4 Installing an OpenWRT Router in GNS3
Mathew J. Heath Van Horn, PhD
OpenWrt (Open Wireless Router) is an open-source router software developed by Linksys. This free software best mimics the typical home router found in most residences. Home routers typically encompass a router, switch, firewall, and modem all into one device. Since most people are familiar with home routers, we thought it best to start with a home router.
Learning Objectives
- Successfully download, install, and run OpenWrt in a GNS3 environment
Prerequisites
Deliverables
- None – this is a preparatory lab that supports other labs in this book
Resources
- GNS3 Documentation – https://docs.gns3.com/docs
- OpenWrt Download – https://openwrt.org/downloads
- OpenWrt Documentation – https://openwrt.org/docs/start
Contributors and Testers
- Enzo Gonzalez
Phase I – Installing OpenWrt
This is an abbreviated installation walkthrough. This lab is used to support other labs in this text. This portion covers the download and installation of OpenWrt in the GNS3 environment. This lab is very similar to Chapter 3 – Installing a MikroTik router.
- Visit https://www.gns3.com/marketplace/appliances and log in
Figure 1 – Downloading OpenWrt - Go to Marketplace
- Select Appliances on the left
- Search for OpenWrt
- Click on the OpenWrt Appliance (NOT the OpenWrt Realview) and then click the download button
Figure 2 – Download OpenWrt - On the same download screen, scroll down to download the most recent image file. Once downloaded, unzip it
Figure 3 – Unzip the OpenWrt file - Start the GNS3 Workspace. Once the lights are green, select File → Import Appliance
Figure 4 – Import the OpenWrt appliance - Select the OpenWrt appliance you downloaded earlier and select open
Figure 5 – Select the OpenWrt appliance - Install the appliance on the GNS3 VM. Use the default Qemu Settings
Figure 6 – Install the OpenWrt appliance - Select the Missing Files for the version of OpenWrt you downloaded earlier, and select Import
Figure 7 – Select the missing files and open them - Select the image file you unzipped earlier and click Open
- It should now read ‘Ready to install. ‘ Click on the file and click Next
Figure 8 – Finish the install - Once it finishes, it will appear in the router appliance menu
Figure 9 – OpenWrt appears in the router appliance menu
End of Lab
