OpenWrt
Open-source alternative to Stock router firmware
OpenWrt is an open-source alternative to stock router firmware, replacing your router’s factory software with a flexible Linux system. It adds package management, stronger networking options, and a web interface, so you can run services and tweak settings the vendor never allowed. Power users install it to take full control of their home network.
Key features
- Linux-based router firmware
- Installable packages and LuCI web interface
- Advanced networking options
Before you switch
Networking and home-server software rewards patience. Read the hardware compatibility list before you buy or repurpose a device, and start with a spare machine or virtual machine. The communities around these projects are famously helpful — when something doesn’t work, someone has usually documented the fix.
Like every project on OpenShelf, OpenWrt is developed in the open — you can read the code, follow development, and even contribute. Check the system requirements and the project’s own documentation linked on this page before installing.