What is Wi-Fi | Software prpl? A deep dive into open-source solutions for embedded devices.

Keywords :prpl FoundationprplOSOpenWrtIPQ9574

prpl FoundationIt is an open-source, community-driven, collaborative non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the security and interoperability of embedded devices. The core mission of the foundation is to promote the standardization and innovation of embedded devices through an open technological framework.

 

Among them,prplWrtIt is an enterprise-grade open-source software framework designed specifically for next-generation WiFi routers and gateways. prplWrt combines the strengths of community projects and commercial software stacks, aiming to transition smoothly from the currently highly fragmented vendor software stacks to a unified baseline architecture. This architecture offers highly customizable and differentiated APIs and frameworks without compromising security and update capabilities.

 

Once prplWrt is fully rolled out, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and retail brands will be able to require their suppliers to implement and adhere to the prplWrt standards. This not only provides a secure and stable software baseline but also includes testing tools, professional certifications, monthly security updates, and ongoing feature development.

 

Supported Qualcomm platforms

 

Currently, prplWrt supports the following Qualcomm platforms:

- **IPQ95xx** - RDP0433

- **IPQ53xx** - RDP0441

- **IPQ54xx** - RDP0466

 

The technical foundation and features of prplWrt

 

prplWrt is based onOpenWrtThe architecture has been enhanced, and several functional modules (feeds) have been further expanded to meet the needs of different application scenarios. Below are some of the newly added feeds configurations:

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_qca=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_opensource=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_amx=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_gmap=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_net_core=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_qos_firewall=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_net_services=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_wifi_core=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_tr69=y

- CONFIG_FEED_feed_prpl=y

 

Additionally, prplWrt adoptslighttpdWithFastCGIAs the core technology of its web server, it has further improved performance and efficiency.

 

The development and build process of prplWrt

 

The development of prplWrt is based on Qualcomm's open-source SDK.QCA_Network_2024_ATH.SPF.13.0The following are the steps to build a Single Image:

 

1. Create a workspace and download the OEM release. 

Sentence: ```bash

$ mkdir BUILD_WS; cd BUILD_WS

$ Chipcode_tag=r13.0_00003.0

$ git config --global credential.helper 'cache --timeout=7200'

$ git config --global http."https://qpm-git.qualcomm.com".followRedirects true

$ git clone -b $Chipcode_tag --depth 1 \

https://qpm-git.qualcomm.com/home2/git//qca-networking-2025-ath-spf-13-0_qca_oem.git

   ```

 

2. Generate a single IPQ image file 

Enter the directory and execute the following command:

Sentence: ```bash

$ cd qca-networking-2025-ath-spf-13-0_qca_oem/common/build

$ python -u prepare_build.py -p -b -d -u https://qpm-git.qualcomm.com/home2/git//qca-networking-2025-ath-spf-13-0_qca_oem --build_opt -a --party_id

   ```

 

3. Generated image file location 

The final image file will be located in the `common/build/bin` folder, for example:

norplusnand-ipq9574_64-single.img

Use TFTP to write the image file into Flash.

 

The build details of prplOS

 

The following are the detailed steps to build prplOS:

 

1. Clone the prplOS repository 

Sentence: Sentence:

$ git clone https://gitlab.com/prpl-foundation/prplos/prplos.git

   ```

 

2. Switch to the specified branch 

Sentence: Sentence:

$ cd prplos

$ git checkout dev_ath13.0-ipq95xx

   ```

 

3. Generate configuration and build 

Sentence: Sentence:

$ mkdir -p qca/src/

$ ./scripts/gen_config.py qca_ipq95xx prpl security

$ sed -i 's/CONFIG_PACKAGE_omci=y/# CONFIG_PACKAGE_omci is not set/g' .config

$ make V=e -j8

   ```

 

4. Generated image file location 

- **Kernel image file**: `build_dir/target-aarch64_cortex-a73+neon-vfpv4_musl/linux-ipq95xx_generic/qcom_alxx-uImage.itb`

- **Rootfs image file**: `build_dir/target-aarch64_cortex-a73+neon-vfpv4_musl/linux-ipq95xx_generic/root.squashfs`

 

5. Use U-Boot to update the kernel and root file system 

Sentence: ```bash

IPQ9574# tftpb qcom_alxx-uImage.itb

IPQ9574# Flashing the kernel

IPQ9574# tftpb root.squashfs

IPQ9574# flash ubi_rootfs

   ```

 

The web interface of prplOS

 

After completing the installation, you can access it through your browser.http://192.168.1.1Enter the prplOS login interface.

The default username and password are: `admin/admin`. After logging in, you will see the main Dashboard interface, which provides system status and management features.

图形用户界面, 应用程序, Teams

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AI 生成的内容可能不正确。

 

Conclusion

 

The emergence of prplWrt and prplOS has brought new possibilities for the development and management of embedded devices. Through open-source technologies and standardized frameworks, these tools not only enhance the security and stability of devices but also provide flexible customization options for vendors and developers. As technology continues to advance, prpl will become a significant driving force for innovation in IoT and embedded devices.

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 

1. What is prplWrt? 

prplWrt is an open-source software framework based on OpenWrt, specifically designed for next-generation WiFi routers and gateways, offering highly secure and highly customizable solutions.

 

2. Which Qualcomm platforms does prplWrt support? 

Currently supports Qualcomm platforms such as IPQ95xx, IPQ53xx, and IPQ54xx.

 

3. How to build prplOS? 

You need to clone the prplOS repository, switch to the specified branch, generate the configuration, and execute the build commands. Finally, you will generate the Kernel and Rootfs image files.

 

4. How is prplWrt different from OpenWrt? 

prplWrt is an extension of OpenWrt, adding multiple functional modules and security enhancements, and optimized for enterprise-level applications.

 

5. How to log in to the prplOS web interface? 

You can access http://192.168.1.1 through your browser, log in using the default credentials `admin/admin`, and manage and configure the system.

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