Rpi4: Where to start?

Installing and Using OpenWrt
#1

I've been wanting to build an OpenWrt router for a while now, but I've yet to find an image I can flash/install. I'm primarily working on Raspberry Pi 4, but I do own a 3B+.

In the short term, I'd just like to repeat a partially failed project I did a while back where I made a reverse access point by hand.

  • Pi connects to Wi-Fi and provides network to Ethernet, switch lets me connect multiple devices
  • (Goal missed) A follow up project requires isolation from the home network while still having access to repositories and maybe a whitelist of other IP's depending on task.

In the long term, I want to have (listed in order of priority):

  • Gigabit home router --Some overclocking needed, I believe
  • Total control over port forwarding (ISP's software is so babyproofed, I couldn't forward port x to port y where x!=y if I needed to)
  • Wi-Fi network on or downstream of Pi4 (Not opposed to using a separate Pi if needed)
  • A DNS sinkhole to catch unwelcome IP requests
  • A personal VPN so the family's phones can benefit from said sinkhole while out and about.
#2

You can start by flashing @wulfy23 's build which works fine and has a lot of needed packages preinstalled.

1 Like
#3

Here many forum members helped me to setup my Rpi4. Please check the above thread.

Badri M

#4

Thank you both. I'll be focusing on this project this week, and I'll be updating on my progress.

#5

I've downloaded and flashed the factory version of the build found here:
rpi4/builds/rpi-4_snapshot_2.7.77-15_r15880_partuuid_hwrng_extra /

All I'm getting is a command line logged into root, but only if I hit Enter during or after the terminal stabilizes. I suppose I was expecting some sort of GUI. Did I pick the wrong build?

#6

Are you talking about a serial port connection? Or a monitor? By default OpenWrt has a web based gui http://OpenWrt.lan

#7

Monitor...

I tried following the link you posted, but it appears to be dead, unless I'm missing something. I'm connected via Pi 4's Ethernet.

#8

Plug a laptop or desktop into the ethernet port and then go to http://OpenWrt.lan to configure the GUI

#9

Directly, or through a switch?

#10

Either should work, but I assume in the end you'll want a switch so maybe get that set up first.

#11

I tried directly, and my laptop crashed royally. Could be coincidence. Next try will be without my Raspian Pi I'm using to catch Wi-Fi for an Ethernet signal to the switch.

Edit: No dice.

#12

Your Pi should be all alone by itself, not connected to a larger network. It's got a DHCP server so you need to just connect up to it by itself, configure it, then you can put it in place as a router. You can't have two DHCP servers on the same network, so you can't just connect this to an existing network.

#13

Which network interface is the DHCP server pointed towards by default?

#14

I'm not sure how @wulfy23 set up his build but I'd expect the built in ethernet port to be part of the LAN where the DHCP points.

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#15

OK, I got my laptop alone on the switch with the router. I've restarted the router and disabled Laptop Wi-Fi. I am getting an IP, but I'm still not getting anything on http://www.openwrt.lan/.

#16

no www, remove that part

#17

Nothing, but I did get something on http://192.168.1.1.

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#18

Yeah, it should respond to http://openwrt.lan but if not 192.168.1.1 works, or the ipv6 address can work too :wink:

#19

Firefox kept adding in www or https on me, so there's that.

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#20

Yeah, and firefox might have DoH turned on? So there's also that. maybe better to stick to the IP address.