OpenWrt

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OpenWrt is a GNU/Linux based firmware for embedded devices based upon Broadcom chipsets, such as Wi-Fi routers made by Asus, Belkin, Dell, Linksys, US Robotics and Viewsonic, among others. The most popular routers among OpenWrt users seem to be the Linksys WRT54G series and the Asus WL500G Deluxe, although OpenWrt is supported on many other devices from different companies, and is being ported to even more devices, platforms and architectures. OpenWrt primarily uses a command-line interface, and until recently, did not have a web-based GUI interface, which is standard in most stock router firmware. Technical support is only provided through the forums and IRC channel.

The development of OpenWrt is possible because device manufacturers use software portions licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and are thus legally bound to release the source code of these portions. Using this as a reference, developers created a distribution from scratch that offers many possibilities not previously found in consumer-level routers.

1 Features
2 Sveasoft controversy
3 Gnu/Linux Distros based on OpenWrt
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Features

The primary feature of OpenWrt is a fully writable JFFS2 file system, which allows for package management via the ipkg package system. This makes OpenWrt very versatile and adaptable to any particular situation.

The current stable release of OpenWrt is White Russian RC6.

[edit] Sveasoft controversy

On March 11th 2006, the OpenWrt developers publicly announced[1] that Sveasoft had violated its GPL license terms, and that Sveasoft's continuing distribution of OpenWrt was prohibited. In return, Sveasoft claimed[2] that OpenWrt was illegally redistributing software copyrighted by Sveasoft and Broadcom and placing them under the GPL without being authorized to do so by the copyright holders. Both groups deny the other's allegations.