Updating the firmware for your D-Link DWR-M960 hardware revision A2
is essential for maintaining network security, fixing connectivity bugs, and potentially boosting your LTE performance. For this specific router, ensuring you have the correct "A2" version of the firmware is critical, as installing software meant for a different hardware revision can permanently damage (brick) your device. How to Identify Your DWR-M960 Hardware Revision
Before downloading any files, you must verify that your device is indeed Revision A2. You can find this information in two ways:
Product Label: Check the sticker on the bottom or back of the router. Look for the H/W Ver: or Ver: field. It should say "A2".
Web Interface: Log in to your router (default IP is usually 192.168.0.1). The hardware version is often displayed in the top right corner or under the "System Info" section. Where to Download A2 Firmware Official firmware for the
is regional. You should always use the official D-Link support site for your specific country or region: Middle East & Africa: D-Link MEA Downloads provides datasheets and firmware links for the
India: The D-Link India Firmware Portal hosts specific versions engineered for Indian products.
Global Technical Support: The D-Link TSD is a comprehensive repository for all international hardware revisions.
Note: As of late 2023, D-Link released security updates for Ax series hardware to address vulnerabilities found in firmware versions like v1.1.49. Ensure you are on at least v1.1.51 for the most stable experience. Step-by-Step Firmware Update Guide Updating the
is a straightforward process, but it must be done carefully to avoid power interruptions. 1. Preparation 4G AC1200 LTE Router DWR-M960 - D-Link
3. Firmware Architecture
The A2 firmware is a proprietary Linux-based operating system with the following partition layout:
| Partition | Size | Content | Volatile |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| uboot | 512 KB | Custom U-Boot (A2-specific DDR init) | No |
| uboot-env | 128 KB | Boot environment variables | No |
| firmware | ~28 MB | SquashFS + kernel + rootfs | No |
| firmware2 | ~28 MB | Failover/backup firmware | No |
| art | 256 KB | Wi-Fi calibration (A2-specific) | No |
| lte_data | 64 MB | Modem firmware & carrier profiles | Semi (upgradeable) |
| log | 8 MB | System logs | Yes |
How to update (typical steps)
- Access router admin UI (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and log in.
- Navigate to System / Maintenance / Firmware Upgrade (naming varies).
- Upload the downloaded firmware file (confirm file size and name).
- Start the upgrade and do not interrupt power or network until the process completes and the router reboots.
- After reboot, verify firmware version in the status page.
- Restore settings from backup if needed (or reconfigure manually).
- Test WAN, Wi‑Fi, and any critical services (VPN, port forwarding, VoIP).
Troubleshooting
- “Wrong image” error → you downloaded firmware for A1 or wrong model.
- Router won’t boot after update → perform factory reset (pinhole reset 10 sec).
- No firmware found on D-Link site → contact D-Link support; model may be EOL.
4.2 Forbidden Actions
- Attempting to flash OpenWrt without an A2-specific build (existing builds target A1 only).
- Interrupting the reboot cycle after LTE firmware update (can corrupt
lte_data). - Using TFTP from an unverified Windows machine (often corrupts due to MTU mismatch).
When to contact support
- Cannot recover after failed update.
- Device behaves abnormally (radio failing, severe throughput drop) after official firmware update.
- You need carrier-specific firmware or locked/carrier-branded features removed.
1. Security Patches
Cyber threats evolve constantly. Firmware updates often contain patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. For a router acting as the gateway to your network, an unpatched vulnerability can expose all connected devices to hacking attempts.