These web pages provide practical information on installing and configuring OpenWRT on Raspberry Pi, aimed at our automation students and other network enthusiasts interested in studying network routing, firewalls, and network maintenance. The pages will help you get started with OpenWRT on Raspberry Pi and explore the full range of features and capabilities that this platform offers. You'll also find links to more detailed information to learn more.

OpenWRT

OpenWRT (Open Wireless router) is an open-source project for embedded operating systems based on Linux, primarily used on embedded devices to route network traffic. It has been optimized to fit into the limited storage and memory available in home routers.

OpenWrt can run on various types of devices, including routers and gateways. It is also possible to run OpenWrt on personal computers, laptops, or very small computers like Raspberry Pi.

OpenWrt is configured using a command-line interface or a web interface.

Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi is a small, affordable, and versatile computer that can be used for a variety of projects, ranging from simple to complex. It was originally developed to teach computer programming to children, but has since gained popularity among hobbyists and professionals alike.

Raspberry Pi is essentially a credit card-sized motherboard that can be connected to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor or TV. It can run a variety of operating systems, including Linux-based systems like Raspberry Pi OS, which is specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi, or OpenWRT, for networking purposes.

Raspberry Pi can be a valuable tool for learning and experimentation. It can be used to develop and test software applications, build and program robots, create home automation systems, and much more. Raspberry Pi's low cost and accessibility make it an attractive platform for exploring new ideas and projects.

OpenWRT on Raspberry Pi

Here are a few possible use cases for OpenWRT on a Raspberry Pi:

• Wireless Access Point: You can use OpenWRT to turn your Raspberry Pi into a wireless access point (AP) and connect multiple devices to the internet using the Wi-Fi interface.
• VPN Gateway: OpenWRT supports a wide range of VPN protocols and can be used to set up a secure VPN gateway for remote access to your home network.
• Firewall: With OpenWRT, you can create a firewall on your Raspberry Pi to protect your network from unauthorized access and traffic.
• Network Monitoring: OpenWRT includes several tools for network monitoring and traffic analysis, which can be used to monitor the traffic on your network and troubleshoot issues.
• Network Storage: OpenWRT can be used to turn your Raspberry Pi into a network-attached storage (NAS) device, allowing you to store and share files on your network.

Overall, OpenWRT can be a useful tool for extending the capabilities of a Raspberry Pi with a single Ethernet port, and it can be customized to suit a wide range of networking needs.