OpenWrt One: The First Official Open-Source Router
Developed in partnership with the Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC), OpenWrt One is a groundbreaking wireless router that embodies the principles of software freedom and the right to repair. Featuring a MediaTek MT7981B SoC CPU and an MT7976C chip for Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, this device is designed for those who value openness and flexibility in their networking hardware.
The hardware specifications of OpenWrt One are impressive, with 1 GB of DDR4 RAM, 128 MB SPI NAND, and 4 MB SPI NOR flash storage. It also includes two Ethernet ports (2.5 Gbit and 1 Gbit), a USB host port, and an M.2 2042 slot for NVMe storage devices. For power, users have the option of using a USB-C port or the traditional power source.
This router is based on Banana Pi’s open-source boards and is available in two configurations: a pre-assembled unit priced at $89 or a router board for $68.42. One standout feature of the OpenWrt One is its dedicated switch that allows for separate flashing of the NOR and NAND portions of the flash memory, making it essentially unbrickable.
OpenWrt One comes with the “stock” OpenWrt firmware, a Linux-based embedded operating system that can be customized through either a command-line interface or the LuCI GUI. Users and developers have the freedom to modify nearly every aspect of the device, and the base unit has passed all FCC compliance tests. Additionally, the source code and schematics are available under a GPL open-source license.
With OpenWrt One, customers can achieve copyleft compliance, software right to repair, and FCC compliance all in one product. This marks a significant milestone for the open-source hardware community, as it demonstrates that these principles can coexist harmoniously.
For technology enthusiasts and programmers looking to support the open-source movement, OpenWrt One could be an intriguing gift. Every purchase of the router also includes a $10 donation to the OpenWrt project and the SFC, helping to fund future development efforts and advance the cause of software freedom.
