Indestructible Open Source Router OpenWrt One Released, Priced at $89 with M.2 Expansion Interface
Brook.X
The open source router project OpenWrt recently announced the release of the OpenWrt One router, which is designed to ensure consumers' right to repair and software freedom, with the added benefit of being indestructible.
The router is dubbed indestructible because it reserves additional storage for firmware backups, allowing users to flash the device without the risk of permanently damaging it. This feature is especially appealing to router flashing enthusiasts looking for a reliable hardware product.
In terms of specifications, the OpenWrt One is above average. It features a MediaTek MT7981B core processor, equipped with 128MB SPI NAND and 4MB SPI NOR flash memory, and also provides an M.2 2042 expansion interface for installing additional SSD storage modules.
Full Router Specifications:
- Core Processor: MediaTek MT7981B Dual-Core A53 with a maximum frequency of 1.3GHz
- Core Storage: 128MB SPI NAND and 4MB SPI NOR flash memory
- Wireless Module: MediaTek MT7976C WiFi (2×2 2.4 GHz + 3×3/2×2 + zero-wait DFS 5GHz)
- Memory System: 1GB DDR4 RAM
- Network Interface: One 2.5GbE and one 1GbE RJ45
- Peripheral Interface: One USB 2.0, one USB-C, one M.2 2042 expansion slot (PCIe 2.0 x 1), one mikroBUS expansion slot
- Power Supply: 12V USB-C interface, also supports POE via the 2.5GbE port
- Mechanical Switch: One for boot selection (NAND/NOR)
- Hardware Watchdog: EM6324 (GPIO)
- Suggested Retail Price: $89
The Indestructible Router:
Why does the OpenWrt One feature two different types of flash memory? The goal is to make the router indestructible. The NAND flash can store the U-Boot and Linux images and is the default boot option.
The 4MB NOR flash, by default, is write-protected (though it can be bypassed by disassembling and jumping wires) and stores the recovery bootloader and other critical data. The router includes a hardware button to switch between the two flash memories, ensuring it can always be recovered, no matter what firmware is flashed.
What Can the M.2 Slot Do?
The reserved slot allows for the installation of an SSD, enabling the router to boot Linux distributions directly from the SSD, effectively transforming the router into a Linux server.
The MT7981B chip is a standard choice for router systems, offering moderate hardware configuration and performance, hence its use in many affordably priced smart routers.
Noteworthy features include support for the M.2 2042 expansion interface and the ability to be powered via 2.5GbE POE, which can be particularly useful in certain scenarios, offering convenience over traditional power supplies.
The OpenWrt One is produced and distributed by Banana Pi, also known as Guangdong SinoVoip Technology Co., Ltd., based in Dongguan, China. Currently, the device is only sold on AliExpress.
Landian.news noted that AliExpress requires account registration to view product details, so the current sales volume was not assessed. It was mentioned that the stocked finished products with cases are already sold out.
