Introduction: The Need to Downgrade Firmware
Firmware updates have proven essential in keeping running devices. They ensure that there is always an update on the devices with the latest security patches and bug fixes for performance enhancement. At times, though, these updates bring unexpected problems. Some people mikrotik crs125-24g-1s downgrade firmware report drastic reductions in internet speed or other performance problems. Perhaps that applies to you too; not long ago you upgraded your MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD from 6.24 to 6.29.1 version, and thus you find internet access speed very degraded.
Firmware updates are supposed to make things better, but sometimes they don’t. When the update does more harm than good, like in cases where the speeds slow down or become unstable, the best thing to do is downgrade to a stable version. In this article, you will be guided through reasons why one may want to downgrade, steps involved in reverting to an earlier version, and ensuring that your MikroTik device works at optimal levels after the process.
What Is MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD?
Before getting to the actual firmware downgrade, one needs to know what the MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD is and what it is used for in networking. The CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD is a high-performance router that finds its applications in small to medium-sized businesses or in more advanced home networking configurations. It has 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and one SFP port for high-speed fiber connections and Wi-Fi.
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Some of the key features include:
Gigabit Ethernet Ports: This enables a high-speed internet connection and allows for the connection of multiple devices at once.
Wi-Fi: It offers dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless network access
SFP Port: This allows multiple high-speed fiber connections to the device, making it perfect for more robust networking schemes
This equipment is very reliable; however, as with all technology, it sometimes encounters software malfunctions such as buggy firmware versions.
Firmware Updates: Why They Matter
Firmware is the internal software in your router or network device, controlling its operations. Manufacturers like MikroTik update their firmware regularly, adding new features, fixing bugs, or enhancing security. The importance of such updates lies in protecting devices against vulnerabilities, maintaining compatibility with newer technologies, and general performance improvements.
Of course, firmware updates are not always smooth. A new firmware version might come along with unexpected bugs or compatibility issues and slow internet speed, device instability, or technical issues. The fix in such situations is to go back to a previous, more stable version of the firmware.
Common Issues After Firmware Update
Several problems will begin to surface after you update the firmware of your MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD, and most of them are performance-related. You might notice an overall slowing down of your internet right after the update. Some of the other things you might experience include:
Device instability. The router will start dropping connections and will not reboot.
Compatibility issues. Some features or external devices can no longer be used as you would want them to.
Wi-Fi performance problems: Slow or intermittent wireless connectivity could also occur after an update.
These issues can disrupt your business or home network, making it crucial to find a way to restore optimal performance.
Why Downgrade MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S Firmware?
If you’ve recently updated your MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD and are facing performance issues, downgrading the firmware could be a quick and effective solution. Here’s why:
Speed Restoration: Sometimes, new firmware versions introduce bugs in your internet speed. Downgrading to a previous stable version can get your network back to the top.
Stability: The older firmware versions have been well tested and have a history of reliability, making them safer choices if newer versions cause instability.
Familiarity: If the newer firmware introduced features you don’t need or significant changes, you might be able to maintain the interface and functionalities you are more familiar with by downgrading to an earlier version.
Before downgrading, though, consider the pros and cons. Downgrading firmware may help solve speed issues, but it can remove newer features or security patches. Always consider your network needs and security before proceeding.
Steps to Downgrade the MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S Firmware
- You have already made up your mind that downgrading is the solution to your internet speed problem. Follow these steps to revert your MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD to an earlier firmware version:
- Backup Your Configuration: Before you start any downgrade, ensure that you have backed up your router’s configuration. This will help you restore your settings if anything goes wrong during the process.
- Download Firmware Version: From the MikroTik website download the firmware that you want to downgrade to, and ensure you choose the correct one for your router model.
- Log in to Router: Access the MikroTik through Winbox, WebFig or SSH. The connection should preferably be through a LAN cable directly to the device for stability.
- Once connected, upload the file carrying firmware to the router. This process can easily be achieved from the menu of Winbox or from the web interface.
Reboot the Device
The device has been uploaded with the new firmware, and in order to install the older version of firmware on the router, the device needs to be rebooted.
Check Stability: Reboot the device and check your Internet speed for possible stability based on how great it works.
Trouble Shoot Failed Downgrades
If the downgrade fails, then here are a few things that may be checked:
Check the Firmware You Download: Ensure you downloaded the correct firmware for your MikroTik device.
Hard Reset: In case the router feels dead or doesn’t respond at all, you have to hard reset it into its factory settings before attempting again to downgrade.
Errors: Whenever an error message appears while attempting to downgrade, write down the error code and refer to the documentation from MikroTik for precise solutions to this error.
Revert to a Stable Version
If you have successfully downgraded to a previous firmware version and your performance problems are gone, then you must test the router’s stability. This is done by using your device just like normal usage so that you see whether the internet speed and stability are improved. If everything works fine, you have probably found a stable version for your device.
Preventive Measures after Downgrading
Once you’ve downgraded and restored optimal performance, there are a few best practices to ensure continued stability:
Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on your network’s performance over time to ensure the issue doesn’t return.
Update Firmware When Necessary: Periodically check for firmware updates, but only install them after reading reviews or confirming that the update is stable.
Use Quality Hardware: Ensure your hardware—cables, connections, and network devices—is not causing the problem.
Alternative Solutions for Improving CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD Performance
If downgrading the firmware doesn’t solve your problem, there are other steps you can take to improve performance:
Network Configuration: Sometimes, tweaking your network settings can improve speed and stability.
Hardware Upgrades: Consider upgrading cables, routers, or Wi-Fi access points to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion: Is Downgrading the Best Solution?
It is easy to downgrade the firmware of your MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD, and this can solve most performance issues if the newly updated version was the one that slowed your internet down to a much slower pace. Downgrading must, however be done very carefully as some of the features that make the firmware useful could get deleted with the security updates. Always have your configuration backed up before downgrading, and always be very careful on the downgrade procedure. Then, check the device.
If this does not work, then it is probably a matter of other troubleshooting options, like network settings changes or upgrading hardware. The bottom line is that maintenance of a stable, high-performance network requires continuous monitoring and periodic updates to keep the system running well.
FAQs:
How do I know if my firmware needs to be downgraded?
If your speed drops drastically or becomes unstable after a firmware update, downgrading may solve the problem.
Can I downgrade firmware at any time in my MikroTik CRS125-24G-1S-2HnD?
Yes, you can downgrade the firmware at any time provided that you have the correct version and you are proceeding according to the proper steps.
What do I do if the router doesn’t boot after the downgrade?
You do a hard reset and put it back into the factory settings and try again. Is firmware downgrading safe?
Yes, if you do everything perfectly and use a stable, tried version of firmware.
The problem of Wi-Fi
Some troubles with Wi-Fi performance are induced by bad updates. Sometimes, downgrading them can cure such problems.