LibreRouter: An open-source router that offers GPIO pins in a Raspberry Pi form factor

Single-board computers (SBCs) can not only be used as cost-effective options for developers or for creating retro emulators. On the contrary, they can also serve as routers thanks to their wide range of connection options, while some can offer a lot of performance for their size. The Raspberry Pi has practically pre-configured software solutions to this effect, for example.

Now, a DIY solution has been announced by LibreRouter.org. The LR1 is based on a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558 MIPI processor that can utilise 128 MB of RAM. The router has built-in Wi-Fi too that supports up to IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, while LibreRouter also offers an optional GPS sensor. Using the two mPCIe slots you can connect powerful network cards or cellular routers, too.

The router is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, along with three USB 2.0 ports. Strictly speaking, only two are accessible though, as the third is inside the router's case. Error codes can be read using a serial connection, while there are GPIO pins for connecting sensors and actuators.

According to LibreRouter, the router's power supply operates between 12 and 36 V and can keep the device running in unstable conditions. The router can be powered via power over Ethernet (POE) up to 16 W too.

LibreRouter integrates antennas for accessing 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connections within the router's waterproof case by default, so there is no configuration needed there. The case, for reference, measures 30 x 20.5 x 7.6 cm. The router runs on OpenWrt and LibreMesh, although does not appear finalised at this stage. Neither pricing nor availability is available yet either, but LibreRouter should be confirming these details soon.