After more than two months of development, I have finally completed the first version of the OpenWrt management app and released it on both iOS and Android platforms.
About OPAssistant
OPAssistant is a free and open-source mobile application designed to manage OpenWrt routers. It provides comprehensive router management capabilities directly from your mobile device without requiring additional plugins to be installed on your router.
Key Features
1. No Plugin Installation Required
- Direct management without installing additional plugins on your router
- Works out of the box with standard OpenWrt installations
2. IPv6 and Domain Support
- Full support for IPv6 addresses
- Support for domain names (no need to remember IP addresses)
- Flexible connection options
3. System Status Monitoring
- Version Information: View OpenWrt version and router model
- Hardware Information: Monitor CPU usage and specifications
- Memory Status: Track RAM usage and availability
- Disk Usage: Monitor storage space
- Connection Count: View active network connections
4. Statistics and Analytics
- Interface Rate Statistics: Monitor network interface speeds
- CPU Load Statistics: Track CPU performance over time
- Real-time and historical data visualization
5. Network Status
- Interface Management: View and manage network interfaces
- Device Status: Monitor connected devices
- Wireless Status: Check WiFi connection status and signal strength
6. Terminal Management
- DHCP List: View all devices assigned IP addresses via DHCP
- Wireless Terminal List: See all devices connected via WiFi
- Device identification and management
7. Application Center
- Application Filtering: Control application access (requires app filter plugin)
- Routing Table: View and manage routing configurations
- System Processes: Monitor running processes
- Startup Items: Manage services that start on boot
- System Control: Restart or reset router remotely
8. Terminal Details and Statistics
- Application Access Records: Track which applications devices are accessing
- Application Duration Statistics: Monitor how long applications are used
- Detailed per-device analytics
9. Multi-Device Management
- Manage multiple OpenWrt routers from a single app
- Switch between different routers easily
- Centralized management interface
Enhanced Features with App Filter Plugin
If your OpenWrt device has the Application Filter plugin installed, OPAssistant provides even more powerful functionality:
- Remote Application Filter Configuration: Configure application filtering rules remotely
- Manage Network Behavior: Control internet access behavior of devices on your local network from anywhere
- Real-time Rule Management: Update filtering rules on the go
- Comprehensive Control: Manage terminal internet behavior anytime, anywhere
Design Philosophy
Due to OpenWrt’s permission restrictions, some advanced configuration features (such as network configuration) require special permissions and are more complex to implement. However, network settings typically only need to be configured once during initial setup and rarely need modification afterward.
With the addition of application filtering and application statistics features, OPAssistant meets most mobile management needs. Even commercial router apps typically only expose basic control functions, and OPAssistant provides similar or better functionality.
Future Development
Planned features for future versions include:
- Traffic Statistics: Detailed network traffic analysis
- Real-time Speed Monitoring: Live network speed display
- Enhanced Analytics: More comprehensive statistics and reporting
- Additional Management Features: Based on user feedback and needs
These features are among the most requested by users and will be prioritized in upcoming releases.
Download and Installation
iOS
OPAssistant is available on the App Store. Search for “OPAssistant” in the App Store to download and install.
Android
Android users can download the APK file directly from the official website and install it manually:
Official Website: https://www.openappfilter.com
Network Administrators
- Quick access to router management
- Monitor multiple OpenWrt devices
- Configure and manage network settings on the go
Security
- Secure credential storage
- Encrypted communication with routers
- Support for HTTPS connections
- No data collection or telemetry
Compatibility
- Works with all OpenWrt versions that support LuCI
- Compatible with standard OpenWrt installations
- Enhanced features available with App Filter plugin
Open Source
OPAssistant is free and open-source, meaning:
- No Cost: Completely free to use
- Open Source: Source code available for review and contribution
- Community Driven: Developed with the OpenWrt community in mind
- Transparent: No hidden features or data collection
Comparison with Other Solutions
vs. Web Interface (LuCI)
- Mobile-Optimized: Better user experience on mobile devices
- Offline Access: View cached data without connection
- Push Notifications: (Planned feature)
- Quick Access: Faster access to common functions
vs. Commercial Router Apps
- No Vendor Lock-in: Works with any OpenWrt router
- Open Source: Transparent and customizable
- Free: No subscription or premium features
- Community Support: Active development and support
Screenshots and Interface
