# Free Central Controller For OpenWrt **URL:** \ **Category:** Community Builds, Projects & Packages\ **Created:** [November 12, 2021, 6:45am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667 "2021-11-12T06:45:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 6:45am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/1 "2021-11-12T06:45:02Z")
Hello Everyone, You are welcome to give our Central Controller a spin. ![overview_main](https://forum.openwrt.org/uploads/default/original/3X/4/b/4baaa0311aa4b28328fa30143bd1d6b4df76400e.png) - The firmware component is released as **Open Source** with detailed instructions to help you built for the hardware of your choice. - Advanced GUI with graphs, and maps. - The controller is hosted by yourself and **fully** under your control. - White Labeled. - The controller comes with a license to mange 30 OpenWrt devices. It **NEVER EXPIRES**. - There are **NO LIMIT** on the amount of controller instances you can run. - Support for hardware with **up to three radios**. - Centrally manage Batman-Adv based mesh networks with ease. - Includes an advanced scheduler which is ideal to manage GPIO (IOT) - Includes an Alert system to notify you when devices are down. - Includes a RADIUS server to manage Internet usage (RADIUSdesk) [https://www.radiusdesk.com/](https://www.radiusdesk.com/) ---
**Author:** ![woodhead](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/woodhead/32/33315_2.png) [@woodhead](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/woodhead)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 9:34am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/2 "2021-11-12T09:34:26Z")
Really exciting! I'm a home user, and I might give it a try, but I really hope businesses get interested in this and provide you with a nice revenue. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![meshpoint](https://forum.openwrt.org/letter_avatar/meshpoint/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@meshpoint](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/meshpoint)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 10:15am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/3 "2021-11-12T10:15:54Z")
Awesome looks great I will give it a try as soon as my PI gets in. ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2021, 10:44am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/4 "2021-11-12T10:44:53Z")
You don't need to have a Pi to get started... There are **three** options now for the controller. 1. A ready built image for the Raspberry Pi4 2. A ready built image for VirtualBox (which can probably be imported into other platforms like vmware. 3. Install it yourself on an Ubuntu 20.04 machine. (can be local or on a VPS) [https://radiusdesk.com/docuwiki/md/install-full](https://radiusdesk.com/docuwiki/md/install-full) We plan to have a Docker image also available soon 💪 ---
**Author:** ![Maxburn](https://forum.openwrt.org/letter_avatar/maxburn/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@Maxburn](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/Maxburn)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2021, 10:50am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/5 "2021-11-19T10:50:29Z")
1. Licensing options past 30? 2. Is there an agent you load in OpenWRT to connect it to the controller securely over the internet? websocket/vpn or something? 3. Firmware management and scheduled update windows? 4. Alert options like web api to pushover, email, etc? ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2021, 11:17am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/6 "2021-11-19T11:17:51Z")
> 1. Licensing options past 30? - 3USD Per Device / Block of 50 - Never expire [https://radiusdesk.com/wp/products/](https://radiusdesk.com/wp/products/) > 1. Is there an agent you load in OpenWRT to connect it to the controller securely over the internet? websocket/vpn or something? - Released as Open Source here [https://sourceforge.net/p/radiusdesk/openwrt-meshdesk/ci/master/tree/](https://sourceforge.net/p/radiusdesk/openwrt-meshdesk/ci/master/tree/) - Uses HTTPS (or http) to fetch its config from the controller - Probably similar to _Cucumber Tony_ or _Plume_ but you have the option to **ALSO** host the controller instead of being forced to use a controller not owned by you. > 1. Firmware management and scheduled update windows? - That's in your hands since the code is available to build your own firmware (along with instructions) [http://radiusdesk.com/docuwiki/md/openwrt-meshdesk](http://radiusdesk.com/docuwiki/md/openwrt-meshdesk) - System allows remote command execution so over the air firmware upgrades are possible. > Alert options like web api to pushover, email, etc? Alerts can be enabled per Access Provider and are email based currently ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 4:31pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/7 "2021-11-20T16:31:25Z")
- You can also use hardware that only runs on older versions of OpenWrt / LEDE. - Today I expanded my mesh which has two Xiaomi 4C's running OpenWrt 21.02.x and added another 4x **OpenMesh OM2Ps** which I had lying around. Those were build using OpenWrt 17.01.x. - The mesh is up and running with no problems or complaints so far. Old and new living in harmony 🙂 ![open_mesh_1](https://forum.openwrt.org/uploads/default/original/3X/6/e/6e5e9e9ff784455e4117af388a7bd76f9396bdc6.png) ---
**Author:** ![castillofrancodamian](https://forum.openwrt.org/letter_avatar/castillofrancodamian/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@castillofrancodamian](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/castillofrancodamian)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 7:03pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/8 "2021-11-20T19:03:09Z")
Will it be added to the OpenWrt repository? ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 7:52pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/9 "2021-11-20T19:52:08Z")
I am not sure how the process of adding it to the repository works actually but I'll try and find out during the coming week. ---
**Author:** ![Predators](https://forum.openwrt.org/letter_avatar/predators/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@Predators](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/Predators)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2021, 10:52pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/11 "2021-12-07T22:52:45Z")
I've tried to install the mezzdek file and finally my router is bricked ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 12:28pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/12 "2021-12-08T12:28:21Z")
> I've tried to install the mezzdek file and finally my router is bricked Sorry to hear that. I assume you refer to the MESHdesk firmware for the Xiaomi APs. What router do you have that you tried it on? For the Xiaomi there is this guide which worked well on my devices > **[Xiaomi Mi Router Debrick Tools Downloads | Hoddys Guides](https://hoddysguides.com/xiaomi-debrick-tools-all/)** > > Our collection of Debrick tools for all the Xiaomi Mi routers, preconfigured tools with stock firmware included and guidance for use. Unfortunately there is always some form or risk involved, even doing a firmware upgrade from the vendor can break things. ---
**Author:** ![Predators](https://forum.openwrt.org/letter_avatar/predators/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@Predators](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/Predators)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 8:06am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/13 "2021-12-09T08:06:43Z")
I am using youku yk1 router. I hope radiusdesk can be installed on openwrt easily. I'm currently using Daloradius which is easy for me to use on OpenWrt without the risk of a brick router ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 8:29am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/14 "2021-12-09T08:29:17Z")
OK My advice would be then to rather stick with something you are familiar with and had good results with (Daloradius) ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 1:41pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/16 "2023-05-02T13:41:19Z")
Hi, Are you following these install instructions? [http://radiusdesk.com/wiki/getting\_started/22\_install\_ubuntu\_nginx](http://radiusdesk.com/wiki/getting_started/22_install_ubuntu_nginx) The controller runs on Ubuntu 22.04 and then the firmware is a small add-on to standard OpenWrt to communicate and report to the controller. ---
**Author:** ![andysyam](https://forum.openwrt.org/letter_avatar/andysyam/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@andysyam](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/andysyam)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 1:57pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/17 "2023-05-02T13:57:49Z")
I was wrong I thought radiusdesk can be used in OpenWrt replace ubuntu ---
**Author:** ![andysyam](https://forum.openwrt.org/letter_avatar/andysyam/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@andysyam](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/andysyam)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2023, 1:01am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/18 "2023-05-04T01:01:56Z")
need php8 maybe have to update installation on github `Fatal error: Composer detected issues in your platform: Your Composer dependencies require a PHP version ">= 8.1.0". You are running 7.4.33. in /www/rdcore/cake4/rd_cake/vendor/composer/platform_check.php on line 24` ---
**Author:** ![refelian](https://forum.openwrt.org/letter_avatar/refelian/32/5_5575768a8748004e209b776fc1b2916d.png) [@refelian](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/refelian)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 11:43am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/19 "2023-05-09T11:43:01Z")
Hi Dirk, Is there any update regarding the docker image? ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 12:40pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/20 "2023-05-09T12:40:15Z")
Here's the instructions to do a Docker image on Ubuntu [http://radiusdesk.com/wiki/getting\_started/docker\_image](http://radiusdesk.com/wiki/getting_started/docker_image) It might need a few tweaks if you run on a different environment There's also lots of new features which should be ready in the next week or two actually, especially with MESHdesk and APdesk... ---
**Author:** ![bartje](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/bartje/32/41040_2.png) [@bartje](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/bartje)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2023, 8:13pm UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/21 "2023-07-18T20:13:35Z")
is there also a way to install this docker image on openwrt? this looks great, but I don't want to setup an additional server or some kind just to manage my devices, so I'm looking for a way to install this on my main router and from there just manage my access points. thank you. ---
**Author:** ![DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/user_avatar/forum.openwrt.org/dirkvanderwalt/32/359_2.png) [@DirkVanDerWalt](https://forum.openwrt.org/u/DirkVanDerWalt)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2023, 8:47am UTC](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667/22 "2023-07-21T08:47:15Z")
Currently not that easy to do unfortunately. Most of the router hardware out there is limited in terms of memory available (RAM and flash) I suppose its not impossible. I used a Teltonika the other day and added a USB stick in order to expand the storage. I suppose if you want to investigate from your side, see if you can install: 1. Nginx 2. PHPv8.x 3. MariaDB On your main router. If you can manage to get the LEMP stack running we should be able to install the CakePHP web app and GUI.... I might just revisit the Teltonika again myself when time permits 🙂 [Next page](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/free-central-controller-for-openwrt/111667.md?page=2)