What is firmware?

Question

For instance, if I was told that I needed to "update the firmware" in my wireless router, what exactly does that mean?

Answer 1

Firmware = software that lives in hardware (yes, that does sound wierd).

If it is programmed into flash memory or read-only memory it is called firmware. In your case, the router uses flash memory to store it's program.

Go to the router maker's website and see what it takes to do the actual upgrade (usually not very complicated).

Answer 2

The firmware is the embedded code (software) that runs the router. The router is a mini-computer, called an embedded system, with its own CPU and the program that runs on it. The code is stored in flash ROM (permanent memory that needs no power).

Firmware is generally a term used for code that resides in ROM, either some sort of EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash (as it's generally called). Sometimes, the term firmware is used to refer specifically to boot ROM, code that only runs at boot time. Very often when operational code is stored on flash configured as a disk and loaded into RAM, it is not referred to as firmware. To some degree it depends on the culture of the company.

Firmware also refers to code that runs on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), not to be confused with ASICs which are fixed-function. In this situation, the code represents the logic patterns of a hardware design, rather than the instructions of a software design.

Answer 3

Firmware is basically a piece of software (micro coded) in the hardware mostly electronic equipments.

For your wireless router, you have to look it up for your router ip address in the manual or the property of the network connection on the bottom righ corner of Windows screen. You then can use IE to access your router by typing the address.

Once you're log in to your router, it should be able to click an option to search for the firmware update.

Answer 4

Firmware typically refers to "ASICs", or "Application-Specific Integrated Circuits". Essentially, these are chips within the router that are programmed to perform specific functions. It's similar to writing software to a hard disk that allows a computer to perform a specific function, but before the software can be executed it has to be copied from the hard disk into memory where it can be utilized by the processor. The main difference is that since the chip is already programmed, there is no need for a hard disk, no need for memory, and thus, *MUCH* faster. From time to time, manufacturers release updates to the programs that are encoded into their ASICs. You download the updates which generally come packaged in an installer program. You run the installer and it will update the program(s) in the ASIC(s) and voila! You've updated your firmware. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Firmware is defined as:

* the computer program in a read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit (a hardware configuration is usually used to represent the software);
* the erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip, whose program may be modified by special external hardware, but not by [a general purpose] application program.

The term "firmware" was originally coined to indicate a functional replacement for hardware on low cost microprocessors.

Note that firmware for many devices can now be updated without the need for additional hardware, often through the use of vendor-provided software.

In practical terms, firmware updates can improve the performance and reliability, indeed even the basic available functionality of a device, and many devices benefit from regular firmware updates. One of the most common devices to have regular firmware updates are recording devices such as optical media writers (DVD, CD, Bluray), as media technologies extend, so firmware updates ensure hardware is kept up to date and compatible.

Answer 6

Firmware is defined as:

the computer program in a read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit (a hardware configuration is usually used to represent the software);

the erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip, whose program may be modified by special external hardware, but not by [a general purpose] application program.

Source: Federal Standard 1037C.

the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chip, whose program may be modified by special electrical external hardware (not the usual optical light), but not by [a general purpose] application program.
EEPROMS are now (2006) fast, large & cheap enough to compete with floppy disks, small hard disks and small CD ROMS. The most popular form of Firmware then, without any need for battery supports, are the "Flash Disks", which are usually inserted into various digital devices and used for storage.

Answer 7

It is software that is placed in a location on a device like a router or computer. Once in place it doesn't change. Unless and update is provided by the device manufacturer.

Answer 8

Firmwear is like software but harder... seriously it's software "burned" onto programmable read only memory. You need to replace that software by burning in an update, apparently. Contact the router company on how to do that.

Answer 9

Firmware is the 'software' for drivers and other pieces of hardware to make it work. Software does not contribute to the function of hardware.

Answer 10

hi me and my chum are the following in buffalo ny at 4:07 AM we waited all evening for the firmware and nonetheless no signal we study that it will come at 8am alongside with the launch of the IPhone 3G