Yes, you can install OpenWRT or OpnSense on a Raspberry Pi. If you don't want to... (2024)

Yes, you can install OpenWRT or OpnSense on a Raspberry Pi. If you don't want to replace your current OS on the Pi, you'll have to manually work with iptables (if you use linux) or pf (if you use BSD).

Schematically, your old/current situation:

 ┌─────────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ LAN / Modem ├─────────┤ Computer │ │ │ │ │ └─────────────┘ └──────────┘
New situation:
 ┌─────────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ LAN / Modem ├─────────┤ Firewall │ │ │ │ │ └─────────────┘ └─────┬────┘ │ │ │ ┌─────┴────┐ │ │ │ Computer │ │ │ └──────────┘
The lines between the boxes would represent network connections, i.e. ethernet connections. WiFi would work the same way.

(slight repetition:) the reason you'd use a firewall external to your PC is that it makes it impossible for any application to 'bypass' it since it doesn't actually know it is there. There are of course no guarantees as no software is perfect and firewalls are software too. But it's a whole lot closer to actually doing what you want it to than some random desktop application.

Technically you could also add a second interface on your computer and give it the option to completely bypass the firewall but that only helps if you can restrict your application of choice to only go out the firewalled interface.

In the new example, the Firewall has two network interfaces, but technically it can be done with only 1 interface if you have a network switch with VLAN support. For a Raspberry Pi you'd need a USB-Ethernet adapter for that second interface.

For OpnSense there are many examples; i.e. last year's release on a Pi 3: https://forum.opnsense.org/index.php?topic=14875.60

You can also run the latest release and a different Pi, i.e. a 4B. NanoPi works too.

OpenWRT has manuals too: https://openwrt.org/toh/raspberry_pi_foundation/raspberry_pi

Yes, you can install OpenWRT or OpnSense on a Raspberry Pi. If you don't want to... (2024)

FAQs

Can you install OpenWrt on Raspberry Pi? ›

Download the appropriate bcm27xx image for your Raspberry Pi and desired OpenWrt branch from Firmware Selector. Flash the image to a micro SD card using a disk imager, such as the open source one from the Raspberry Pi team. Once complete, insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi and power up. OpenWrt will boot.

What can OpenWrt do? ›

Features. OpenWrt features a writeable root file system, enabling users to modify any file and easily install additional software. This is in contrast with other firmware based on read-only file systems which don't allow modifying installed software without rebuilding and flashing a complete firmware image.

Is pfSense more secure than OpenWrt? ›

Features: Both OpenWrt and pfSense include a range of networking and security features, but pfSense is generally considered to be more comprehensive and feature-rich, with a focus on providing advanced firewall and routing capabilities.

How to use a Raspberry Pi to provide WiFi for Ethernet only devices? ›

How to use a Raspberry Pi to provide WiFi for Ethernet-only...
  1. Step 0: Configure the Pi. ...
  2. Step 1: Setup DHCP. ...
  3. Step 2: configure IP forwarding. ...
  4. Step 3: Set the WiFi network as the main route. ...
  5. Step 4: Set everything at boot time. ...
  6. Step 5: Try it!

Can I install other OS on Raspberry Pi? ›

While the default operating system for the Raspberry Pi is the Raspberry Pi OS, the device is capable of running a variety of different operating systems. In fact, that tiny single-board computer (SBC) can run a range of Linux distributions.

Can you install OpenWrt on a PC? ›

OpenWrt can run in normal PC, VM, or server hardware, and take advantage of the much more powerful hardware the x86 (Intel/AMD) architecture can offer.

What are the disadvantages of OpenWRT? ›

Not all devices support OpenWRT: it may limit the choice for users who want to use this operating system. Security: Some users may doubt the security of OpenWRT, especially if they have no experience in setting up and managing networks. Incorrect configuration can lead to unauthorized access or other security problems.

Which is better, pfSense or OPNsense? ›

If you want high customizability and a large support community, pfSense is a good option. If you prioritize an easy-to-use interface and frequent updates, instead, OPNsense may be better. Ultimately, pfSense offers more flexibility for seasoned users, but OPNsense provides a more polished out-of-box experience.

Is OpenWRT a safe firewall? ›

Good news, OpenWrt has reasonable security by default. If you are inexperienced in hardening and firewall and web security, there is no need to worry, OpenWrt is hardened by default in a sufficient way, such that non-experienced muggles can use it right away, without being worried.

Can you turn a Raspberry Pi into a WiFi router? ›

The Raspberry Pi will run and manage a standalone wireless network. It will also route between the wireless and Ethernet networks, providing internet access to wireless clients. Setting up the Raspberry Pi to act as a server requires us to assign a static IP address to the wireless port.

Does Raspberry Pi have power over Ethernet? ›

The Raspberry Pi PoE HAT powers a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ via an Ethernet cable. Power-sourcing equipment is required on the Ethernet network.

Does a Raspberry Pi have built-in WiFi? ›

If your model is a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3, or Raspberry Pi Zero W, you can also connect to a wireless network.

Can Raspberry Pi serve as router? ›

A Raspberry Pi is like a small, affordable computer that can do many different things. It's about the size of a credit card and comes with its own little processor, memory, and even a diy wifi router. People use it as the starting point for all sorts of projects because it's so versatile.

How to install Tor browser on Raspberry Pi? ›

First launch Pi-Apps from your start menu: Then click on the Internet category, which leads to the Browsers category. Now scroll down to find Tor in the list. Just click Install and Pi-Apps will install Tor for you!

How to install RISC OS on Raspberry Pi? ›

Start Raspberry Pi Imager, click on “Choose OS”, select “Other general-purpose OS” and select “RISC OS Pi”. Click on “Choose SD card” and select the device to use. An SD card of at least 2GB is required (if you use a larger card, RISC OS will only be able to use the first 2GB). Click on “Write”.

How to install Vulkan on Raspberry Pi? ›

For Raspberry Pi OS 2021 or earlier
  1. Step 1: Install Dependencies. We need to install some dependency libraries in order to compile the Vulkan driver. ...
  2. Step 2: Download the source code. ...
  3. Step 3: Compile and install the driver. ...
  4. Step 4 (optional): Test the Vulkan driver.

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