Linux SDK for ALFA AIP-W512

== Overview This toolchain allows you to build custom firmware image for the ALFA Network AIP-W512 Wireless AP/router. The SoC of this board is RTL8196E, based on a Lexra core (modified MIPS).

Some applications have been added in the source tree:

• dropbear
• libpcap
• tcpdump
• ettercap

== Disclaimer

Flash at your own risk.

== Requirements

A linux host. This toolchain has been tested on 32-bit Ubuntu 9.10, 13.10 and on 64-bit Debian Jessie.

== Configuration

To configure the toolchain for the AIP-W512 board, use this command in top directory:

$ make menuconfig

> Selected Target : rtl8196e
> Selected Kernel : linux-2.6.30
> Selected Busybox : busybox-1.13
> Selected toolchain : rsdk-1.3.6-4181-EB-2.6.30-0.9.30
> Selected board configuration : 96E+88E GW
> Config users : yes

Then exit and save this new configuration. The next configuration screen allows you to choose built-in applications. (Only ettercap, dropbear and tcpdump have been tested at this time.) Again, exit and save this new configuration.

** Known issue ** If you get the error "Error : error opening terminal xterm", create this symbolic link:

ln -s /lib/terminfo/x/xterm /usr/share/terminfo/x/xterm

== Build

$ make

Generated firmware image (rootfs+kernel) $top/image/fw.bin

** Known issue ** If you get the error: libtool eval: 1: libtool_args+=: not found libtool eval: 1: compile_command+=: not found ...

you have to link /bin/sh file to /bin/bash :

unlink /bin/sh

ln -s /bin/bash /bin/sh

$ export SHELL=/bin/bash

== Filesystem customization

To customize /etc/ directory, you can edit files in $top/target/etc.default/.

Otherwise, you can edit 'romfs' target in $top/target/Makefile to add files. e.g. to add a root directory: $(ROMFSINST) root /root

You must rebuild to apply changes:

$ make

== Flash

A successful build generates few images: $top/image/linux.bin (kernel) $top/image/root.bin (rootfs) $top/image/webpages.bin (web pages) $top/image/fw.bin (kernel+rootfs+web pages)

You have to flash fw.bin (never tried others) by following one of these methods:

• TFTP (bootloader):

  • Connect LAN ethernet port of the device to your network
  • Find out serial port UART Pinout ->1 VCC (with arrow on PCB) 2 TX 3 RX 4 GND
  • Connect UART port with settings: 38400 8N1

    screen /dev/ttyUSB0 38400 8N1

  • Press 'Esc' key at boot to interrupt
  • Here a shell. Enter '?' to get help message
  • Enter 'IPCONFIG' command to display device's IP address, and modify if needed
  • Upload image by TFTP

    $ atftp -p -l $top/image/fw.bin 192.168.1.6

• Web interface (tcp/80): In the menu >Management>Upgrade firmware

Network configuration won't be altered. Default root password is 'root'.