What is OpenWrt? It is a Linux distribution for routers. Like other Linux distributions, it also has a built-in package management tool, which allows you to install software directly from a software repository. OpenWrt can be used wherever embedded Linux is required. It has many functions, such as SSH server, VPN, traffic shaping service, and even BitTorrent client. OpenWrt is not for everyone. Most people are satisfied with the firmware of their routers, but many advanced users will use embedded alternatives like DD-WRT. But OpenWrt is more flexible - in essence, it is an embedded Linux system that can be installed on various routers. OpenWrt has a web interface, but if you need only a web interface with more features, there are other router firmware alternatives that will make you feel better. Like DD-WRT, OpenWrt is based on Linux and is more stable than the firmware of some routers. You should know that some routers will be worried once they encounter a large number of connections.

Use of OpenWrt

If the idea of installing a modular Linux distribution on a router doesn't excite you at all, you may have read the wrong article. In addition to being a router, I list some other cool functions of OpenWrt. SSH tunnel: OpenWrt includes an SSH server so you can access its terminals. After exposing its SSH service under the network (don't forget to encrypt it with key verification instead of weak password), you can connect remotely and access it with SSH tunnel encryption. This allows you abroad to access some websites that can only be accessed in China through public Wi Fi. Set up VPN: SSH tunnel is similar to VPN in many aspects, but you can still build your own VPN on OpenWrt routing. To install the BitTorrent client: If you have a specific network storage (NAS), or a router with a USB port and a USB device, you can use the router as a BitTorrent client. Run the server software: OpenWrt's software source includes software packages that can be used as web servers, such as IRC servers, BitTorrent tracker， wait. You may be using a router. Why not just use this router as a server? A router consumes much less power than a computer, so it's smart to treat it as a lightweight server. Traffic shaping service: OpenWrt allows you to shape packets and detect their quality of service for routed packets, and assign appropriate packets first. You can even assign the specified data packet to the specified computer first, and suspend the processing of the packet assigned to other computers. Create a VIP network: OpenWrt's wiki has instructions on how to establish a special wireless network for guests. For security, it is separated from your main network. You can even limit the speed of the VIP network. Capture and analyze network traffic: You can use tcpdump to record all data packets passing through your router. Then you can share it with the network or use a tool like Wireshark to open it, and then analyze your network traffic and behavior. The above list is incomplete and far from complete. But it should start you thinking about other things OpenWrt can do. It is an embedded Linux system with a large number of software packages. In many ways, it is just as flexible as the Linux system on the computer - although its constraints on hardware are much higher.

Install OpenWrt

OpenWrt was originally developed by Linksys WRT54G, but now it supports many router modes. You can find the list of supported modes on its official website. The OpenWrt wiki also provides instructions on how to install OpenWrt. Note that installing OpenWrt means that you have replaced the router's built-in firmware with the OpenWrt operating system.

Terminal and web interface

Once OpenWrt is installed, you can access its BusyBox shell through the SSH client (such as PuTTY under Windows, or the SSH command line in Linux and Mac). BusyBox is a shell widely used in embedded Linux. OpenWrt also provides common programs (such as vi) for file editing. Like other Linux systems, you can run many scripts, set up scheduled tasks, and execute instructions according to the schedule. OpenWrt uses opkg package management tools to install thousands of packages from software sources. It also uses UCI (Unified Configuration Interface) to configure the system. OpenWrt has prepared all kinds of information you need. But you don't need to know all these things. OpenWrt has LucI, a web interface for configuring your router. This web interface contains a large number of different configuration pages, one of which is the software package management page, enabling you to browse, search and install available software packages. How many packages you can install depends on how much storage space your router has. There must not be enough space for you to install everything. OpenWrt's modular property allows you to select the features you want to install, and then assemble your router operating system. Some software packages also have a LucI configuration page, where you can easily configure them after installation. Note that not all software has a LucI interface, so you may have to configure some software on the terminal yourself. Original link: Translator: