If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve heard about OpenWrt and the Amlogic S905D-based N1 TV Box (often just called N1 box). Maybe you’ve seen people in forums talking about “openwrt_s905d_n1” and wondered what it really means. Or maybe you’re curious whether you can turn your old TV box into a powerful little router, NAS, or home server.
I’ve been down that road myself. I started tinkering with OpenWrt a few years ago on a cheap router and eventually discovered the potential of using TV boxes like the S905D N1. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned: what it is, why people use it, how to set it up, and the pros and cons you should know before jumping in.
What is OpenWrt?
Let’s start with the basics.
OpenWrt is an open-source Linux distribution made for routers, gateways, and embedded devices. Unlike the stock firmware that comes with your router, OpenWrt gives you full control over your device. You can install extra packages, configure advanced network features, and optimize performance.
Think of it like replacing the locked-down operating system on your router with something more like a customizable Linux server.
Some highlights:
-
Full root access
-
Thousands of available software packages
-
Firewall, VPN, QoS, and more
-
Stable and community-supported
For many, OpenWrt transforms a “basic router” into a powerful networking tool.
What is the S905D N1 TV Box?
The Amlogic S905D N1 is a small Android-based TV box that was originally made for streaming media. It uses the Amlogic S905D quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU with a Mali GPU.
Some key specs of the N1 box:
-
CPU: Amlogic S905D, Quad-core Cortex-A53
-
RAM: 2GB
-
Storage: 8GB eMMC (expandable with USB/SD)
-
Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB ports
-
Originally shipped with Android OS
What makes it special is that despite being designed for streaming, it’s actually very capable as a mini server or router. Many enthusiasts discovered that by installing Linux or OpenWrt, you can unlock its hidden potential.
Why Combine OpenWrt with S905D N1?
This is where the magic happens. Installing OpenWrt on the N1 box (hence the keyword openwrt_s905d_n1) essentially turns your cheap TV box into a full-featured router/server.
Here’s why people do it:
-
Better performance than cheap routers – The quad-core CPU and 2GB RAM outperform many budget routers.
-
Low cost – You can often find N1 boxes for a fraction of the price of a high-end router.
-
Versatility – It’s not just a router; it can be a NAS, VPN hub, or smart home controller.
-
Fun project – For DIY enthusiasts, it’s rewarding to repurpose old hardware.
I personally used my N1 box to replace a TP-Link router, and the difference in stability and speed was noticeable.
Features of openwrt_s905d_n1
When you install OpenWrt on the S905D N1, you get:
-
Gigabit Ethernet support for fast wired connections
-
USB storage support (great for NAS setups)
-
Full package support (AdGuard Home, Samba, Transmission, etc.)
-
VPN server/client (WireGuard, OpenVPN)
-
Custom firewall and routing rules
-
Better Wi-Fi control (though some users prefer using it with an external AP for best results)
Performance vs Traditional Routers
To put it simply:
-
Compared to a $40 entry-level router → The N1 with OpenWrt will blow it out of the water.
-
Compared to a $200+ high-end router → The N1 might not match the latest Wi-Fi 6 speeds, but for wired networking, it holds up surprisingly well.
I tested mine with a 500Mbps fiber line. Stock ISP router managed around 380Mbps max. The N1 with OpenWrt consistently gave me 480–500Mbps wired.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
This is where most people get stuck, so let me break it down.
1. Preparing the Device
-
Get an N1 box and a USB to TTL adapter (optional, for debugging).
-
Download the latest OpenWrt image for S905D N1 from a trusted source (usually on forums like GitHub or openwrt.org community builds).
-
Use a microSD card or USB drive to flash the firmware.
2. Flashing OpenWrt
-
Burn the image to the card with software like Balena Etcher.
-
Insert the card into the N1.
-
Boot the device (sometimes you need to press reset/pin-hole button).
-
The N1 should boot into OpenWrt.
3. Basic Configuration
-
Connect via Ethernet and access the OpenWrt web interface (LuCI).
-
Change the default password immediately.
-
Set up WAN/LAN connections.
-
Install additional packages if needed.
Useful Applications
Here are some real-world ways to use your openwrt_s905d_n1 setup:
1. NAS and Samba Shares
Plug in a USB hard drive and share files across your home network.
2. Ad-Blocking
Run AdGuard Home or Pi-hole-like setups directly on the box to block ads for all devices.
3. VPN Server/Client
Use WireGuard to securely connect to your home network while traveling.
4. Smart Home Integration
Control IoT devices, run automation tools like Home Assistant (via Docker in some cases).
Common Problems and Fixes
-
Wi-Fi not stable → The N1’s internal Wi-Fi is not the strongest. Many users disable it and use an external access point.
-
Boot issues → Check your firmware version; some builds are more stable than others.
-
Overheating → Rare, but adding a small heatsink helps under heavy loads.
-
USB drive corruption → Always safely unmount drives before removing.
My Experience with openwrt_s905d_n1
When I first tried OpenWrt on my N1, I wasn’t sure if it would actually work well. To my surprise, it became the most stable router I’ve ever owned.
-
Speed: I get nearly full bandwidth from my ISP.
-
Reliability: Uptime of several months without reboot.
-
Cost: I paid less than $30 for the box second-hand.
The only downside for me was Wi-Fi range, but I solved that with a separate access point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I brick my N1 by flashing OpenWrt?
A: It’s possible, but usually recoverable by reflashing via SD card.
Q: Does OpenWrt support hardware acceleration on N1?
A: Yes, to some extent. Performance is good for most home uses.
Q: Can it replace my ISP router?
A: It can handle routing and firewall, but you may still need the ISP box in bridge mode.
Conclusion: Is it Worth It?
So, is setting up openwrt_s905d_n1 worth the effort?
In my opinion, yes—if you enjoy DIY tech projects and want more control over your home network. The N1 box with OpenWrt is cheap, powerful, and flexible.
If you’re someone who just wants plug-and-play Wi-Fi, it might not be for you. But if you like tinkering, experimenting, and squeezing the most out of your hardware, then this is one of the best little projects you can try.
For me, it was a chance to learn more about Linux networking, save money, and end up with a router that performs better than most stock devices.
About the Author
