The Lede

The OpenWrt project has reached a significant milestone with the release of the OpenWrt One, an official development board designed by the OpenWrt community and manufactured by Banana Pi. The OpenWrt One features a MediaTek MT7981B SoC and WiFi 6 capabilities, making it a highly capable and versatile router. The device is designed for both learning and IoT applications, with a focus on community-driven development and open-source principles.

Background & Context

The OpenWrt project has a long history of community-driven development, with a focus on creating a free and open-source firmware for a wide range of devices. The project has been active for over 20 years, with a large and dedicated community of developers and users. The OpenWrt One is a key part of the project's ongoing efforts to create a more open and accessible router market.

Deep Dive

The OpenWrt One features a MediaTek MT7981B SoC, which provides a high-performance and power-efficient platform for the router. The device also includes WiFi 6 capabilities, which offer faster speeds and better range than earlier WiFi standards. The OpenWrt One also includes a NOR flash for recovery, which provides an additional layer of security and reliability. The device is designed to be highly customizable, with publicly available documentation on the Mediatek chipset and schematics available for customization.

Expert Angle

According to Jonathan Corbet, a developer involved in the project, the OpenWrt One was designed to be a functional network router that would serve as a useful tool for the development of OpenWrt itself. The device is expected to provide a source of income for the project, with Banana Pi selling the board through their distribution network and donating to the Software Freedom Conservancy.

What Comes Next

The OpenWrt One is expected to be a key player in the growing market for open-source hardware routers. The device will be available for purchase through Banana Pi's distribution network, and will be supported by the OpenWrt community through various channels. As the project continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the OpenWrt One is used in various applications and how it impacts the wider router market.