | A53 | 0 |
* on wr703n these can be floating (i.e. resistors removed) and the unit still boots
PCB details
You can get additional details on the PCB in the dedicated PCB Details Wiki page.
Boot log (OpenWrt)
U-Boot 1.1.4 (Aug 27 2011 - 10:39:39)
>
AP121-2MB (ar9330) U-boot
>
DRAM: 32 MB
led turning on for 1s...
id read 0x100000ff
flash size 4194304, sector count = 64
Flash: 4 MB
Using default environment
>
In: serial
Out: serial
Err: serial
Net: ag7240_enet_initialize...
No valid address in Flash. Using fixed address
No valid address in Flash. Using fixed address
: cfg1 0x5 cfg2 0x7114
eth0: 00:03:7f:09:0b:ad
ag7240_phy_setup
eth0 up
: cfg1 0xf cfg2 0x7214
eth1: 00:03:7f:09:0b:ad
athrs26_reg_init_lan
ATHRS26: resetting s26
ATHRS26: s26 reset done
ag7240_phy_setup
eth1 up
eth0, eth1
Autobooting in 1 seconds
## Booting image at 9f020000 ...
Uncompressing Kernel Image ... OK
>
Starting kernel ...
>
Linux version 2.6.39.4 (juhosg@idared) (gcc version 4.5.4 20110808 (prerelease) (Linaro GCC 4.5-2011.08) ) #1 Tue Sep 20 14:44:37 CEST 2011
bootconsole [early0] enabled
CPU revision is: 00019374 (MIPS 24Kc)
SoC: Atheros AR9330 rev 1
Clocks: CPU:400.000MHz, DDR:400.000MHz, AHB:200.000MHz, Ref:25.000MHz
Determined physical RAM map:
memory: 02000000 @ 00000000 (usable)
Initrd not found or empty - disabling initrd
Zone PFN ranges:
Normal 0x00000000 -> 0x00002000
Movable zone start PFN for each node
early_node_map[1] active PFN ranges
0: 0x00000000 -> 0x00002000
Built 1 zonelists in Zone order, mobility grouping on. Total pages: 8128
Kernel command line: board=TL-WR703N console=ttyATH0,115200 rootfstype=squashfs,jffs2 noinitrd
PID hash table entries: 128 (order: -3, 512 bytes)
Dentry cache hash table entries: 4096 (order: 2, 16384 bytes)
Inode-cache hash table entries: 2048 (order: 1, 8192 bytes)
Primary instruction cache 64kB, VIPT, 4-way, linesize 32 bytes.
Primary data cache 32kB, 4-way, VIPT, cache aliases, linesize 32 bytes
Writing ErrCtl register=00000000
Readback ErrCtl register=00000000
Memory: 29376k/32768k available (2009k kernel code, 3392k reserved, 386k data, 180k init, 0k highmem)
SLUB: Genslabs=9, HWalign=32, Order=0-3, MinObjects=0, CPUs=1, Nodes=1
NR_IRQS:80
Calibrating delay loop... 265.42 BogoMIPS (lpj=1327104)
pid_max: default: 32768 minimum: 301
Mount-cache hash table entries: 512
NET: Registered protocol family 16
MIPS: machine is TP-LINK TL-WR703N v1
bio: create slab
Boot log (Factory)
U-Boot 1.1.4 (Aug 27 2011 - 10:39:39)
AP121-2MB (ar9330) U-boot
DRAM: 32 MB
led turning on for 1s...
id read 0x100000ff
flash size 4194304, sector count = 64
Flash: 4 MB
Using default environment
In: serial
Out: serial
Err: serial
Net: ag7240_enet_initialize...
No valid address in Flash. Using fixed address
No valid address in Flash. Using fixed address
: cfg1 0x5 cfg2 0x7114
eth0: 00:03:7f:09:0b:ad
ag7240_phy_setup
eth0 up
: cfg1 0xf cfg2 0x7214
eth1: 00:03:7f:09:0b:ad
athrs26_reg_init_lan
ATHRS26: resetting s26
ATHRS26: s26 reset done
ag7240_phy_setup
eth1 up
eth0, eth1
Autobooting in 1 seconds
## Booting image at 9f020000 ...
Uncompressing Kernel Image ... OK
Starting kernel ...
Booting AR9330(Hornet)...
Linux version 2.6.31--LSDK-9.2.0.312 (root@bogon) (gcc version 4.3.3 (GCC) ) #128 Fri Aug 26 14:58:53 CST 2011
flash_size passed from bootloader = 4
CPU revision is: 00019374 (MIPS 24Kc)
Determined physical RAM map:
memory: 02000000 @ 00000000 (usable)
User-defined physical RAM map:
memory: 02000000 @ 00000000 (usable)
Zone PFN ranges:
Normal 0x00000000 -> 0x00002000
Movable zone start PFN for each node
early_node_map[1] active PFN ranges
0: 0x00000000 -> 0x00002000
Built 1 zonelists in Zone order, mobility grouping on. Total pages: 8128
Kernel command line: console=ttyS0,115200 root=31:02 rootfstype=squashfs init=/sbin/init mtdparts=ar7240-nor0:128k(u-boot),1024k(kernel),2816(rootfs),64k(config),64k(ART) mem=32M
PID hash table entries: 128 (order: 7, 512 bytes)
Dentry cache hash table entries: 4096 (order: 2, 16384 bytes)
Inode-cache hash table entries: 2048 (order: 1, 8192 bytes)
Primary instruction cache 64kB, VIPT, 4-way, linesize 32 bytes.
Primary data cache 32kB, 4-way, VIPT, cache aliases, linesize 32 bytes
Writing ErrCtl register=00000000
Readback ErrCtl register=00000000
Memory: 29864k/32768k available (1888k kernel code, 2904k reserved, 524k data, 116k init, 0k highmem)
Hierarchical RCU implementation.
NR_IRQS:128
plat_time_init: plat time init done
Calibrating delay loop... 266.24 BogoMIPS (lpj=532480)
Mount-cache hash table entries: 512
NET: Registered protocol family 16
===== ar7240_platform_init: 0
Whoops! This kernel is for product wr703 v1.0!
bio: create slab
MTD
cat /proc/mtd
dev: size erasesize name mtd0: 00020000 00010000 "u-boot" mtd1: 000d9fa8 00010000 "kernel" mtd2: 002f6058 00010000 "rootfs" mtd3: 000f0000 00010000 "rootfs_data" mtd4: 00010000 00010000 "art" mtd5: 003d0000 00010000 "firmware"
USB port and monitoring Serial Console via USB-Serial
The USB port on the WR703n is not compatible with USB1 devices (aka full speed) and only works properly with USB2 (aka high speed) devices. You can however plug a USB-Serial adapter as long as you plug that through a <$10 USB2. While you're at it, use another USB port to plug in a USB key and write data there (like serial console logs) so as not to wear out the built in flash.
See this page for more tips and how to create a serial console server out of your WR703n: http://marc.merlins.org/perso/linux/post_2012-12-05_Serial-Console-With-WR703N.html
GPS Tracking Example
Here is a recipe for gps tracking using a usb gps module. https://forum.openwrt.org/viewtopic.php?pid=185438
Software Mods
DIY Projects
Hardware Mods
- as a beginner, you really should inform yourself about soldering in general and then even obtain some experience!
Here are some interesting hardware hacks for the TL-WR703N, from the OpenWRT forum:
- TL-MR3420 flash modification (also applies to TL-WR703N)
- Building an external Serial Port (using common 3.5mm headphone jack)
*Access serial communication on a mini router (no extra connector)
- Antenna mods
Webradio device
This project implements a webradio with cheep usb soundcard and a speaker of an old mobile phone within the casing of the router. There are two analogue controllers for selecting the stream and the volume. Therefor an attiny85 is connected to the uart.
Building a tiny webradio with analog volume and tune controller
64MB RAM Mod
The Device uses a DDR1 16Mbit x 16bit (16Mibit*16=256 mebibit. 256 mebibit/8=32MiByte) 400MHz chip Zentel A3S56D40FTP. Replace it with any 32Mbit x 16bit chip. 333MHz instead of 400MHz also works fine. It's quite hard to find these chips. One of the ways to get them is to have a look at DDR SO-DIMM (because SO-DIMM modules are shipped with x16 chips). Since there are no 64Mbit x 16bit DDR1 Chips available → no 128 MB mod!
The most easy approach is to seek for a 4-chip DDR 256 MB module. These all have x16 chips too. Chips only on one side (not to be confused with double-sided 256 MB modules with 4 chips on each side) and only 4 of them - that's the best chance to get some. They represent a small percent among usual 8-chip modules but this is equalized with the amount and "cheap as dirt" price of such DDR 256 MB modules.
Working chips:
- Hynix HY5DU121622DTP-D43 (From Mustang DDR SO-DIMM 512 MB)
- Hynix HY5DU121622CTP-D43 (From Hynix DDR SO-DIMM PC2700S-25330 512MB DDR 333MHz CL 2.5, chips are 400Mhz compatible due to "D43" marking.)
- Infineon HYB25D512160BE (From Infineon DDR SO-DIMM 512 MB)
- Elpida EDD5116ADTA-6B-E (From Elpida DDR SO-DIMM 512 MB)
Additional list that may work:
| Type | ID Code | Vendor | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 400 TSOP Pb Free | HY5DU121622DTP-D43-C | Hynix |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 400 TSOP Pb Free | H5DU5162ETR-E3C | Hynix |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 400 Pb Free | K4H511638G-LCCC | Samsung |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 400 Pb Free | K4H511638J-LCCC | Samsung |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 400 | A3S12D40ETP-G5 | Zentel |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 400 | NT5DS32M16BS-5T | Nanya |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 400 PB Free | P3S12D40ETP-GUTT | Mira |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 333 CL2.5 TSOP | MT46V32M16TG-6T:F | Micron |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 333 CL2.5 TSOP | MT46V32M16P-6T:F | Micron |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 333 PB Free TSOP | HYB25D512160CE-6 | Qimonda |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 333 PB Free TSOP | HYB25D512160CEL-6 | Qimonda |
| DDR | 32Mx16 | DDR 333 PB Free TSOP | HYB25D512160DE-6 | Qimonda |
By default router able to see all 64MB.
root@OpenWrt:~# free
total used free shared buffers
Mem: 61864 48044 13820 0 30316
MiniPwner Home
The MiniPwner's key features include:
Integrated Wired and Wireless connections Once plugged into a target network, the Mini-Pwner can establish an SSH tunnel through the target network, or can be accessed by wifi. In addition, the MiniPwner can be configured as a wifi sniffer and logger - wardriving in your pocket.
Low power consumption, can be run off battery. With the 1700 mAh battery included in the kit, the Mini-Pwner will run for over five hours of active wired and wireless activity. No need to find a power outlet during the pen test.
Multiple Pen Testing Tools included tcpdump, nmap, kismet, all come pre-installed
Flexible and Expandable The MiniPwner runs on the open source OpenWrt operating system. You can easily add or change the installed packages.
Small size The MiniPwner can be easily carried in a pocket, hidden behind a telephone, or hang from a jack by a short ethernet cable.
There are many other creative ways to use the MiniPwner. Here is a list of some of the software that comes installed:
- Nmap network scanner
- Tcpdump sniffer
- Netcat Hacker’s swiss army knife
- aircrack Wireless network analysis
- kismet Wireless network analysis
- perl Perl Scripting Language
- openvpn VPN Client and Server
- dsniff suite of sniffing and spoofing tools, including arpspoof
- nbtscan NetBIOS Network Scanner
- snort Sniffer, Packet Logger, Intrusion Detection System
- karma Wireless Sniffing Tool - not working yet….
- samba2-client Windows File Sharing Client
- elinks Text Based Web Browser
- yafc FTP Client
- openssh-sftp-client Secure File Transfer Client
WR703N Expander board and case
Kean Electronics in conjunction with the Sydney Hackerspace has developed WR703N Expander board as Open Hardware, all schematics are available online on their website - http://www.kean.com.au/oshw/WR703N/
Connector Info
- The upstream USB connection is intended to come via a 4 pin header plugged into the WR703N PCB below (existing USB connector removed).
- You can also populate a mini-B connector for connection to any upstream USB host via a
- You can populate up to 3 USB A female connectors, or use 0.1" headers/connectors to mount USB connectors
- USB1 and USB2 are intended to be standard right angle connectors, but will also take vertical style.
- USB2 is recessed - partly to make the PCB able to be mounted very low on top of the WR703N PCB, but it also makes it suitable for very small USB drives (Sandisk Cruzer Fit).
- USB3 can be a right angle or more usually a vertical connector. Or left off completely.
- If a right angle connector is used for USB3, you can't easily use PORTB (and you should probably put some insulating tape over the PORTB pads).
- The PORTA and PORTB headers are similar to the common SparkFun FTDI connector, although they include RTS instead of DTR.
- The GPIO connector is intended to be a standard 2x5 box header.
- See the schematic for pin outs of the GPIO and serial ports. Due to space restrictions, the extra 8 GPIO's from PORTB are not routed out.
Tags
toh/tp-link/tl-wr703n.txt · Last modified: 2013/05/16 07:24 by theamk