From c721f3eee6d0815ca59d0f6a0ceb820cad415df1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: kvic-z Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2015 23:11:41 +0800 Subject: [PATCH] Initial version --- README.md | 29 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 28 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 18ca6a4..8466457 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1 +1,28 @@ -# brcm-arm-toolchains +## brcm-arm-toolchains + +This is a toolchain for building router firmware based on Broadcom Cortex-A9. Example products are ASUS RT-AC56U, RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U and RT-AC3200 etc. This toolchain is compiled from buildroot source codes published in ASUS GPL codes. Major components in this toolchain include: +* GCC 4.5.3 +* uClibc 0.9.33.2 +* Linux kernel 2.6.36.4 + +Essentially the same used by Asus to build their latest ARM based ASUSWRT or by other people to build Asuswrt-Merlin. What's new in this toolchain is uClibc 0.9.33.2. It's the latest stable release of uClibc which supports Native Posix Thread Library. ASUS's toolchain in their GPL code uses uClibc 0.9.32.1 and compiled in an ancient version of LinuxThread thread library i.e. with NPTL disabled. + +The toolchain has been tested to successfully build Asuswrt-Merlin v378.55. And of course it also runs on the target board, RT-AC56U. + +Although this toolchain is created primarily to build ASUSWRT or its variants. I believe it's not the only application. If people have success stories using this toolchain. I'm happy to hear from you. + +### Setup for building ASUSWRT or Asuswrt-Merlin + +This toolchain is a drop-in replacement for the toolchain included in ASUS GPL code and Asuswrt-Merlin. For first time builders, you go to `src-rt-6.x.4708/toolchains`, rename the existing `hndtools-arm-linux-2.6.36-uclibc-4.5.3` to a different name. Then create a symbolic link with the same name linking to the `hndtools-arm-linux-2.6.36-uclibc-4.5.3` that you check out from this repository. + +### Known issue + +One program, `wred` does not run properly. It's a userland middle-ware, part of the DPI software stack from Trend Micro that ASUS includes in newer models of their routers. The fix perhaps is only for Trend Micro to tidy up their use of pthread APIs in `wred`. + +### Source code + +The source code is "buildroot-2012.02" which is available from published ASUS GPL codes. + +### Forum discussion + +http://www.snbforums.com/threads/arm-toolchains-with-nptl-for-asuswrt-merlin.27938/