How to Install OpenWrt on macOS

OpenWrt is an open-source operating system tailored for embedded devices like routers. This guide details the process of installing OpenWrt on a macOS machine.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure the following:

• A macOS machine with administrative rights.
• A USB drive with a minimum capacity of 512MB.
• OpenWrt firmware for your router, available on the OpenWrt website.

Step 1: Download Required Tools

To install OpenWrt, download these tools:

1. Etcher - A tool for flashing image files onto USB drives.
2. Terminal - macOS's built-in command-line interface.

Step 2: Prepare USB Drive

Format the USB drive and make it bootable:

1. Connect the USB drive to your Mac.
2. Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
3. Select the USB in the sidebar, then click Erase.
4. Name the partition OpenWrt, selecting MS-DOS (FAT) as the format.
5. Click Erase to format the drive.
6. Unmount the USB drive after formatting.

Step 3: Flash OpenWrt Firmware

Flash the OpenWrt firmware onto the USB drive with Etcher:

1. Launch Etcher and choose the OpenWrt firmware downloaded earlier.
2. Connect the USB drive and set it as the target in Etcher.
3. Click Flash to commence the process.
4. Once complete, eject the USB drive safely.

Step 4: Boot the Router

Boot the router using the prepared USB drive:

1. Insert the USB into the router and attach a network cable to the WAN port.
2. Power up the router and await full boot.
3. Use a web browser to access the router's IP address.

Step 5: Install OpenWrt

Install OpenWrt on the router as follows:

1. In the router's web interface, go to System > Backup/Flash Firmware.
2. Select Choose File and upload the OpenWrt firmware file.
3. Click Flash image... to start installation.
4. Reboot the router post-installation.

Upon reboot, the router will operate on OpenWrt. Access the OpenWrt interface via the router's IP in a web browser.

Congratulations on installing OpenWrt on your router using macOS!

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