Essential OpenWrt Packages and Plugins

OpenWrt’s true power lies in its package management system. With thousands of packages available, you can transform your router into a powerful networking device, VPN server, ad blocker, media server, and much more. This guide covers the most useful and popular packages for OpenWrt.

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Table of Contents

1. Network Management
2. VPN and Security
3. Ad Blocking and Privacy
4. File Sharing and Storage
5. Media and Streaming
6. Monitoring and Statistics
7. System Utilities
8. Advanced Networking
9. Development Tools
10. Installation Guide

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Network Management

1. luci-app-sqm (Smart Queue Management)

Purpose: Quality of Service (QoS) to manage bandwidth and reduce bufferbloat

Features:

• Automatic bandwidth detection
• Reduces latency under load
• Supports Cake, FQ-CoDel, and other algorithms
• Easy web interface configuration

Use Case: Essential for gaming, video calls, or when multiple users share bandwidth

Installation:

opkg update
opkg install luci-app-sqm

2. luci-app-mwan3 (Multi-WAN)

Purpose: Load balancing and failover across multiple internet connections

Features:

• Multiple WAN connections
• Automatic failover
• Load balancing
• Policy-based routing

Use Case: Combine multiple internet connections or provide redundancy

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-mwan3

3. luci-app-wireguard

Purpose: WireGuard VPN client/server management

Features:

• Easy WireGuard configuration
• Web interface for managing peers
• Real-time connection status
• QR code generation for mobile clients

Use Case: Set up VPN server or connect to VPN services

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-wireguard wireguard-tools

4. luci-app-openvpn

Purpose: OpenVPN client/server management

Features:

• OpenVPN server setup wizard
• Client configuration management
• Certificate management
• Web interface

Use Case: Traditional VPN setup with OpenVPN protocol

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-openvpn openvpn-openssl

5. luci-app-ddns (Dynamic DNS)

Purpose: Update DNS records when your IP address changes

Features:

• Support for 30+ DNS providers
• Multiple hostname updates
• IPv4 and IPv6 support
• Automatic updates

Use Case: Access your home network remotely with a domain name

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-ddns ddns-scripts

6. luci-app-wol (Wake on LAN)

Purpose: Wake up computers on your network remotely

Features:

• Web interface for WOL
• Scheduled wake-up
• Device management

Use Case: Wake up computers, NAS, or other devices remotely

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-wol etherwake

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VPN and Security

7. luci-app-vpnbypass

Purpose: Route specific devices or domains through VPN or bypass VPN

Features:

• Selective VPN routing
• Domain-based rules
• Device-based rules
• Easy configuration

Use Case: Route only specific traffic through VPN (e.g., streaming services)

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-vpnbypass

8. luci-app-wireguard (See Network Management)

Already covered above – essential for modern VPN setup.

9. luci-app-travelmate

Purpose: Manage multiple WiFi hotspots and travel scenarios

Features:

• Automatic WiFi hotspot switching
• Travel mode
• Multiple SSID management
• Auto-connect to known networks

Use Case: Perfect for portable routers or travel scenarios

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-travelmate

10. luci-app-fwknopd

Purpose: Single Packet Authorization for enhanced security

Features:

• Port knocking alternative
• Enhanced firewall security
• Prevents port scanning

Use Case: Additional security layer for exposed services

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-fwknopd fwknopd

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Ad Blocking and Privacy

11. luci-app-adblock

Purpose: DNS-based ad and tracker blocking

Features:

• Blocks ads and trackers at DNS level
• Whitelist/blacklist management
• Multiple blocklist sources
• Real-time statistics
• Low resource usage

Use Case: Block ads network-wide without installing software on each device

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-adblock adblock

12. luci-app-adguardhome

Purpose: AdGuard Home – network-wide ad and tracker blocking

Features:

• Advanced DNS filtering
• Parental controls
• Query logging
• Statistics and analytics
• Custom filtering rules

Use Case: More advanced ad blocking with detailed statistics

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-adguardhome adguardhome

13. luci-app-pihole (Alternative)

Purpose: Pi-hole alternative for OpenWrt

Features:

• DNS-based ad blocking
• Web interface
• Query logging
• Custom blocklists

Use Case: Pi-hole-like functionality on OpenWrt

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-pihole

14. luci-app-privoxy

Purpose: Privacy-enhancing proxy

Features:

• Web filtering
• Ad blocking
• Privacy protection
• Content filtering

Use Case: Additional privacy layer for web browsing

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-privoxy privoxy

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File Sharing and Storage

15. luci-app-samba4

Purpose: SMB/CIFS file sharing (Windows file sharing)

Features:

• Share files with Windows, Mac, Linux
• User management
• Permission control
• Easy web configuration

Use Case: Network-attached storage (NAS) functionality

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-samba4 samba4-server

16. luci-app-minidlna

Purpose: DLNA/UPnP media server

Features:

• Stream media to DLNA devices
• Automatic media discovery
• Support for various formats
• Low resource usage

Use Case: Stream music, videos, and photos to smart TVs and media players

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-minidlna minidlna

17. luci-app-ksmbd

Purpose: High-performance SMB server (alternative to Samba)

Features:

• Faster than Samba
• Lower resource usage
• SMB 3.0 support
• Active Directory support

Use Case: Modern SMB file sharing with better performance

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-ksmbd ksmbd-server

18. luci-app-aria2

Purpose: Lightweight multi-protocol download utility

Features:

• HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, BitTorrent downloads
• Web interface
• Remote control
• Resume downloads

Use Case: Download files directly to router’s storage

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-aria2 aria2

19. luci-app-transmission

Purpose: BitTorrent client

Features:

• Web interface
• Remote management
• RSS feed support
• Bandwidth scheduling

Use Case: Download torrents on your router

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-transmission transmission-daemon

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Media and Streaming

20. luci-app-minidlna (See File Sharing)

Already covered above – DLNA media server.

21. luci-app-jellyfin (If available)

Purpose: Media server with transcoding

Features:

• Media library management
• Transcoding support
• Web interface
• Multiple client support

Use Case: Full-featured media server (requires powerful hardware)

Note: May require custom builds or additional setup

22. luci-app-ushare

Purpose: UPnP media server

Features:

• UPnP media sharing
• Multiple format support
• Lightweight

Use Case: Simple media streaming solution

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-ushare ushare

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Monitoring and Statistics

23. luci-app-statistics

Purpose: Network traffic and system statistics

Features:

• Real-time traffic graphs
• Interface statistics
• System resource monitoring
• Historical data

Use Case: Monitor network usage and router performance

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-statistics collectd

24. luci-app-nlbwmon (Network Bandwidth Monitor)

Purpose: Network bandwidth monitoring per IP/device

Features:

• Per-device bandwidth tracking
• Historical data
• Export statistics
• Web interface

Use Case: Track which devices use the most bandwidth

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-nlbwmon nlbwmon

25. luci-app-watchcat

Purpose: Router watchdog and monitoring

Features:

• Automatic reboot on connectivity loss
• Ping monitoring
• Scheduled reboots
• Health checks

Use Case: Keep router stable and automatically recover from issues

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-watchcat watchcat

26. luci-app-nft-qos

Purpose: Advanced QoS monitoring and management

Features:

• Real-time QoS statistics
• Traffic shaping visualization
• Interface monitoring

Use Case: Monitor and manage QoS rules

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-nft-qos

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System Utilities

27. luci-app-attendedsysupgrade

Purpose: Upgrade OpenWrt without losing configuration

Features:

• Preserve configuration during upgrade
• Automatic backup
• Easy upgrade process

Use Case: Safely upgrade OpenWrt firmware

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-attendedsysupgrade

28. luci-app-ttyd

Purpose: Web-based terminal access

Features:

• Terminal in web browser
• No SSH needed
• Secure access
• Multiple sessions

Use Case: Access router command line from web interface

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-ttyd ttyd

29. luci-app-commands

Purpose: Execute custom commands from web interface

Features:

• Run shell commands
• Save command templates
• Output display

Use Case: Execute custom scripts or commands easily

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-commands

30. luci-app-filebrowser

Purpose: Web-based file manager

Features:

• Browse router filesystem
• Upload/download files
• Edit files
• File operations

Use Case: Manage files on router without SSH

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-filebrowser filebrowser

31. luci-app-autoreboot

Purpose: Schedule automatic router reboots

Features:

• Scheduled reboots
• Daily/weekly/monthly options
• Time-based reboots

Use Case: Keep router fresh with regular reboots

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-autoreboot

32. luci-app-cifs-mount

Purpose: Mount Windows/SMB shares

Features:

• Mount network shares
• Auto-mount on boot
• Web interface

Use Case: Access network storage from router

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-cifs-mount kmod-fs-cifs

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Advanced Networking

33. luci-app-mwan3 (See Network Management)

Already covered above – Multi-WAN support.

34. luci-app-batman-adv

Purpose: BATMAN-adv mesh networking

Features:

• Mesh network support
• Self-organizing network
• Automatic routing

Use Case: Create mesh networks with multiple routers

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-batman-adv kmod-batman-adv

35. luci-app-olsr

Purpose: OLSR mesh networking protocol

Features:

• Mesh network routing
• Self-configuring
• Community support

Use Case: Alternative mesh networking solution

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-olsr olsrd

36. luci-app-simple-adblock

Purpose: Lightweight DNS-based ad blocking

Features:

• Simple configuration
• Low resource usage
• Multiple blocklists

Use Case: Lightweight alternative to adblock

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-simple-adblock simple-adblock

37. luci-app-wifischedule

Purpose: Schedule WiFi on/off times

Features:

• Time-based WiFi control
• Daily schedules
• Multiple SSID support

Use Case: Automatically turn off WiFi at night or specific times

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-wifischedule

38. luci-app-wireless-regdb

Purpose: Wireless regulatory database

Features:

• Country-specific WiFi regulations
• Channel availability
• Power limits

Use Case: Ensure WiFi compliance with local regulations

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-wireless-regdb wireless-regdb

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Development Tools

39. luci-app-tcpdump

Purpose: Network packet capture

Features:

• Capture network packets
• Filter packets
• Save captures
• Web interface

Use Case: Network debugging and analysis

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-tcpdump tcpdump

40. luci-app-snmpd

Purpose: SNMP monitoring

Features:

• SNMP agent
• Network monitoring
• Integration with monitoring tools

Use Case: Integrate router with network monitoring systems

Installation:

opkg install luci-app-snmpd snmpd

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Essential System Packages (No Web UI)

41. wireguard-tools

Purpose: WireGuard command-line tools

Use Case: Advanced WireGuard configuration

Installation:

opkg install wireguard-tools

42. curl and wget

Purpose: Download files from command line

Use Case: Essential utilities for scripts and downloads

Installation:

opkg install curl wget

43. nano or vim

Purpose: Text editors

Use Case: Edit configuration files

Installation:

opkg install nano
# or
opkg install vim

44. htop

Purpose: Advanced process viewer

Use Case: Monitor system resources and processes

Installation:

opkg install htop

45. screen or tmux

Purpose: Terminal multiplexers

Use Case: Run long-running processes

Installation:

opkg install screen
# or
opkg install tmux

46. bash

Purpose: Advanced shell

Use Case: Better scripting than default ash

Installation:

opkg install bash

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Installation Guide

Basic Installation Steps

1. Update package lists:

opkg update

1. Install a package:

opkg install package-name

1. Install with dependencies:

opkg install package-name --force-depends

1. Remove a package:

opkg remove package-name

1. List installed packages:

opkg list-installed

1. Search for packages:

opkg list | grep keyword

Web Interface Installation

Most packages with luci-app- prefix provide web interface integration:

1. Install the package via SSH or web interface
2. Refresh the web interface (usually automatic)
3. Find the new menu item in LuCI web interface
4. Configure through the web interface

Storage Considerations

Important: OpenWrt routers have limited storage. Before installing packages:

1. Check available space:

df -h

1. Check package size:

opkg info package-name

1. Use external storage: Consider USB storage for additional space
2. Remove unused packages: Regularly clean up unused packages

Recommended Package Combinations

For Home Users:

opkg install luci-app-adblock luci-app-ddns luci-app-sqm luci-app-statistics

For Power Users:

opkg install luci-app-wireguard luci-app-samba4 luci-app-aria2 luci-app-watchcat luci-app-ttyd

For VPN Server:

opkg install luci-app-wireguard wireguard-tools luci-app-ddns luci-app-watchcat

For Media Server:

opkg install luci-app-samba4 luci-app-minidlna luci-app-ksmbd

For Network Monitoring:

opkg install luci-app-statistics luci-app-nlbwmon luci-app-watchcat

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Tips and Best Practices

1. Start Small

• Install packages one at a time
• Test functionality before installing more
• Monitor router performance

2. Check Compatibility

• Verify package compatibility with your OpenWrt version
• Check hardware requirements (RAM, flash)
• Read package documentation

3. Backup Configuration

• Always backup before major changes
• Use sysupgrade -b to backup configuration
• Keep backups of important configurations

4. Monitor Resources

• Check RAM and flash usage regularly
• Use free and df -h commands
• Remove unused packages

5. Update Regularly

• Keep packages updated: opkg update && opkg upgrade
• Update OpenWrt firmware regularly
• Check for security updates

6. Use Official Packages

• Prefer official OpenWrt packages
• Be cautious with third-party repositories
• Verify package sources

7. Document Your Setup

• Keep notes of installed packages
• Document custom configurations
• Save important command sequences

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Troubleshooting

Package Installation Fails

Issue: opkg install fails with dependency errors

Solution:

# Update package lists
opkg update

# Install with force dependencies (use carefully)
opkg install package-name --force-depends

# Or install dependencies manually first
opkg install dependency1 dependency2 package-name

Out of Space

Issue: Not enough space for packages

Solution:

# Check space
df -h

# Remove unused packages
opkg list-installed | grep -v "kernel\|base"
opkg remove unused-package

# Use USB storage (requires additional setup)
# Mount USB and use as overlay

Web Interface Not Appearing

Issue: Installed luci-app-* but no menu appears

Solution:

# Restart uhttpd
/etc/init.d/uhttpd restart

# Clear browser cache
# Check if package installed correctly
opkg list-installed | grep luci-app-package-name

Package Conflicts

Issue: Multiple packages conflict

Solution:

• Remove conflicting packages
• Use alternatives (e.g., luci-app-adblock vs luci-app-adguardhome)
• Check package documentation for conflicts

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Conclusion

OpenWrt’s package ecosystem is vast and powerful. The packages listed here represent the most useful and popular options, but there are hundreds more available. Start with packages that match your needs, and gradually explore more advanced options as you become comfortable with OpenWrt.

Essential Packages for Most Users:

1. luci-app-adblock – Ad blocking
2. luci-app-ddns – Dynamic DNS
3. luci-app-sqm – Quality of Service
4. luci-app-statistics – Network monitoring
5. luci-app-wireguard – VPN support

Resources:

• OpenWrt Package Repository: https://downloads.openwrt.org/
• Package Search: Use opkg list | grep keyword
• OpenWrt Forum: https://forum.openwrt.org/
• OpenWrt Wiki: https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/

Remember: Always backup your configuration before installing new packages, and start with essential packages before exploring advanced options. Happy networking!