Mario Kart DS VS Linksys WRT54G v5: solution
Wednesday, December 7, 2005 » gaming
As I previously mentioned, I was having some trouble connecting to friends in Mario Kart DS using a Linksys WRT54G v5 wireless router. I'd see the blue friend icon but the DS would fail to connect to anyone and I'd get error number 86420. I tried all manners of fixes, from the standard port forwarding, DMZ, and even QoS which I had never tried setting up before, and none of those things worked. However, earlier tonight, I discovered a solution that works. I can now connect to people online with no [major] problems. Here is the fix:
- In a Web browser, go to your router control panel at 192.168.1.1
- Close that window and go exchange your v5 router for a v4 or earlier model
- Problem solved!
Unfortunately, that seems to be the only guaranteed fix for the problem. Linksys really dropped the ball with the v5 firmware, and based on my dealings with their tech support department, they probably won't even become aware there's a problem anytime soon. (They suggested connecting the DS directly to the modem to see if that improved things. Why didn't I think of that?)
The only catch is that it may be a little tricky locating an older model of the WRT54G. The Best Buy where I got the v5 only had that version in stock, but luckily there was another nearby that had a few v4s left. You can tell which model it is by looking at the first four letters in the serial number. Here's a handy guide I got from LinksysInfo.org:
CDF8 = WRT54G v3.0
CDF9 = WRT54G v3.1
CDFA = WRT54G v4.0
CDFB = WRT54G v5.0
The forumers on LinksysInfo.org were pretty critical of the v5. Also of note is how Nintendo's official router compatibility list now recommends the v3 specifically. So, at least Nintendo is aware of the problem.
Hopefully this is of some help to people struggling to connect. I'm sorry it isn't a true solution for the v5, but up until tonight I had tried every suggestion I'd seen. With the new v4, I was able to play a few races with my old #square friends milon and wilykat (who will be on the next list of honorable opponents). PICCOLO, YOU ARE NEXT!!
Update: Linksys has released the v1.00.4 firmware for the WRT54G v5 which supposedly will fix Mario Kart/DS related problems. You can download the firmware from this page.