Advantages and disadvantages of OpenWRT

OpenWRT is a Linux distribution that was developed for use in routers and other network equipment devices. It is free and open source software, and can be modified and customized according to the user's needs.

It offers a wide range of features for configuring and managing network connections, including VPN support, firewall, QoS, routing, and more. This distribution also supports many devices from various manufacturers, such as TP-Link, Netgear, Asus and many others.

Advantages of OpenWRT

One of the strengths of OpenWRT is its remote control capability. Using the web interface, you can remotely configure and manage the device, which helps to save time and speed up the administration process.

OpenWRT also supports package management, which allows you to quickly and easily install or remove various software packages.

OpenWRT is also known for its security. It has a built-in pre-configured security mechanism, as well as advanced features such as SSL-based authentication and IPv6 security.

Disadvantages of OpenWRT

The distribution also has some disadvantages. Let 's note the most significant:

1. Complexity: OpenWRT is a complex operating system that can be difficult for beginners and for those who have no experience in setting up and managing networks.
2. Limited Community: Does not have as extensive a community as other operating systems such as Linux or Windows, which can make it difficult to get help from other users.
3. Inconvenience when using: Some users may find that OpenWRT is inconvenient to use, since many functions require manual configuration.
   Not all devices support OpenWRT: it may limit the choice for users who want to use this operating system.
4. Security: Some users may doubt the security of OpenWRT, especially if they have no experience in setting up and managing networks. Incorrect configuration can lead to unauthorized access or other security problems.

Consider the installation process of the distribution.

How to install OpenWRT?

You can run OpenWRT as follows:

1. Download the required OpenWRT operating system image for your device from the official OpenWRT website.
2. Configure your network to connect to the device. The connection may require the use of an Ethernet cable.
3. Boot the device using the downloaded OpenWRT operating system image. To do this, you may need to know and use the software to write to a memory card or to a USB stick.
4. Connect to the device from your computer using a terminal connection program (for example, PuTTY).
5. Log in to the device using the root username and password that was set when the system booted up.
6. Configure the OpenWRT system according to your needs.

It should be noted that OpenWRT may not be for all users, as it requires a certain level of knowledge in the field of network security and the Linux command line. It may also not be suitable for users who need additional functionality or packet processing power. However, in general, OpenWRT remains one of the most flexible and scalable Linux distributions for network equipment on the market.