Getting Inside

The OpenWrt project calls itself "a Linux distribution for embedded devices." Beyond this simple introduction, OpenWrt [1] is a framework for creating custom firmware to install on devices such as home routers and firewalls.

Versions of OpenWrt are available for a variety of devices, including the trusty Linksys WRT54GL residential firewall/router [2], a low-budget SOHO router you probably recognize from browsing the aisles of computer shops (Figure 1).

Why Customize?

The pre-installed firmware that comes with a device such as the WRT54GL is intended for easy configuration in a one-size-fits-all environment. This prepackaged solution is good for many basic uses, but it doesn't begin to exploit the device's true potential.

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