OpenWRT Router Build with Mellanox ConnectX-3 10GbE SFP+ Network Adapter and Zimaboard

Explore the process of building a low-power x86 OpenWRT router PC with SFP/SFP+ port capabilities using a Zimaboard and Mellanox ConnectX-3 network adapter. Learn how to build and install custom OpenWRT firmware, set up the hardware, configure the WAN connection, and perform various network performance tests. Discover the challenges of using the kmod-mlx4-core kernel module with single and dual-port NICs, and see how the setup performs with different configurations, including MTU 9000 and a 1.25G SFP module. Gain insights into power consumption during network tests and compare performance results on both OpenWRT and Ubuntu systems.

- Mellanox ConnectX-3 & ZimaBoard SBC Introduction
- Build OpenWRT firmware with kmod-mlx4-core supports ConnectX-3
- Write the OpenWRT firmware to USB drive
- Connect cables & Boot up the Zimaboard
- Acces LuCI & Setup WAN connection
- iperf3 test PC to Router
- iperf3 test with power consumption
- iperf3 test Reverse mode - Router to PC
- Test with MTU 9000
- Test the Mellanox ConnectX-3 with a 1.25G SFP module
- iperf3 test on Ubuntu