There are 4 ways to obtain an OpenWrt firmware image file:

1. Download a pre-assembled (prebuilt) image file from the downloads section. Recommended
2. Use the Image Generator to generate an OpenWrt firmware image file yourself. (Generate in terms of compose, arrange, assort, lump together)
3. Use the SDK to cross-compile packages. This process involves:
   • downloading the SDK-zip-file.
   • using this SDK to crosscompile OpenWrt packages.
   • generating an OpenWrt firmware image file(s).
4. Use the OpenWrt Buildroot to do everything from scratch. This process involves:
   • retrieving the source code via svn/git.
   • compiling the toolchain (SDK).
   • using the just compiled toolchain to crosscompile OpenWrt packages.
   • using the Image Generator to generate OpenWrt firmware image file(s).