I have a few (I suppose obvious) questions about packages for ASusWRT-Merlin. I *think* I know the answers, but just want to make sure I'm not missing something. The documentation seems a bit lacking on these points.
I'm familiar with various Linux package managers, comfortable in Linux/Unix/OSX command line, previously used OpenWRT on a MIPS-based router, etc. so not completely unfamiliar.
Correct or clarify the below:
- optware is a general-purpose package repository for various architecture, including MIPS and ARM. It is our only (easy?) choice on ARM hardware.
- optware (at least for ARM) is really old and not really maintained. It's a good way to get stable pre-built binaries that are a few years old.
- entware is another choice, but not for ARM routers. It's newer/currently maintained.
- These are both general-purpose, not specifically intended for AsusWRT-Merlin, right?
- Third choice I noticed on asuswrt.eu: Debian Wheezy chrooted environment. I gather this is allowing you to run Debian packages on the installed kernel from Debian Wheezy ARM repo. This seems appealing to me because it is a current, supported, repo, and I am familiar with Debian becuase I use Kubuntu.
It's not clear to me if the Debian Wheezy option is mutually-exclusive with Optware. It looks like it co-opts the Optware directory for convenience.
Somewhat-related questions:
AsusWRT-Merlin modifies the UI in specific, opinionated ways. But there is no (easy?) facility for packages to do such (?). I'm thinking of OpenWRT, where many packages are available that have Luci components include or optional Luci components that can be installed. (There are even Luci-only packages, which provide a UI for obscure things normally only set in config files.)
I get the idea that the if some package needs a UI, it is better (necessary?) if it has it's own web server with it's own port. It must not be so easy for packages to "plug in" to the UI as they do with OpenWRT. (But I think AsusWRT does use Luci, right?)
- Any alternative package repositories?
- Any other well-known packages (not necessarily in a repo) that are specifically designed for AsusWRT-merlin? (Pre-built or build-yourself.)
Obviously, one should be able to get most Linux packages to work with sufficient tweaking. Just wondering what I CAN install without a lot of tweaking...
One thing specifically that I'm looking for - better wireless survey/connection info/etc. I'd like to get information on wireless connection speed, channel, etc. without having to keep hitting refresh!
I'm familiar with various Linux package managers, comfortable in Linux/Unix/OSX command line, previously used OpenWRT on a MIPS-based router, etc. so not completely unfamiliar.
Correct or clarify the below:
- optware is a general-purpose package repository for various architecture, including MIPS and ARM. It is our only (easy?) choice on ARM hardware.
- optware (at least for ARM) is really old and not really maintained. It's a good way to get stable pre-built binaries that are a few years old.
- entware is another choice, but not for ARM routers. It's newer/currently maintained.
- These are both general-purpose, not specifically intended for AsusWRT-Merlin, right?
- Third choice I noticed on asuswrt.eu: Debian Wheezy chrooted environment. I gather this is allowing you to run Debian packages on the installed kernel from Debian Wheezy ARM repo. This seems appealing to me because it is a current, supported, repo, and I am familiar with Debian becuase I use Kubuntu.
It's not clear to me if the Debian Wheezy option is mutually-exclusive with Optware. It looks like it co-opts the Optware directory for convenience.
Somewhat-related questions:
AsusWRT-Merlin modifies the UI in specific, opinionated ways. But there is no (easy?) facility for packages to do such (?). I'm thinking of OpenWRT, where many packages are available that have Luci components include or optional Luci components that can be installed. (There are even Luci-only packages, which provide a UI for obscure things normally only set in config files.)
I get the idea that the if some package needs a UI, it is better (necessary?) if it has it's own web server with it's own port. It must not be so easy for packages to "plug in" to the UI as they do with OpenWRT. (But I think AsusWRT does use Luci, right?)
- Any alternative package repositories?
- Any other well-known packages (not necessarily in a repo) that are specifically designed for AsusWRT-merlin? (Pre-built or build-yourself.)
Obviously, one should be able to get most Linux packages to work with sufficient tweaking. Just wondering what I CAN install without a lot of tweaking...
One thing specifically that I'm looking for - better wireless survey/connection info/etc. I'd like to get information on wireless connection speed, channel, etc. without having to keep hitting refresh!
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