TFTP Server Configuration

The TFTP server is the core tool for router unbricking, used to transfer firmware to the router via the TFTP protocol.

TFTP Introduction

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) - A simple file transfer protocol without authentication, suitable for transferring small files within a local network.

Windows

TFTPD32/TFTPD64

1. Download TFTPD64 2. Run as Administrator 3. Configure the interface:

Setting Value
โ€”โ€”โ€”โ€”โ€”-
Current Directory Folder containing the firmware
Server Interface Computer IP (e.g. 192.168.1.100)
Protocol TFTP
Port 69

4. Click โ€œShow Dirโ€ to ensure the firmware file is visible 5. Ensure the firewall allows TFTP

Windows 10/11 Built-in TFTP

```powershell # Run PowerShell as Administrator Install-WindowsFeature -Name TFTP-Client

# Or enable manually: # Control Panel โ†’ Programs โ†’ Turn Windows features on or off โ†’ TFTP Client ```

macOS

Built-in tftpd

```bash # Start the TFTP server sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist

# Set the shared folder (default /private/tftpboot) sudo mkdir -p /private/tftpboot sudo chmod 777 /private/tftpboot sudo cp firmware.bin /private/tftpboot/

# Restart the service sudo launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist ```

Homebrew

```bash brew install atftp atftpd โ€“daemon โ€“bind-address 192.168.1.100 โ€“directory /your/firmware/folder ```

Linux

tftpd-hpa

```bash # Install sudo apt install tftpd-hpa

# Configure /etc/default/tftpd-hpa TFTP_USERNAME=โ€œtftpโ€ TFTP_DIRECTORY=โ€œ/srv/tftpโ€ TFTP_ADDRESS=โ€œ0.0.0.0:69โ€ TFTP_OPTIONS=โ€œโ€“secure โ€“verboseโ€

# Create the directory sudo mkdir -p /srv/tftp sudo chmod 777 /srv/tftp sudo cp firmware.bin /srv/tftp/

# Restart the service sudo systemctl restart tftpd-hpa ```

Verify TFTP Server

```bash # Test from another computer tftp 192.168.1.100 tftp> get firmware.bin tftp> quit ```

Troubleshooting

Connection Timeout

* Check if the firewall allows UDP port 69 * Ensure the computer and router are on the same subnet * Verify the IP address is correct

File Transfer Failed

* Check if the firmware filename is correct * Confirm the firmware file has read permissions * Try disabling the firewall for testing

Transfer Complete but Router Has No Response

* The firmware may not be compatible with this model * Check if the firmware version matches the hardware version

โš ๏ธ Technical Disclaimer

This tutorial is for learning and reference only. Flashing firmware carries risks and may cause bricked devices or void warranty. Before proceeding:

Last updated: April 2026