# Barebones OpenWrt Image Research (GL-AX1800)

## Objectives
- Create a stripped-down image for GL-AX1800 (Flint 1).
- Accessible via SSH.
- No LuCI or GL.iNet UI.
- Use `gl-infra-builder` for hardware-specific optimizations.
- Ensure U-Boot compatible image output.

## Tool Selection
- **Builder:** `FUjr/gl-infra-builder`.
- **Base Config:** `config-wlan-ap.yml` (Qualcomm SDK based).
- **Target Profile:** `target_wlan_ap-gl-ax1800`.

## Findings
### 1. Reorganization
- Workspace reorganized into `firmware/`, `sdk/`, `docs/`, `scripts/`, `packages/`, `repo/`.
- Created `PROJECT_INDEX.md` as a master reference.

### 2. gl-infra-builder Logic
- The builder uses YAML profiles in the `profiles/` directory.
- `gen_config.py` merges multiple profiles.
- Standard GL.iNet profiles (`glinet_ax1800.yml`) include a heavy set of proprietary services.
- A "Barebones" profile can be created by overriding these with `-package` or `CONFIG_PACKAGE_xxx=n` in the `diffconfig` section.

### 3. OpenWrt Snapshots & Upgrade Path
- **V21.02 (GL 4.x):** Current base for most GL firmware.
- **V23.05:** Transitional, used `ipq40xx` target.
- **Master/V24/V25:** Native `qualcommax/ipq60xx` target (merged March 2025).
- **Upgrade Path:**
    - From GL Stock -> Vanilla: Flash `factory.ubi` via U-Boot recovery (192.168.1.1).
    - From Vanilla -> Newer Vanilla: Use `sysupgrade.bin`.
    - **Note:** Partition layouts might change between 21.02 and 24.x. Using the `factory.ubi` is safest for major transitions.

### 4. Barebones Configuration Plan
- Include `dropbear` (SSH), `opkg` (Package management).
- Include essential HW drivers: `kmod-gl-sdk4-hw-info`, `gl-sdk4-led`.
- Explicitly disable `luci`, `nginx`, and all `gl-sdk4-ui-*` packages.
- Ensure `ath11k` drivers are included for Wi-Fi (if using OpenWrt master) or the proprietary QSDK drivers (if using the builder).