Vividworks, LLC - Done at the speed of right
Call 720-506-4906

Call us today for a consultation 720-506-4906

Knowledge Base / Networking

Netgear R6400: Install FreshTomato and Set Up a Wireless Ethernet Bridge

Updated November 13, 2026

Overview

FreshTomato is a free replacement firmware for many routers. This guide installs it on a Netgear R6400 (or R6400v2) running the stock Netgear firmware, then sets the router up as a Wireless Ethernet Bridge. In that mode the R6400 joins your main router's Wi-Fi and passes the connection to devices plugged into its LAN ports. It also covers returning to Netgear firmware.

Warning: flashing replaces the router's firmware. A failed or interrupted flash can leave the router unusable. Do not power off the router or unplug cables while a firmware upload is running.

Applies To

Netgear R6400 and R6400v2 running stock Netgear firmware. The two revisions use different firmware files. Check the label on the underside of the router: R6400 is the original revision, and R6400v2 is marked as v2.

Download the Files First

Download the three ZIP files for your revision from freshtomato.org using the table below, and extract all three before you start.

LabelInitial flashFull FreshTomato buildNetgear rollback
R64002026.5 initial2026.5 AIOR6400 back-to-stock
R6400v22026.5 initial2026.5 AIOR6400v2 back-to-stock

Use the files that match your revision (R6400 or R6400v2). Do not mix them.

Before You Start

Step 1: Factory Reset the R6400

Factory-reset the R6400 with its reset button, then wait for it to finish booting.

Step 2: Install the Initial .chk File

  1. Open http://192.168.1.1 in a browser and sign in to the Netgear interface.
  2. Go to Advanced > Administration > Router Update.
  3. Upload the extracted FreshTomato initial .chk file.
  4. Leave the power connected and wait for the router to finish rebooting.

Step 3: Install the AIO .trx File

  1. Open http://192.168.1.1 again and sign in to FreshTomato.
  2. If the laptop cannot reach the router, give the laptop a fixed address of 192.168.1.9 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 until the setup is finished.
  3. In FreshTomato, go to Administration > Configuration and erase NVRAM ("Erase all data in NVRAM memory").
  4. Go to Administration > Upgrade and upload the extracted AIO .trx file. Select the option to erase NVRAM after flashing.
  5. Wait for the flash to finish and for the router to reboot. Do not interrupt it.

Step 4: Set Up the Wireless Ethernet Bridge

  1. Under Basic > Network, give the R6400 an unused management IP address on your main router's subnet, outside the main router's DHCP pool.
  2. Disable the R6400's DHCP server, so only the main router hands out addresses.
  3. Set the radio you will use to Wireless Ethernet Bridge.
  4. Enter the main router's SSID and security settings (Wi-Fi password).
  5. Save the settings. Return the laptop to automatic (DHCP) addressing.
  6. Check that the laptop receives an address (a lease) from the main router through the R6400.
  7. Connect your other wired devices to the R6400 and repeat the test.

Return to Netgear Firmware

  1. Connect to the R6400 with an Ethernet cable.
  2. In FreshTomato, go to Administration > Upgrade and upload the extracted back-to-stock image for your revision. This special image is the way back from FreshTomato.
  3. When the Netgear interface returns, you can install the current stock firmware from the Netgear support page for your R6400 or R6400v2, and re-enter your settings.

If the web interface becomes inaccessible, Netgear documents a wired TFTP recovery procedure on its support site.

Cautions

← Back to Networking