Where to start will largely depend on the available hardware.
Contents |
The main linux-based open firmware projects are [OpenWRT] and [dd-wrt]. Since v23, dd-wrt is based on OpenWRT.
Another project is HyperWRT, but this only runs on Linksys products - also appears to be mostly dead and not interesting for this project
Open-WRTs supported device list is [here]
DD-WRTs supported device list is: [here]
In their opinion:
* Cheapest: Buffalo WHR-G125 * Fastest DD-WRT Performance*: [Avila Gateworks GW2348-4] * Most memory: [Routerboard 532A] or Avila Gateworks GW2348-4 * Most flexible options (antennas, external storage, etc): [Avila Gateworks GW2348-4] * Best range using built-in antenna: [Buffalo WHR-HP-G54]
| Manufacturer | Prices | Hardware |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo WHR-G125 | [US$42.99 in stock] (Appears to have plenty of availability in the US, but I can't find any suppliers in the UK) | Broadcom 5354 |
| Avila Gateworks GW2348-4 | [US$284.00 in stock] [255.85EUR out of stock] (Unable to find in UK) | Xscale IXP425 |
| Routerboard 532A | [£95.00 out of stock] [£133.88 in stock] | MIPS 4Kc (ddwrt) / IDT 79RC32H434 (openwrt) |
| Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 | £30.41 in stock [£34.07] [£34.20 in stock] [£33.43] [£32.15] (Clearly the most available) | Broadcom 4710 |
Do we want/need multiple SSIDs, (1x encryption, but also open access for handhelds or games-consoles), if so Atheros based hardware is preferred. Althought it has been done on the kit we have ordered and dd-wrt http://dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16652&highlight=openwrt
The more RAM the better, as these boxes will be doing NAT.
Access Points or ADSL Routers
| Firmware | Latest Kernel | IPv6 | Multiple SSIDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenWRT | 2.6.19.2 (w/out broadcom wifi)
2.4.34 (w/ broadcom wifi) | Yes - http://wiki.openwrt.org/IPv6_howto | Yes (kamikaze) |
| DD-WRT | Yes - http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/IPv6_%28tutorial%29 | Up to 16 in next release | |
| Any others? |