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As of January 2006, most third-party firmware is no longer
compatible with version 5 of both the WRT54G and the WRT54GS. The
amount of flash memory in the version 5 devices has been reduced to 2
MB, too small for current Linux-based third-party firmware. (See table
above for information on identifying the version based on the serial
number printed on the bottom of the unit, and on the outside of the
shrink-wrapped retail box.)
Some users have succeeded in flashing and running a stripped down
but fully functional version of DD-WRT called 'micro' on a version 5
WRT54G.
[20][21] An easier method not requiring any disassembly of the device has since been devised for flashing v5-v8 to DD-WRT.
[22][23]
To support third-party firmware, Linksys has re-released the WRT54G v4, under the new model name
WRT54GL
(the 'L' in this name allegedly stands for 'Linux'). It is also
possible to replace the 2MB flash chip in the WRT54G with a 4MB flash
chip. The Macronix International 29LV320BTC-90 is a suitable part
although others may work as well. The user must first install a JTAG
header and use a JTAG cable to backup the firmware,then replace the
chip and restore the firmware with the JTAG cable. After testing for
proper functionality of the modified unit,3rd party firmware can be
flashed using the JTAG cable and a suitable image file.