# LibreCMC

> Wifi router Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q16655648](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16655648)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LibreCMC)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/librecmc

## Summary
LibreCMC is a free software Linux distribution specifically designed for WiFi routers and embedded systems. It is part of the Free Software Foundation's endorsed operating systems and uses the Linux-libre kernel without proprietary binary blobs.

## Key Facts
- LibreCMC was founded on 2012-10-20.
- It is classified as a Linux distribution, network operating system, embedded operating system, and free software.
- The project uses the Linux-libre kernel, which is a version of the Linux kernel without proprietary binary blobs.
- It is part of the FSF-endorsed operating systems, a class of Linux distributions endorsed by the Free Software Foundation.
- Current versions include 1.5.4 (released 2021-01-22) and 1.5.3 (released 2020-10-02).
- The project is licensed under GNU General Public License, version 2.0.
- It is based on OpenWrt and LEDE, other embedded Linux distributions for routers.
- The official website is https://librecmc.org/, with source code available at https://gogs.librecmc.org/libreCMC/libreCMC.git.
- Community support includes an IRC channel at irc://irc.freenode.net/#librecmc and a subreddit r/librecmc since 2014-09-07.

## FAQs
### Q: What is LibreCMC?
A: LibreCMC is a free software Linux distribution specifically designed for WiFi routers and embedded systems. It aims to provide a completely free software alternative for router firmware, with no proprietary components.

### Q: What is LibreCMC based on?
A: LibreCMC is based on OpenWrt and LEDE, which are embedded Linux distributions designed for routers. It shares the same core functionality but with a stronger commitment to free software principles.

### Q: What makes LibreCMC different from other router firmware?
A: LibreCMC distinguishes itself through its commitment to free software, using the Linux-libre kernel without proprietary binary blobs. It is FSF-endorsed, meaning it meets the Free Software Foundation's criteria for free software distributions.

### Q: How can I install LibreCMC on my router?
A: Installation instructions and compatible hardware information can be found on the official website at https://librecmc.org/. The project provides pre-built images for various router models that support OpenWrt.

### Q: What versions of LibreCMC are available?
A: As of the latest information, available versions include 1.5.4 (released 2021-01-22), 1.5.3 (2020-10-02), and 1.5.2 (2020-08-18), among others dating back to version 1.2.

## Why It Matters
LibreCMC addresses a critical need in the digital ecosystem by providing a fully free software alternative for router firmware. Most commercial routers come with proprietary firmware that often includes backdoors, telemetry, and other non-transparent features. LibreCMC gives users control over their network infrastructure and protects their privacy by ensuring that every component of the system is free software. Its commitment to removing proprietary binary blobs makes it particularly valuable for security-conscious users and organizations that want to avoid the risks associated with hidden code in their networking equipment. By being FSF-endorsed, LibreCMC represents the highest standard of free software compliance in the router firmware space.

## Notable For
- Being one of the few completely free software router firmware options that is FSF-endorsed.
- Using the Linux-libre kernel, which removes all proprietary binary blobs present in standard Linux kernels.
- Maintaining a strict adherence to free software principles while still providing full functionality for router operation.
- Being a community-driven project with active development and community support through IRC and Reddit.
- Providing long-term support releases, such as version 1.3 "Elegant Eleanor LTS" released in 2014.

## Body
### Overview
LibreCMC is a free software Linux distribution specifically designed for WiFi routers and embedded systems. It emerged from the need for a router firmware that respects user freedoms and privacy by eliminating proprietary components. The project maintains a strong commitment to free software principles while providing practical functionality for networking equipment.

### Technical Specifications
- Kernel: Uses Linux-libre, a version of the Linux kernel without proprietary binary blobs
- License: GNU General Public License, version 2.0
- Platform: Designed for embedded systems, particularly WiFi routers
- Architecture: Based on OpenWrt and LEDE, sharing their technical foundation
- Current Version: 1.5.4 (released 2021-01-22)
- LTS Releases: Version 1.3 "Elegant Eleanor LTS" (released 2014-12-23)

### Development History
- Inception: Founded on 2012-10-20
- Origin: A fork of OpenWrt, later incorporating LEDE after the OpenWrt/LEDE merger
- Version Progression: Multiple versions have been released, including 1.2, 1.3 (LTS), 1.4.x series, and 1.5.x series
- Community Growth: Established a subreddit r/librecmc in 2014-09-07
- Development Model: Community-driven with public code repository

### Community and Support
- Communication: IRC channel at irc://irc.freenode.net/#librecmc
- Social Presence: Subreddit r/librecmc since 2014-09-07
- Documentation: Available on the official website at https://librecmc.org/
- Issue Tracking: Public issue tracker at https://gogs.librecmc.org/libreCMC/libreCMC/issues
- Code Repository: Available at https://gogs.librecmc.org/libreCMC/libreCMC.git
- International Support: Wikipedia articles available in English, German, Spanish, French, Korean, and Commons

### Related Projects
- OpenWrt: The foundational project that LibreCMC is based on
- LEDE: Embedded Linux distribution that LibreCMC also incorporates
- Linux-libre: The kernel variant used by LibreCMC without proprietary components
- FSF-endorsed operating systems: The classification under which LibreCMC falls
- Other free router firmware: Projects like Gargoyle and Tomato, though LibreCMC distinguishes itself with its FSF endorsement

## Schema Markup
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "LibreCMC",
  "description": "A free software Linux distribution specifically designed for WiFi routers and embedded systems",
  "url": "https://librecmc.org/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LibreCMC"
  ],
  "additionalType": [
    "Linux distribution",
    "Network operating system",
    "Embedded operating system",
    "Free software"
  ],
  "inceptionDate": "2012-10-20",
  "version": "1.5.4",
  "license": "GNU General Public License, version 2.0",
  "applicationCategory": "Router firmware",
  "operatingSystem": "Linux-libre",
  "isBasedOn": "OpenWrt, LEDE",
  "isPartOf": "FSF-endorsed operating systems"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://librecmc.org/faq.html)
2. [libreCMC v1.3.x Elegant Eleanor LTS](https://librecmc.org/librecmc/wiki?name=v1.3)
3. [Source](https://gogs.librecmc.org/libreCMC/libreCMC/src/v1.4.4)
4. [Source](https://librecmc.org/news.html)
5. [Source](https://gogs.librecmc.org/libreCMC/libreCMC/releases)
6. [Source](https://librecmc.org/librecmc/downloads/snapshots/)
7. [2023](https://librecmc.org/fossil/librecmc/wiki?name=v1_5_12)
8. [2023](https://gogs.librecmc.org/libreCMC/libreCMC/wiki/v1_5_13)
9. [v1_5_14 - Gogs](https://gogs.librecmc.org/libreCMC/libreCMC/wiki/v1_5_14)
10. [Source](https://www.gnu.org/distros/free-distros.html)