OpenWrt: Linux for embedded networks
Summary
The OpenWrt community offers an open source Linux distribution for routers and other embedded network devices. Depending on the release branch, OpenWrt uses opkg or apk for package management. LuCI provides many UCI configurations via a web interface.
Ideas
- Package management frees router functions from rigid vendor firmware.
- UCI unifies the configuration of many network services.
- VLANs and several SSIDs separate classes of devices on inexpensive hardware.
- Regular images keep the kernel, firewall and services updatable together.
- An active community extends the practical service life of supported devices.
Insights
- Open firmware turns a consumer device into a maintainable network platform.
- Flexibility also increases responsibility for updates, backups and access protection.
- Hardware support matters more than nominal computing power when choosing a device.
Facts
- The table of hardware documents supported models, flash sizes and installation paths.
Recommendations
- Check the model revision and installation notes before every flash.
- Back up the configuration and original firmware before upgrades or experiments.
References
Links to the original source and the Web Archive open in a new tab.