What is OpenWrt?

What is OpenWrt? It is a Linux distribution that applies to routers. Like other Linux distributions, it also has built-in package management tools that you can install directly from a single software repository. OpenWrt can be used in all the places where embedded Linux is needed, it has many functions, such as SSH server, VPN, traffic shaping service, even BitTorrent client.

OpenWrt is not for everyone. Most people are satisfied with their own router's own firmware, but many advanced users use embedded alternatives like WRT. But OpenWrt is more flexible-essentially an embedded Linux system that can be installed on a variety of routers. OpenWrt has a web interaction interface, but if you need a Web interface with more features, there are other router firmware alternatives that will make you feel better.
Like WRT, OpenWrt is based on Linux and is more stable than some of the routers that come with it, and it's more worrying to know that some routers have a lot of connections.

The usefulness of OpenWrt

Install a modular Linux distribution on your router, and you may have read the wrong article if the idea is a tiny one that doesn't excite you. In addition to being able to work as a router, list some of the more cool features of OpenWrt.

SSH tunneling: openwrt contains an SSH server so you can access its terminals. After exposing its SSH service to the network (don't forget to encrypt it with a key verification rather than a weak password), you can connect remotely and access it using SSH tunneling encryption. This makes it possible for you to access some websites that are accessible only at home through public Wi-Fi.

Building Vpn:ssh tunnels and VPNs are similar in many ways, but you can still build your own VPN on openwrt routes.

Install BitTorrent client: If you have a specific network memory (NAS), or a router with a USB port and a USB device, you can treat the router as a BitTorrent client.

Running the Server Software: OpenWrt's software source includes packages that allow it to serve as a Web server, such as IRC server,bittorrent tracker, and so on. You may be using a router, so why not simply use this route as a server? Routers consume much less power than computers, so it's smart to treat it as a lightweight server.

Traffic shaping Service: OpenWrt allows you to perform packet shaping for routed packets and detect their service quality, prioritizing the appropriate packets. You can even assign a given packet priority to a specified computer, and defer processing of a package assigned to another computer.

Create a VIP network: The OPENWRT wiki has instructions on how to create a special wireless network for the guest, which is separated from your main network for security. You can even limit the speed of your VIP network.

Capture and analyze network traffic: You can use tcpdump to record all packets passing through your router. You can then share the Web or use a similar Wireshark tool to open it, and then analyze your network traffic and behavior.

The list above is incomplete and far from complete. But it should let you start thinking about other things that openwrt can do. It is an embedded Linux system with a large number of packages, and in many ways it is as flexible as a Linux system on a computer-although it is much more restrictive to hardware.

Install OpenWrt

OpenWrt was originally developed by Linksys WRT54G, but now it already supports many router modes. You can find this list of supported schemas on its official website. OpenWrt Wiki also provides instructions on how to install OpenWrt. Note that installing OPENWRT means you replace the router's own firmware with the OPENWRT operating system.

Terminal and web interface

Once the OpenWrt is installed, you can access its busybox shell via an SSH client (such as the putty in Windows, or the SSH command line from Linux and Mac). BusyBox is a widely used embedded Linux shell,openwrt also provides common programs (such as VI) for file editing. As with other Linux systems, you can run many scripts, and you can set up timed tasks to execute instructions on a schedule.
OpenWrt uses the OPKG Package management tool to install thousands of packages from the software source. It also uses the UCI (Unified revisit Interface) to configure the system. OpenWrt has already provisioned all the information you need.

But you don't need to know all these things. OpenWrt has Luci, a web interface for configuring your router. The Web interface contains a number of different configuration pages, one of which is the package Management page, allowing you to browse, search, and install available packages. How many packages you can install depends on how big your router's storage space is. There's certainly not enough room for you to install everything, OpenWrt's modular properties allow you to select the features you want to install and then assemble your router's operating system.
Some packages also have Luci configuration pages that you can easily configure after installation. Note that not all software has a Luci interface, so some software you may have to go to the terminal to configure them yourself.

Original link: Chris Hoffman translation: Geekfan