TFTP Server Configuration

The TFTP Server is the core tool for router unbricking. It transfers firmware to a router that is already in recovery mode. It normally works only on the local network; the important details are the computer's static IP, firmware filename, shared folder, and selected network adapter.

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

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

4. Click “Show Dir” to ensure the firmware file is visible 5. Ensure the firewall allows TFTP

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

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

On a Mac, the common mistakes are `/private/tftpboot` permissions, binding the server to Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet, or forgetting to set a static IP. You can download Router Recovery's macOS TFTP Server to check these recovery setup items before entering router recovery mode.

```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 ```

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

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

# Configure /etc/default/tftpd-hpa TFTP_USERNAME=“tftp” TFTP_DIRECTORY=“/srv/tftp” TFTP_ADDRESS=“0.0.0.0:69” TFTP_OPTIONS=“–secure –verbose”

# 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 ```

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

When verifying on a Mac, also confirm the TFTP Server's local IP is in the subnet expected by the router recovery guide. For example, if the router listens around `192.168.1.1`, the Mac is often set to `192.168.1.254` or another address in that subnet.

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

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

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

Before you power-cycle the router while holding Reset, run a macOS TFTP recovery check to confirm the static IP, firmware file, TFTP folder, and wired network adapter are ready.