32 lines
1.8 KiB
Plaintext
32 lines
1.8 KiB
Plaintext
Take the WRT54G challenge!
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<p>So, LinkSys (formerly independent, now a tentacle of Cisco) has<br />
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brought the Linux version of their WRT54GL wireless router back to<br />
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life. We’d previously heard that Version 5 of the box would run<br />
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proprietary VxWorks firmware. But according to <a href='http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4729641740.html'>this<br />
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story</a> over at LinuxDevices.com,</p>
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<blockquote><p>
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LinkSys is shipping a Linux-based WRT54GL model that it says it<br />
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created specially for Linux hobbyists, hackers, and aficianados[sic]. The L<br />
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version is identical to the “series 4″ WRT54G units that Linux<br />
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hobbyists have long enjoyed hacking, according to the company. [...]
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</p></blockquote>
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<p>Here’s the key ‘graf:</p>
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<blockquote><p>
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VxWorks allowed the company to halve the amounts of Flash and RAM in<br />
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the device, while retaining similar functionality. Apparently,<br />
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reducing memory-related BOM (bill-of-materials) costs more than offset<br />
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the costs of licensing a proprietary OS
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</p></blockquote>
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<p>You know, to me that sounds like a challenge. Personally, I have<br />
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no firmware-hacking or cross-development skills; my interests lie in<br />
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other directions. But some eager band of Linux hackers out there<br />
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should strip Linux down far enough that it can fit in the reduced<br />
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footprint, just to prove it can be done and undercut the idea that<br />
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proprietary firmware is <em>ever</em> a good idea. And I have no<br />
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doubt it can be done; heck, we’ve made Linux run on a Z80!</p>
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<p>(I maintain the<br />
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<a href='http://en.tldp.org/HOWTO/Linksys-Blue-Box-Router-HOWTO/'>Linksys<br />
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Blue Box Router HOWTO</a>. There might be a new version, reflecting the<br />
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fact that Cisco has dropped its lawsuit against Michael Flynn, up on the<br />
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LDP site by the time you read this.)</p>
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