When it comes to “OpenWrt,” many casual tech enthusiasts might not know what it is, but for seasoned tech hardware aficionados, especially router enthusiasts, the name OpenWrt is undoubtedly well-known.
In simple terms, OpenWrt is a Linux distribution designed for open-source routers and various embedded devices (like NAS, etc.). It provides a fully writable file system and a package management system, offering users a highly customizable environment that allows them to install applications, adjust settings, and run scripts directly on the device.
One can understand it as follows:
OpenWrt is essentially an open-source operating system for routers and various network devices that can replace the firmware provided by the original manufacturers. Users can freely install third-party modules (similar to apps), gain more advanced and detailed control over the network device, or add functionalities that the original firmware doesn’t offer. Refer to the image above.
Although OpenWrt is very appealing, the barrier to entry for average users is quite high. Nearly all router (and other network device) manufacturers do not pre-install OpenWrt; users must manually flash the system themselves. Flashing, configuring, and using it is quite complex, and the learning curve is steep.
This article shares a major piece of good news: In January this year, the OpenWrt organization announced the launch of an open-source router with a price of around $100, which comes pre-installed with the OpenWrt system. The router has finally arrived, and its specific model name is “OpenWrt One.”
First, let’s introduce the hardware configuration of the OpenWrt One router:
The processor is the MediaTek MT7981B, paired with 1GB of DDR4 RAM, 128MB of SPI NAND, and 16MB of SPI NOR. For wired network output ports, it features one 2.5GbE WAN port and one 1GbE LAN port.
For wireless networking, it uses the MediaTek MT7976C Wi-Fi chip, supporting Wi-Fi 6, and dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz).
It comes with a 12V USB-PD Type-C PD port (for power supply), a USB Type-C serial port, and a USB 2.0 Type-A port. Additionally, it includes an M.2 solid-state drive slot, which is a very practical feature, supporting 2230 and 2242 sizes (see the upper-left corner of the image).
The OpenWrt One is an “open-source” router, which has two meanings here:
- It refers to the fact that this router is equipped with the OpenWrt open-source operating system.
- The processor is highly customizable. The complete version of the OpenWrt One (including the shell and internal circuit board) is priced at $89. If users have strong DIY skills and some spare parts, they can purchase just the internal circuit board without the shell for assembly themselves, at a price of $68.42.
The OpenWrt organization states that if users purchase the OpenWrt One router for $89, they will donate $10 from every sale to the OpenWrt fund under the Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC), to support the project’s ongoing operations, including bug fixes and other support services.
Currently, the OpenWrt One router is only available in certain countries and regions, and it is out of stock, but users can pre-order it. The price listed on some platforms is higher than the official OpenWrt price, as shown in the image above.
Overall, the OpenWrt One router is a very practical product with high playability and is definitely worth attention. I will share more updates and leaks as soon as possible, so stay tuned.
Source: Internet
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