What’s new in OpenWrt 18.06.5:
- Linux kernel updated from 4.9.184 to 4.9.198 and from 4.14.131 to 4.14.151, including security fixes
- Security fixes for LuCI, the web interface bundled with OpenWrt, fixing CRSF and XSS bugs
- Security fixes for the following base packages: musl, hostapd, wolfssl, openssl, iptables, ustream-ssl, libpcap, tcpdump, bzip2
- Wireless fixes for the brcmfmac driver, fixing crashes and facilitating debug (backported from Linux 5.4)
OpenWrt is an open source Linux-based operating system designed from the ground up as a drop-in replacement for the single, static firmware provided on almost all routers. Not only that will free your device, but it provides you with a fully writable filesystem that includes package management functionality.
The project is distributed as binary files that must be installed on the respective device in the same way the original firmware is installed. It will completely replace the original firmware and features a totally different web-based interface. Detailed installation instructions are provided on the project’s homepage for each of the supported routers, on the download page.
Supports a wide range of devices
While OpenWrt supports evaluation or unbranded boards, it offers full support for router devices produced by 3Com, Edimax, Huawei, Linksys, Pirelli, 4G Systems, Belkin, 7Links, TP-Link, 8devices, US Robotics, Abicom International, Netgear, Texas Instruments, Actiontec, RaidSonic, Accton, D-Link, ASUS, ZyXEL, ZTE, ADB, Western Digital and Airlink101.
The Alcatel-Sbell, Mercury, ALFA Network, Teltonika, Allnet, MikroTik, Alpha Networks, Seagate, ARC Flex, Sitecom, Arcadyan / Astoria, Planex, AsiaRF, Multilaser, Sagem, Atmel, SMC, Avm, Freecom, Aztech, Buffalo, Gigaset, CEEDTec, Qi hardware, Catch Tec and Cobalt Networks brands are also supported.
The list continues with Engenius, Compex, Intellidesign, Comtrend, jjPlus, Meraki, Devolo, Dragino, Petatel, Poray, Embedded Wireless, Fon, Qemu, Gateway, Gateworks, NetComm, PC Engines, Redwave, Rosewill, Sparklan, Sercom, Skyline, SFR (Société Française de Radiotéléphonie), SimpleTech, Telsey, Tenda, Trendnet, T-Com / Telekom, Ubiquiti, Unbranded, Upvel, Vizio and Zcomax.
In addition, OpenWrt also supports the Allwinner Axx, Atmel AT91SAM, Freescale i.MX23/i.MX28 and Freescale MPC85xx phone manufactures.
Bottom line
Overall, OpenWrt is without no doubt a five star project that will free your router from the cumbersome firmware that comes with your device. What’s the first thing you do when you get a brand-new router? Install OpenWrt!
