Before we provide the link, you must understand hardware revisions. The D-Link DIR-853 is a popular AC1300 MU-MIMO router, but it has been manufactured in several versions, including A1, A2, and A3.
The suffix "ET A3" refers to a specific regional hardware variant (often Eastern Europe / Russia / CIS region, or a specific production batch). Firmware is not interchangeable between revisions.
Always double-check your sticker. Look under your router. You should see "Hardware Version: A3" and possibly "ET" in the serial number or model code. If it says A1 or A2, stop reading this article immediately and find the correct version.
If you see "Firmware upgrade failed" or "Header mismatch," here is why:
The DIR-853 is a dual-band AC1300 router. Hardware revisions (e.g., A1, A2, A3) have different firmware. Using incorrect firmware can brick the device.
"For anyone looking for the DIR-853 A3 firmware update link: I successfully updated mine today via the official D-Link support site. The download was clean and installation was smooth via the web interface. The update fixed my 5GHz stability issues—definitely worth installing if you are on an older version. Just make sure you strictly match the Hardware Version (A3) to the file!"
Go to product viewer dialog for this item. router (specifically the and
revisions) can be updated using official D-Link firmware or third-party alternatives like OpenWrt. Depending on your region or ISP (e.g., Etisalat), the available firmware versions may vary. Official D-Link Firmware Links
For the standard global or Russian-market models, you can find official firmware files here: dir853 et a3 firmware update link
D-Link FTP (DIR-853 Firmware Archive): ftp.dlink.ru/pub/Router/DIR-853/Firmware/
Global Support Portal: Search for your specific hardware revision at support.dlink.com
Etisalat Specific: Some users have archived specific "stock" and "Padavan" firmware versions for the models on Archive.org. OpenWrt Third-Party Firmware
If you are looking to replace the stock software for more advanced features, the A3 hardware revision is supported by OpenWrt:
OpenWrt Firmware Selector: Download images specifically for the D-Link DIR-853 A3
Technical Data: Detailed flashing instructions and bootloader information can be found on the OpenWrt Wiki for DIR-853 A3 How to Update Your Firmware
Download: Get the correct .bin file for your hardware revision from the D-Link Support Site .
Access Web UI: Open a browser and go to 192.168.0.1 or http://dlinkrouter.local. Before we provide the link, you must understand
Navigate to Update: Go to Maintenance > Firmware Update (or Tools > Firmware in older versions).
Upload & Flash: Click Browse to select your downloaded file and click Upload. Do not unplug the router during this 2–3 minute process.
These video guides provide step-by-step visual instructions for updating your DIR-853 firmware or switching to OpenWrt:
Updating the D-Link DIR-853 revision A3 firmware is a critical maintenance task that ensures network stability, security, and performance. Because the DIR-853 has multiple hardware revisions (A1, A2, and A3), users must ensure they are using the correct version to avoid "bricking" the device. Official Firmware Resources
For users seeking original manufacturer software, the most reliable source is the D-Link FTP Server, which hosts various releases specifically for different regions and revisions.
Latest Stable Version: As of recent records, versions such as 4.0.1 and 4.5.1 (specifically for the R3/A3 hardware) are available.
Regional Support: Users in specific regions should also consult their local support pages, such as D-Link Australia or D-Link Russia, to ensure compatibility with local ISP profiles. Third-Party Alternatives (OpenWrt)
The DIR-853 A3 is widely supported by the OpenWrt Project, offering more advanced features than the stock firmware. Always double-check your sticker
Download: Users can use the OpenWrt Firmware Selector to download "Factory" images for first-time installation or "Sysupgrade" images for updating existing OpenWrt setups. How to Perform the Update D-Link DIR-853 A3 - OpenWrt Firmware Selector
Before downloading any files, confirm that you have the A3 hardware revision. Installing firmware meant for a different revision (like A1 or A2) can permanently damage (brick) your router.
Check the Label: Look at the sticker on the bottom or back of your router for "H/W Ver: A3".
Web Interface: Log in to your router settings; the version is often listed in the top-right corner or on the status page. 2. Firmware Download Links
Depending on your needs, you can choose between official D-Link support or third-party open-source firmware like OpenWrt. Official D-Link Support:
Visit the D-Link Technical Support page or the D-Link Resource Center and search for "DIR-853" to find the latest specific regional firmware. The D-Link FTP Archive
also hosts historical and regional binary files for various DIR-853 revisions. OpenWrt (Alternative): For advanced users seeking more features, the DIR-853 A3
is supported by OpenWrt. You can find the specific "Factory" image (for initial installation) and "Sysupgrade" image (for updating existing OpenWrt) at the OpenWrt Firmware Selector. 3. Step-by-Step Update Instructions
Always use a wired Ethernet connection between your computer and the router when updating. Do not use Wi-Fi, as a dropped connection during the process can cause a system failure. How do I update my device's firmware manually? | D-Link
Step 1: Go to the support downloads page and download the firmware file for your device. Step 2: Open your device's web interface. D-Link DIR-853 A3 - [OpenWrt Wiki] Techdata