OpenWrt One: manufacturing software freedom
by on December 3, 2024
Software cannot run without hardware. To have software freedom, we need hardware to run our software. Sadly, the vast majority of hardware is not built with software freedom in mind. Too often, we are beholden to the big hardware companies that sell us our laptops, phones, routers, TVs and other devices. Few manufacturers today build devices with user modifiability and longevity in mind. And it's getting worse. Hardware is becoming more and more locked down, making the need for devices that will work in our interests more and more acute.
Software Freedom Conservancy announced on Friday, in conjuction with our OpenWrt member project, that the first router designed from the ground up by the OpenWrt community is now shipping. OpenWrt developers and SFC staff have been coordinating over the past year to design and produce a hardware device (link is to an unofficial reseller; the official seller will have more in January) that showcases the best of what OpenWrt has to offer. From the upstream-first approach, to the up-front source code availability, no stone was left unturned in ensuring the device would give people flexibility and control over the software (and hardware) that runs their network.
SFC works toward GPL compliance across the industry, so the devices running Linux out there (which now include toasters, dishwashers, fridges, and dryers, as well as laptops, phones, routers, and TVs) all comply with the copyleft terms that give you the right to modify and reinstall changes onto your device. GPL enforcement is one way we tackle this problem, but we constantly seek other approaches. In the case of OpenWrt, we have yet another example that shows the device manufacturers that haven't yet complied with the GPL (and given users the rights they are owed) how to do it right — to give people what they want and what the GPL requires.
We are very excited to watch the interesting applications you find for your OpenWrt One. We're amazed and impressed to learn some people are already running Doom and other software that just won't run on a router that you buy from one of the big name router brands. :) We think it's important for people to have the freedom to make their software work for them, to explore, and enjoy their software experience. The GPL and other copyleft licenses exist to make this possible.
The OpenWrt One is admittedly not perfect. It's sadly a prime example of hardware from recent eras that relies on a few binary component firmwares (in this case, for small parts of the wifi, 2.5 GbE port, and RAM calibration). It is difficult to construct modern hardware without a few of these binary blobs. While this reality is a travesty, we are excited that nearly all the source code for the software on the OpenWrt One is freely licensed. This ensures the maximum possible ability to repair and improve the device. We hope the device will last, and someday, since the binary parts are electronically upgradable, future users can replace the binary component firmwares as FOSS replacements become available. The design and distribution of the OpenWrt One shows that it is not only possible to distribute a device containing both copylefted and non-FOSS code, but that it is also cost-effective and straight-forward to comply with the relevant licenses, and allow users to modify and reinstall the device from source.
SFC wants to build this future of freedom for all your electronics (especially those running Linux and other GPL'd software). I work every day through private channels (and the courts, when needed) to get companies to respect your rights under the GPL. I'm ecstatic that we're now creating new hardware to show the world what is possible when we put software rights first! We're excited for everyone to join us on this journey, and encourage you to read our OpenWrt One launch announcement for more details on this first step.
We just started our annual fundraiser and we'd be thrilled if you could support us by becoming a sustainer. For a limited time, until January 15 (or $204,887 of donations), all donations will be matched, so renew or become a Sustainer today! Thanks for helping us bring software freedom (and hardware respecting it) to everyone!
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