# OpenWrt
Links: [[Networking]]
- Documentation: https://openwrt.org/docs/start
## Resources
### [OpenWrt Table of Hardware](https://openwrt.org/toh/start)
- Lists all devices that are supported by OpenWrt.
### (website) [GL-iNet](https://www.gl-inet.com/)
- Their routers have [[OpenWrt]] pre-installed, but generally don't seem to be top-of-the-line performance wise.
### [8 Best OpenWrt Routers of 2024](https://approvedmodems.org/best-openwrt-routers/)
- Most informative and credible review I've seen.
- NOTE: OpenWrt has a [Recommended routers](https://openwrt.org/toh/recommended_routers) page, but it is years out of date.
## Setting up [[OpenWrt]] on a compatible [[Linksys]] router
### Installing [[OpenWrt]]
1. Reset router
2. Found the router model on https://openwrt.org/toh/start
3. Download the supported release
4. Philip's is WRT3200ACM: https://openwrt.org/toh/linksys/linksys_wrt3200acm
5. Find on page: ![[Screen Shot 2021-08-22 at 6.49.24 PM.png]]
6. Access router admin panel
1. 192.168.1.1, enter password
7. Restore from downloaded image
### Configuring the [[OpenWrt]] router
See this tutorial:
https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/wifi/connect_client_wifi
#### Pitfalls
- When booting up the machine, [[WiFi]] will be disabled by default, so the [[OpenWrt]] router must be connected via Ethernet to a computer that can then enable [[WiFi]] via the admin panel
- Most desktops have an [[Ethernet]] port; otherwise, buy an [[Ethernet]] to [[USB]] / USB-C cable to connect to your laptop
- The Ethernet cable connecting the router to the computer must be plugged into one of the "eth" slots on the back of the router, NOT the "Internet" slot
- See also: "Enabling a Wi-Fi access point on OpenWrt"
- https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-quick-start/basic_wifi
- After [[WiFi]] has been turned on, the [[OpenWrt]] router should be connected to an internet source via the "Internet" slot on the back. The router can plug into a modem or another router (e.g. your home router)
- Specifically, connect one of the "eth" slots on your home router to the "Internet" slot on the [[OpenWrt]] router.
- Configure the admin panel IP to something OTHER than `192.168.1.1` so that the [[OpenWrt]] router doesn't compete with the home router for IP; e.g. the [[OpenWrt]] IP can be changed to `192.168.2.1`.
- At this point, [[SSH]] should be enabled (`ssh
[email protected]`). You can add a password to your router if you like.
## [[SSH]]
```shell
ssh
[email protected]
```