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

1. Download a pre-assembled (prebuilt) image 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:
   • download the SDK-zip-file
   • use this SDK to crosscompile OpenWrt packages
   • generate an OpenWrt firmware image file(s)
4. Use the OpenWrt Buildroot to do everything from scratch. This process involves:
   • retrieve the source code via svn/git
   • compile the toolchain (SDK)
   • use the just compiled toolchain to crosscompile OpenWrt packages
   • use the Image Generator to generate OpenWrt firmware image file(s)