I need to run OpenWrt so that I can run some userspace programs.
The issue is that the AR8316 switch is not initialized by RouterBoot prior to loading the kernel unless one boots over Ethernet. Apparently, when booting from RouterOS initializes the AR8316 on its own. So if you boot OpenWrt from nand, the ports are not connected. There is not an open source implementation for the AR8316. Once initialized, OpenWrt can use the ports, but it can’t do any switch configuration on its own.
Is there some way to replace RouterBoot with Redboot? That would be one way to solve my problem.
A better solution would be if Mikrotik always initialized the switch to connect the ports via RouterBoot, whether booting from Ethernet or nand.
So in the near term, can someone describe the method whereby I can flash RedBoot to replace RouterBoot?
It is possible, but that’s a question for the OpenWRT forum. There are people who have done it, but it’s not easy and requires lots of linux knowledge and is mosly not worth it. Simply run it inside a Metarouter virtual machinee
BTW, I already have a RedBoot image that I would like to try. The question is how I would go about flashing it. So I am not asking for any Linux help - just specific flashing instructions specific to a Mikrotik product.
I don’t think that that has anything to do with OpenWrt.
Officially MikroTik doesn’t give any assistance in using non-RouterOS systems on RouterBOARD. So it would be easier to ask in the OpenWRT forum section dedicated to this.
I understand where you are coming from. But since this has nothing to do with OpenWrt, I really don’t think that I will be getting any help over there. This is specifically an issue where I want to replace RouterBoot with RedBoot.
I am working on a project that will be based on either the Ubiquiti RouterStation Pro, or the RB450G. The RB450G is very much our preference. We don’t even need VLAN capability. All we need is to be able to boot with the switch ready to go.
I’m willing to entertain any possible solutions to our issue. Replacing RouterBoot is one option, a new version of RouterBoot that initializes the ports to the switch would be an even better solution.