Mesh/OpenWRT

OpenWRT installation

Web interface method

• Power on router and let it boot.
• Press and hold power button for 30 seconds.
• Wait for router to reboot.
• Connect to the access point using LAN.
• Go to web interface, e.g. http://192.168.1.1/

If this doesn't work, look up the reset method for your specific router.

• Find the firmware upgrade page.
• On your computer, download the firmware.

Different versions are here.

The snapshots directory has recent development versions.

If you have a WRT54G you probably want this one assuming 12.09 (attitude adjustment) is the most recent stable version.

• Upload the firmware using the web form and wait for the router to reboot.

TFTP method

This requires that the router has a TFTP server enabled. Type these commands with the router powered off, then power on the router and it should work.

tftp 192.168.1.1
binary
rexmt 1
timeout 60
trace
tftp> put firmwarefile.bin

OpenWRT configuration

Logging in and setting root password

Telnet into the device:

telnet 192.168.1.1

If it asks for a password use 'passwd' (without the quotes).

Set a root password on the router:

passwd

Verify that you can log in using ssh from your computer:

ssh root@192.168.1.1

If you can ssh into the router, disable telnet:

rm /etc/rc.d/S50telnet

Enabling TFTP

Windows 7/Server 2008

TFTP is disabled by default. In Control Panel > Programs and Features, click on Turn Windows features on or off, find TFTP Client and tick the box. You should now be able to use TFTP from the command prompt

WRT54G / WRT54GL

If you're on an WRT54G or WRT54GL then you should do this to enable TFTP. If you're not on one of those routers, then don't do it!

It makes it easier to upgrade the firmware and recover from serious problems.

CAUTION: This will reboot your router.

nvram set boot_wait=on
nvram set boot_time=10
nvram set wait_time=10
nvram commit && reboot

Enabling wifi

OpenWRT has wifi disabled per default.

vim /etc/config/wireless

Remove the line indicated:

        config wifi-device  radio0
	option type     mac80211
	option channel  11
	option macaddr	00:1c:10:bc:a7:1f
	option hwmode	11g

	# REMOVE THIS LINE TO ENABLE WIFI:
	option disabled 1

Reboot.

Wait a few minutes, then ssh back into the router.

Run 'wifi'. You should see the following:

	root@OpenWrt:~# wifi
	Configuration file: /var/run/hostapd-phy0.conf
	Using interface wlan0 with hwaddr 00:1c:10:bc:a7:1f and ssid "OpenWrt"