Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Turn your Raspberry Pi into a WiFi Router using OpenWrt

Intermediate

RASPBERRY PI

Project Specific

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Turn your Raspberry Pi into a WiFi Router using OpenWrt

Learn how to turn a Raspberry Pi into a custom Wi-Fi router by flashing the open-source OpenWrt Linux firmware.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B+ 1.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core Processor with 1 GB Ram (Original) Rs. 5,400.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: Ethernet / W5500
SD / MicroSD Card
SD Card Module

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How It Works

This project transforms a Raspberry Pi 5 into a dedicated network routing appliance by replacing the standard operating system with OpenWrt, an open-source Linux firmware optimized for routing and network management. To begin, an SD card is formatted and flashed with the OpenWrt firmware image using Balena Etcher via an SD card reader on a host computer. Once the SD card is inserted into the Raspberry Pi and powered by an appropriate power supply, the device boots directly into the OpenWrt environment rather than a general-purpose desktop OS. The Raspberry Pi then interfaces with your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) existing Wi-Fi router using an Ethernet LAN cable to receive an upstream internet connection. By leveraging the Raspberry Pi's onboard networking hardware and OpenWrt's advanced network stack, the Pi assumes the role of a local gateway. It handles dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) allocation, network address translation (NAT), packet forwarding, and firewall rules, effectively routing traffic between your local wired and wireless devices and the broader internet.

Why Build This

Implement native network-level ad-blocking and privacy enhancements across all connected household devices.

Deploy custom VPN add-ons and maintain up-to-date firmware security independent of standard ISP hardware limitations.

Real-World Application

Building a custom home network router to improve privacy, implement native ad-blocking, use VPN add-ons, and maintain up-to-date firmware security.

Skills You'll Learn

Firmware flashing

network routing configuration

packet forwarding

firewall administration

SSH client management

DHCP and NAT administration

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

RASPBERRY PI

OPENWRT

LINUX

NETWORKING

WI-FI ROUTER

SSH

VIM

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the Raspberry Pi as a normal desktop computer while running OpenWrt?

No, OpenWrt replaces the traditional desktop operating system entirely, dedicating the hardware resources strictly to network routing and firewall operations.

Why do I need an Ethernet LAN cable if the goal is to create a Wi-Fi router?

The Ethernet cable is used to connect your Raspberry Pi to your ISP's existing modem or router to supply the upstream internet connection that the Pi will then route.

How do I access the router configuration if there is no desktop interface?

You can access and manage the OpenWrt system either through a web browser using its IP address or by connecting via an SSH client like PuTTy.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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