OpenWrt, the open-source operating system for routers and other devices, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, the project is focusing on crafting its own future-proof reference hardware.
OpenWrt has come a long way since its inception in 2004. It was initially created as a replacement firmware for the Linksys WRT54G router, but has since expanded to support a wide range of hardware platforms, including smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices. The project has gained a loyal and passionate community of users and developers who appreciate its flexibility, security, and customization options.
As OpenWrt moves into its third decade, the project is looking to build on its success by creating reference hardware that can showcase the full potential of the operating system. The goal is to provide users with a high-quality, reliable, and future-proof option for running OpenWrt.
One of the key motivations behind this initiative is to address the issue of hardware fragmentation in the open-source router space. With so many different hardware platforms and a lack of standardization, it can be challenging for users to find a device that fully supports OpenWrt and its features.
By developing its own reference hardware, OpenWrt can ensure that users have access to a device that is optimized for the operating system and provides a seamless and reliable experience. This will not only make it easier for users to get started with OpenWrt, but also help to showcase the full potential of the operating system and its capabilities.
In addition to providing a high-quality hardware option, OpenWrt’s reference devices will also serve as a platform for testing and development. By having a standardized hardware platform to work with, developers can more easily create and optimize software for OpenWrt, leading to a richer and more diverse ecosystem of applications and features.
Furthermore, the reference hardware will allow OpenWrt to better compete with commercial router manufacturers, who often have the advantage of producing hardware specifically tailored for their own software. By providing a compelling hardware option of its own, OpenWrt can offer users an alternative to the closed ecosystem of commercial routers while still delivering a robust and reliable user experience.
Overall, OpenWrt’s move to craft its own future-proof reference hardware is an exciting development for the project and its community. By providing users with a high-quality and optimized hardware option, OpenWrt can continue to grow and innovate for many years to come. With this new initiative, OpenWrt is proving that it is committed to shaping the future of open-source networking and providing users with the best possible experience.
