EOL Router Question/ OpenWRT
from sic_semper_tyrannis@lemmy.today to cybersecurity@sh.itjust.works on 07 Oct 13:11
https://lemmy.today/post/39270292
from sic_semper_tyrannis@lemmy.today to cybersecurity@sh.itjust.works on 07 Oct 13:11
https://lemmy.today/post/39270292
Common security practices are to keep a router for as long as it’s receiving security patches. Once it’s EOL, then replace it.
I have a Gl.iNet router using the latest firmware that just released recently. However, the router is based on OpenWRT and is running v21.02 when the latest OpenWRT official version is 24.10.3. On OpenWRT’s website v21.02 is considered EOL.
So should this router be considered EOL? Should the whole company not be worth buying from since everything sold is immediately EOL? I don’t understand enough about cyber security to know how significant the jump is from v21.02 to v24.10.3.
PS. I know these routers can be flashed with straight OpenWRT but this is for the sake of my thought experiment.
threaded - newest
It essentially depends on what level of support you require.
End Of Life is a concept, not generally a fixed point in time … even though the likes of Microsoft are attempting to rewrite history and making everyone move off Windows 10 by a specific date.
And just like in that situation, you have options.
You can consider your relationship with Microsoft at an end and install a different OS, or you can continue the relationship and buy new hardware even though there’s absolutely nothing wrong with what you currently have.
The same is true for a router.
The decision around EOL is about what happens next.
Do you want to yell at the supplier if it breaks, or will you realise that yelling only happens if you spend money on lawyers, and in the meantime you can move on with your life and decide on an alternative path.
My car is worth $700 or so, even though I bought it new 15 years ago. Is it at the end of its life? It’s still getting me from here to there and back.
On the subject of a product receiving security updates I don’t believe EOL is a concept. It is or it isn’t. If you choose to keep using it then physically it isn’t non-functional but likely has security vulnerabilities none the less.
Also, an old car isn’t a good example. The product style is different. You bought it knowing that’s what you’re getting and it’s not designed to get years of updates that when ends can affect the driveability.
GLiNet has a support page that states if the product is no longer receiving updates. If they are still pushing out updates for it, then I would consider it active.
Even though their OS is based on 21.02, its still their own fork of openwrt. Hopefully theyre back porting security fixes.
www.gl-inet.com/support/firmware-versions/
I hadn’t seen that page on their website, thanks. I would hope you’re right. That would make the most sense