privacyguides.org/docs/router.en.md

---
title: "Router Firmware"
icon: material/router-wireless
---
Below are a few alternative operating systems, that can be used on routers, Wi-Fi access points, etc.

## OpenWrt

!!! recommendation

    ![OpenWrt logo](assets/img/router/openwrt.svg#only-light){ align=right }
    ![OpenWrt logo](assets/img/router/openwrt-dark.svg#only-dark){ align=right }

    **OpenWrt** is an operating system (in particular, an embedded operating system) based on the Linux kernel, primarily used on embedded devices to route network traffic. The main components are the Linux kernel, util-linux, uClibc, and BusyBox. All components have been optimized for size, to be small enough for fitting into the limited storage and memory available in home routers.

    [:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://openwrt.org){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
    [:octicons-info-16:](https://openwrt.org/docs/start){ .card-link title=Documentation}
    [:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
    [:octicons-heart-16:](https://openwrt.org/donate){ .card-link title=Contribute }

You can consult OpenWrt's [table of hardware](https://openwrt.org/toh/start) to check if your device is supported.

## pfSense

!!! recommendation

    ![pfSense logo](assets/img/router/pfsense.svg#only-light){ align=right }
    ![pfSense logo](assets/img/router/pfsense-dark.svg#only-dark){ align=right }

    pfSense is an open-source firewall/router computer software distribution based on FreeBSD. It is installed on a computer to make a dedicated firewall/router for a network and is noted for its reliability and offering features often only found in expensive commercial firewalls. pfSense is commonly deployed as a perimeter firewall, router, wireless access point, DHCP server, DNS server, and VPN endpoint.

    [:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://www.pfsense.org){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
    [:octicons-info-16:](https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/){ .card-link title=Documentation}
    [:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/pfsense/pfsense){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
    [:octicons-heart-16:](https://www.pfsense.org/get-involved/){ .card-link title=Contribute }