Netgear router is open-source in both software and hardware
Back in the day, Linksys slipped GPL software into its routers and was obliged to open-source the firmware as a consequence. The result was the much-loved, much-hacked WRT series, into which was added all sorts of fancy features usually reserved for business-class machinery. Netgear's getting in on this enthusiast-friendly game with the WGR614L, which is designed to be to tinkered with from the rubber feet-up.
The open source Wireless-G Router (model WGR614L), enabling Linux developers and enthusiasts to create firmware for specialized applications, and supported by a dedicated open source community. The router supports the most popular open source firmware; Tomato and DD-WRT are available on WGR614L, making it easier for users to develop a wide variety of applications. The router is targeted at people who want custom firmware on their router without worrying about issues, and enjoy the benefits of having an open source wireless router. The WGR614L features a 240 MHz MIPS32 CPU core with 16 KB of instruction cache, 16 KB of data cache, 1 KB of pre-fetch cache, and incorporates 4 MB of flash memory and 16 MB of RAM.
As the hardware itself is open-source, it attains a kind of philosophical purity that few major manufacturers care to express. Regulator schematics are available for the pointy-headed few to enjoy, for example, and from looking at them, one indisputable fact is immediately clear: it's prettier than a Linksys WRT54G.
Netgear points to My Open Router as the place to go to get involved.
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The one down side is that I read that the antenna is not replacable. Read here: http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30497/97/
This is a shame, assuming that the info from SmallNetBuilder is accurate. I use a Netgear Wireless Access Point (not router), and it has the usual reverse-SMA antenna on there. IT looks like exactly the same housing.
This model has a 2dBi antenna permenantly attached. I use a remote 5dBi antenna at home, and really need the signal strength. The ability to hack the firmware should come with at least the ability to hack the antenna.
I had a Linksys WRT54G and hated it. It never really worked right out of the box, but then I heard about the open source firmware and thought it might be my savior. I tried to upgrade it, but apparently bricked the router. I believe this was when the firmware was more in its infancy (early 2006-ish). I have friends who have had better luck more recently.
I've had bad luck with some other Linksys stuff in the past (a wired router in 2000 or so that I had to stick a paperclip in at least once a day to reset it).
Well I just want to lend my approval to Netgear. I've had two Netgear routers, and both worked very well. I think this is great that they're allowing this.
For what it's worth, I'm currently using an Apple Airport Express, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. But my second choice would be Netgear in a heartbeat. Good for them!
How long will it be until they completely change the hardware, power requirements, antenna connectors, and radio? Linksys does this every couple of months, it seems, releasing a new WRT54G with half the memory, half the flash...
I brought a couple of OLD WRT54Gs into work that I had purchased from goodwill. Now we use them for robot communication instead of the extremely expensive (and poorly functioning) Cisco gear, and even the (non-working) WiMax stuff. Anyone here who buys a new version 8 is sadly disappointed, and I have to recommend the WRT54GL instead.
Otherwise, I'd suggest to stick with the GLs, but I hope they don't change the hardware around.
Harrkev - Take a look at the pictures in this link: http://www.myopenrouter.com/article/10341/Recover-Your-WGR614L-Using-a-Serial-Console-Windows/
If you have minimal soldering skills, or a few hours to practice, you should be able to replace the "non-replaceable" antenna very easily. Put a BNC female on there and use whatever antenna you like.
--Charlie
Y'know it seems very progressive and "hacker-friendly" of them, but Netgear hardware sucks. This sounds more like they can't be arsed to fix their own broken product.
Today I traded my Apple Airport Extreme for a Netgear Range Max an can honestly say its refreshing moving out from the Jobsian reality distortion field. Netgear's products are just so much better...
This is very exciting. A major hardware manufacturer is actually embracing open-source, complete with full documentation.
It's sad to see so many negative reactions. I'll admit that I've had some bad experiences with Linksys hardware in years past, but I haven't tried them in years, and back then it seemed like everyone's routers sucked. Maybe I'm naive, but I think it's worth trying Linksys again.
I adore my current router, which is a Buffalo with the Tomato firmware. Sadly, Buffalo can't currently sell their excellent hardware in the US while they fight with a patent troll. I've been thinking of getting a second router to increase my range, so I think I'll give this linksys a shot.
Drew - That's why Netgear did this.
The WGR614 has gone through about a dozen revisions, just like the WRT54G, but (like the WRT54GL) this is a standardized version for running open firmware. It shouldn't get 'cost-reduced' at all. My spare WGR614 has 2mb flash and isn't suitable for anything.
This hardware is almost the same as the Linksys WRT54GL. Same as my Buffalo WHR-54GS, and I haven't had to touch it since flashing DD-WRT v24 onto it. Rock solid, cost $50, and it even came with a big antenna.
Ah, thanks, WCC -- DD-WRT for me too!
Now to see about connecting these car batteries to it...
I really wish the nonsense with Buffalo would get resolved. Those are by far the easiest routers to make work, and they're bullet-proof. They were my preferred choice when hooking up neighbors, because the existing software was pretty decent, too, and there was flexibility.
That being said, I've had luck using the 54GL as cheap bridges to allow trailers to be connected to the main portion of a school. Works great, less cost, and we can put directional antennas on them if needed.
If netgear would allow detachable antennas, and put a gigabit switch in there, I'd trade out my WRT54GS. I can't kill the thing...
I wish someone would release one of these with more up to date specs. 802.11n and gigabit ethernet on a cheap open platform would be really nice.
@2 Freshyill:
WRT54G alternate firmwares were in their infancy before 2002. I remember being in high school before '02 watching TechTV and they talked about the DD-WRT firmware.