Beyond Routing: Transform the OpenWrt One into a Powerful Debian Micro-Server

The OpenWrt One is described as the inaugural hardware offering from the OpenWrt open‑source firmware community, with the device manufactured by partners in China and powered by an ARM-based architecture. A new project, openwrt-one-debian, now enables enthusiasts to deploy a full Debian GNU/Linux distribution, using scripts and utilities to support standard Debian workflows and package management.

By utilising the router’s internal NVMe storage, users can host bespoke services, containerised environments and development tools, effectively turning the router into a versatile micro‑server. The hardware includes a MediaTek MT7981B dual‑core processor, 1GB RAM, 128MB SPI NAND and 4MB SPI NOR Flash, plus 2.5GbE and 1GbE networking, USB and M.2 2042 expansion, and a dual‑flash redundancy mechanism that keeps the system unbrickable.

For Debian workloads, the article strongly encourages installing an SSD in the M.2 slot as boot media and primary storage, since onboard flash is deemed insufficient. The device is priced at $89 USD (MSRP).