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Hackaday · RoutersCurated

Adding USB to a cheap Linux router

Summary

Hackaday shows how Sprite_TM makes the unused USB host controller of a Sweex router accessible with just a few hardware components. The project uses a Sweex router. The USB controller is already part of the processor.

Ideas

  • The router processor already contains a USB host controller.
  • Additional components bring out power and data signals.
  • Mass storage can supplement the scarce internal flash.
  • A USB printer could turn the router into a print server.

Insights

  • Data sheets often reveal capabilities that a product does not bring out.
  • Small hardware changes can greatly extend embedded Linux devices.
  • Existing kernel support determines how useful exposed interfaces are.

Facts

  • The project uses a Sweex router.
  • The USB controller is already part of the processor.
  • The modification supports at least USB storage.

Recommendations

  • Check pin levels and the power budget before connecting anything.
  • Back up the bootloader and firmware before soldering.

References

Read the original article

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