Consider an old television box which you packed up and stowed away. It probably streams Netflix and maybe some YouTube, but beyond that does very little. Now imagine if you could somehow transform that very same box into an advanced, home router, Firewall and/or network controller. This is what openwrt_s905d_n1 seeks to achieve by repurposing the Phicomm N1 (Amlogic S905D powered) by flashing it with OpenWrt firmware. It turns an otherwise inexpensive piece of equipment into a networking swiss army knife.
This is the path which I’ll walk you through: what openwrt_s905d_n1 is, why it is important, how to use it (setup step by step), practical advice, pitfalls, advanced use cases, and others. I’ll use simple sentence structures and include stories to make it more enjoyable.
What Is openwrt_s905d_n1?
openwrt_s905d_n1 is, fundamentally speaking, a build of OpenWrt open sourced router firmware, created to compliment the Amlogic S905D / N1 powered devices. This means you can now pick a Phicomm N1 box and instead of a media device, you can convert it into a small computer with robust networking capabilities.
OpenWrt’s world of opportunity offers a range of functionality that means consumers no longer have to settle for stock firmware limitations on their routers and networking equipment. OpenWrt is a firewall that comes with plenty of features and control that are missing from stock firmware. OpenWrt allows for endless configuration and features that the stock firmware does not allow for.
The System on a chip used in the Phicomm N1 is the Amlogic S905D. Alongside the chip is a Quad-Core ARM Cortex A-53 processor. This chip is considerably capable in a wide variety of tasks such as Routing, Encryption, and Multitasking.
The Phicomm N1 is an Android TV box that also performs quite well in networking activities. It contains a fully functional Android operating system that allows for endless customization.
This is why openwrt_s905d_n1 is openwrt compressed for S905D and N1 hardware. The openwrt firmware is tailored to work seamlessly with the S905D and N1 hardware. This Android TV box has the capability to work as a fully functional custom VPN firewall, router, adblocker, edge summarizer and more.
This is a powerful technology considering the price that openwrt comes with. It is quite cheap when compared to other routers on the market. The features provided are adaptive and allow the user to take control. It is a versatile open router that provides plenty of capability.
Why Use openwrt_s905d_n1 Instead there of A Normal Router?
You might wonder: why go through this effort? There’s no question that buying a good router will likely be easier. As a counterpoint though, the openwrt_s905d_n1 setup has its own set of unique advantages. Those advantages could be the reason why some people tend to go this direction.
Better Hardware on a Budget
A good percentage of consumer routers, especially the cheaper or mid-range options, tend to come with very very meager specifications. Their specifications might include, for example, 128 MB of RAM, lackluster CPUs, and outdated flash drives. This could not be further from the N1’s specifications, which tend to come with the following:
- A quad core Cortex-A53 CPU
- 2 GB of RAM
- At least 8 GB of eMMC or higher
- 1 GB of Ethernet
The extra computational headroom helps the extra services that could be provided by the VPNs, ad-blocking, and even traffic shaping as well.
Flexibility and Control
The level of control that OpenWrt provides its users sets the software apart from its counterparts. the users may choose what packages to install, and what protocols to configure for the firewall. Users also have some control over the routing, DNS, VPN, and QoS among others. This interfaces on the router and the former software is not what has to be dealt with.
Learning and Experimentation
This is a wonderland for people who like to tinker with their devices. Want to explore a set of new tools like traffic shaping, OpenVPN/wireGuard, or even try using your router as a Docker host? This, and much more, is easily accessible when deep in uncharted territory.
Repurposing Idle Hardware
The Phicomm N1 is, apart from its low cost, an excellent router. Instead of letting it gather dust, it can be given a noble purpose.
Hardware Overview & Important Specs
To appreciate what is to come, it is important to understand the hardware components. For decisions like which firmware to use and which tweaks to make, the hardware parts must be known.
The SoC: Amlogic S905D
The S905D forms the GXL family of Amlogic System on Chips, like S905, S905X, and their relatives.
- It is a 64bit ARM device, and usually it has 4 Cortex A53 cores.
- It has USB, eMMC, SD, etc.
Phicomm N1 Box
- Has 2GB of RAM and eMMC storage which is usually 8GB
- The unit has a WAN routing gigabit Ethernet port which is a significant boost in its networking capabilities.
- But its built in Wi-Fi is somewhat crippled because it does not have driver support in OpenWrt, and it may not have Wi-Fi external adapters.
Thoughts on Wi-Fi
Some users only use the openwrt_s905d_n1 as a wired router, then pair it with a dedicated Wi-Fi access point. The purpose of this is to avoid having the N1’s weak or poorly supported wireless interface reduce overall performance.
Getting Ready: What You’ll Need
Some preparations are needed before the process of flashing or installation. Here are the steps you need to take:
| Item | Purpose / Notes |
|---|
| Phicomm N1 (S905D model) | The hardware you’ll repurpose |
| USB Type-A to Type-A data cable (male-male) | Many tutorials require a direct USB link between host PC and N1 |
| microSD card (8 GB or more, good quality) | For booting a temporary loader or USB install image |
| Computer (Windows/Linux/macOS) | To write firmware images, send commands, etc. |
| OpenWrt image built for S905D / N1 | Must match hardware — generic OpenWrt won’t work |
Tools: dd, BalenaEtcher, Rufus, etc. | To flash images to microSD / USB |
| Terminal / serial access (optional) | For debugging or low-level commands |
| Patience & backups | Mistakes can lead to needing to recover or reflash |
It is also advisable to only get the firmware from reliable sources, and in the case that the firmware comes with a checksum, do verify it.
Step-by-Step: Installing openwrt_s905d_n1
As a foundational note, this procedure may differ depending on the version you use. Stick to the community’s graphics or instructions in case anything has changed. This way, you understand the basics.
Step 1: Pick a Firmware Image That is Compatible.
- Look for a related build available on OpenWrt’s download servers. 2025-s905d-n1-thresh.img.gz is an example image.
- The community repository ophub/amlogic-s9xxx-openwrt supports a range of Amlogic devices including S905D.
- Flippy builds, which have custom / patched builds, are available in some cases for the N1.
- Make sure the image you are using comes with the correct device tree blob (DTB) file, i.e. meson-gxl-s905d-phicomm-n1.dtb.
Step 2: MicroSD Card or USB Boot Media Preparation
- BalenaEtcher, Rufus, or dd can all be used to write the .img file onto the USB or microSD.
- When using dd, for example, on Linux or MacOS, you can use the following command.
- dd if=openwrt-s905d-n1.img of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress conv=fsync
- You may need to replace the .dtb file depending on the image that has been downloaded, or the .dtb file may need to be edited after flashing.
Step 3: Start N1 using USB / microSD.
- The N1 device appears to start with internal eMMC (Android), so it needs to be forced to start from the selected boot media:
- First, turn off the N1. Second, using USB male – male cable, attach the N1 to your PC. Third, insert the microSD or USB boot media. Then, using a USB boot and / or signal software tool, send a command to the N1 at power up, so it skips eMMC and starts off the card / USB.
- Pay attention to the boot logs. There could be a possibility of seeing a Linux console printout. Important: some people say that inserting USB sticks way too early could let Android adjust the files access, consequently, installation can fail. It is advisable to first reboot the N1 into “reboot update” and then insert the USB.
Step 4: eMMC installation (flashing inside) – not mandatory but commonplace.
- After successful mounting of microSD / USB and OpenWrt is pulled up, a live system appears. After this, it is possible to use the console, or SSH for logging first (root / default pass).
- After that, it is possible to execute a preloaded script like install-to-emmc.sh so that OpenWrt from the overlay (live) is embedded into the eMMC.
- The kernel, root filesystem, and device tree will be copied to internal flash memory, so that subsequent boots will go directly to OpenWrt.
- Power off when done, then remove the microSD card or USB device, and check if your device boots straight to OpenWrt.
Step 5: Configuring The Router.
- Plug the WAN port directly to a modem or upstream network.
- Plug one of your PCs directly to the LAN port.
- Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 (or whatever the device default IP is).
- Log in using the default root username and password (leave blank).
- Go to the System section and change the password to something else.
- Next, perform initial values configuration: WAN, LAN IP, DHCP, firewall zones, and so on.
Step 6: OpenWrt Packages.
You can now do the following commands:
- opkg update
- opkg install
- VPN (OpenVPN, WireGuard)
- SQM (smart queue/ bufferbloat)
- Ad blocking (AdGuard Home, DNS filtering)
- VLANs, firewall, QoS rules
- Expand (mount USB drives, OverlayFS)
- Use luci-app-amlogic to perform kernel updates, snapshot and backup, and more.
Also read: Serge Fondja NSMC Facebook: Discover the Truth Behind His Community, Mission & Online Presence
Community Tweaks, Fixes, and Actual Challenges.
User concerns/feedback. Stories and Lessons Learned.
Ethernet PHY / Device Tree (DTB) Adjustments.
- It is common to find the Ethernet port not working after flashing OpenWrt. There is a problem with the device tree resting the PHY. The default DTB is not set long enough to allow the Ethernet PHY to initialize and reset reliably which is why the port is inactive.
- Many users with the issue have reported success using a modified DTB, meson-gxl-s905d-phicomm-n1-thresh.dtb. The reset-delay-us increase and the force_thresh_dma_mode are primary actions needed to resolve the issue.
- On the other hand, forums are littered with the claim that ethernet determines the dtb because reset-delay-us compensates enough margin to work.
- Two DTB versions are often provided.
- Most users have the default DTB and only a few have the custom/thresh DTB with Ethernet issues or flow control problems.
- In that case, do the other DTB to fix the problem.
USB Boot Timing & Permission Issues
- For USB Boot Timing & Permission Issues, one of the users described his problem as follows:
- “I inserted the USB device, pressed reboot, and it seemed to do nothing. The Android system had changed the file permission of the inserted media and that was why installations were failing.”
- Lesson learned: Android, even when it is still on the internal eMMC, like to recognize USB / SD and mess with the files. Best is to reboot to update mode, before inserting the USB microSD. Do not touch the system until it is fully rebooted before doing any write / flash actions.
Bricking / EMMC Write Failures
You can brick the device if you make a mistake when flashing internal memory. Some people are not as careful and run the risk of EMMC flash failures or writing partitions incorrectly. Always make backups, have a set of scripts that are known to work, and be careful not to cut the power supply while flashing.
Kernel / Compatibility Issues
Certain options like the wireless drivers, USB, and others, do not work with certain versions of the kernel. A few community builds have added kernels like 5.15 and 6.x to increase the number of features or stability. ophub / amlogic-s9xxx openwrt project is well maintained and updated for most Amlogic boards.
Also when doing any update, it is better not to keep the old configuration files, especially for the critical services. This is due to the fact that the changes in the packages can cause mismatches due to the changes made in the files.
Real Life Anecdote: “From a Streaming Box to a VPN Box”
Let me talk about one of my clients, “Ahsan” (name changed). He had a Phicomm N1 device, which had been in a drawer for years, bought purely to stream YouTube to his TV. He needed a better router after upgrading his internet, and the price of a new router plus backup AP was over the top. Ahsan was introduced to the openwrt_s905d_n1 community and decided to give it a shot.
He followed a guide, flashed OpenWrt over the device, and after some DTB tweaking, got the Ethernet working. Then it was just a matter of installing the WireGuard package and configuring his home network to tunnel through a VPN remote server. He now had ad blocking plus QoS rules for less than the price of a decent router and in addition to all that, a VPN gateway for his home network. Later on, he added to the setup a USB SSD for logs, a USB dongle for an additional NIC, and even used Docker containers to run some network tools.
Ahsan often jokes: “I didn’t even notice the power bill go up, and I transformed my obsolete TV box into the master controller of my entire home network.”
This sort of renewal of old hardware is what inspires most in the open source arena.
Improving performance and features (Traffic shaping, QoS, and Overlay Filesystem)
Now it’s time to start getting in to detail once OpenWrt has been properly configured. Let’s look at some ways to add some more value:
SQM and QoS Traffic Shape
With some bufferbloat control and some basic gaming or voice traffic prioritization, overall throughput can be smoothed. With the proper CPU, the system can handle some confidently more than a typical router.
Tunnel, VPN, or Secure Gateway
For Open VPN and Wireguard, the CPU is powerful enough to encrypt tunnels at a good enough speed. Many people configure the device for a site-to-site VPN whereby all the home devices end up routing to a remote server.
Ad Blocking and DNS Filtering
Access control and blocklists can be set up on a network level using Adguard Home, DNS based blocklists using dnsmasq, or Pi-hole. Every device on the network benefits from ad blocking which is uniformly applied.
Logs and Storage
Mount and extend the overlay filesystem on external USB drives and SSDs to prevent the internal memory from being filled. For example:
- mkdir /mnt/usb
- mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/usb
- uci set fstab.@mount[0].enabled=’1′
- uci commit
Containers / Light Virtualization
If the build supports it, advanced users can run Docker or container based systems. You can run small file servers and network tools, etc.
VLANs, Guest Networks, Multiple Interfaces
Assigning multiple physical or virtual interfaces, isolating guest networks, and doing routing between subnets, is all possible. The use of OpenWrt allows for complete traffic segmentation.
Possible Deployments and Use Cases
- To illustrate the possible uses of the openwrt_s905d_n1, consider the following:
- Primary router or gateway in a small flat or home.
- Secondary router in setups where the primary ISP router is a bottleneck. The N1 works behind it to provide advanced features.
- VPN gateway, routing all devices in the house through a VPN automatically.
- Cross network DNS filter or ad-blocker.
- IoT segmentation, where smart devices are placed in their own isolated subnet.
- Compute edge node for small network services. You can also run small tools.
- Remote office or site gateway.
- For its small size, silent and low power consumption, the N1 makes a great candidate for all always-on tasks.
Summary & Advice Checklist
- In case I finish, I would also like to provide a checklist/guide that you can bookmark for this task:
- Ensure you have the correct hardware: Phicomm N1 with S905D.
- Find a reliable, correct OpenWrt image labeled s905d-n1.
- Use Etcher/ Rufus / dd / Rufus to prepare micro SD or USB boot media.
- Boot N1 to the update mode, afterward for the Android’s control interference insert media.
- Make sure you have the right DTB file, and consider alternate DTBs if Ethernet is not functioning.
- Run install-to-emmc.sh (or equivalent) to flash internal storage.
- Remove boot media, enter OpenWrt.
- Set up WAN and LAN, create password.
- Optional services: VPN, SQM, ad-blocking, storage.
- Check logs, review them carefully during updates, export configuration before any modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions for OpenWrt_S905D_N1
What do we use OpenWrt_S905D_N1 for?
Phicomm N1 TV box can be transformed in custom routers or servers running OpenWrt firmware.
Is it safe to install OpenWrt to N1?
Yes, as long as you tread the noted procedures and use reputable images. Ensure you perform data backup before everything.
Is Android usable after installing OpenWrt?
No, not if it is flashed to internal storage (eMMC). Android is removed.
Does OpenWrt offer Wi-Fi support on the N1?
The N1 does not have internal Wi-Fi, but you can use a USB Wi-Fi dongle.
Can I perform a later update on OpenWrt?
Certainly, use luci-app-amlogic or hand flash via ssh.
What is the default password for OpenWrt?
User is root and password is blank, please for the sake of security change it right after logging in.
Where can I access the latest builds of OpenWrt_S905D_N1?
Check the Ophub GitHub Releases page.
Conclusion
By using community knowledge, the openwrt_s905d_n1 project shows how open source makes it possible to turn an unassuming TV box into a powerful router. There is certainly a degree of complexity and risk, but the payoff is huge – control, flexibility, and performance that many stock routers are unable to provide.
You can design a device that goes beyond a router, provided you stick to the recommended steps, observe the DTB/boot timing instructions, and use stable builds. If you want me to produce a refined “final version” (with exact build links, updated instructions), or if you want me to break it into sections for your website, let me know.
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