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.
Phase 0 – Professional Alignment
Enterprise networks often incorporate both commercial and open-source networking platforms to meet operational, security, and budgetary requirements. In this chapter, you will install and integrate an OpenWRT virtual router into your GNS3 environment, gaining experience with an open-source routing platform widely used for network services, embedded systems, research, and cybersecurity testing.
DCWF Work Roles
The knowledge and skills developed in this chapter align with the following Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) work roles:
- 511 – Network Operations Specialist
- 441 – Network Services Specialist
- 531 – Systems Administrator
NICE Work Roles
This chapter supports competencies associated with the following NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity work roles:
- Network Operations Specialist
- Network Services Specialist
- Systems Administrator
Professional Skills
By completing this chapter, you will begin developing the ability to:
- Deploy open-source network appliances within a virtual enterprise environment.
- Configure virtual routing platforms for enterprise networking laboratories.
- Integrate multiple router platforms into a common network topology.
- Verify the operation of virtual network devices before deployment.
- Troubleshoot appliance installation and virtual networking issues.
- Evaluate open-source networking solutions for enterprise applications.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
- Install the OpenWRT virtual router in GNS3.
- Configure the OpenWRT appliance for use in a virtual networking environment.
- Verify that the router operates correctly within a GNS3 topology.
- Troubleshoot common installation and startup issues associated with virtual appliances.
- Prepare the OpenWRT router for use in subsequent enterprise networking and cybersecurity laboratories.
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
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 section covers downloading and installing OpenWrt in the GNS3 environment. This lab is very similar to Installing a MikroTik router.
- Visit GNS3 marketplace 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
Career Connection
Open-source networking platforms such as OpenWRT are widely used by network engineers, cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and embedded systems developers to prototype network services, test security controls, and evaluate new technologies. Experience deploying and managing both commercial and open-source routing platforms prepares you to work in diverse enterprise environments where flexibility, interoperability, and cost-effective solutions are increasingly important.
End of Lab
