Installing the WRTune Engine
How to install the custom WRTune rpcd script on your OpenWRT router to unlock advanced features.
The WRTune Engine is a custom shell script installed on your router at /usr/libexec/rpcd/wrtune. It exposes a wrtune ubus namespace that powers many advanced features beyond what stock OpenWRT’s rpcd provides.
What the Engine Enables 🔗
Without the WRTune Engine, you can still use basic features (dashboard, client list, system info). Installing the engine unlocks:
- WiFi interface management (add, delete, toggle)
- Guest WiFi with timed auto-expiry
- Client blocking via organized firewall rules
- LAN-wide internet pause
- LLDP neighbor discovery (network map)
- Wake-on-LAN via etherwake
- Router reboot
Automatic Installation 🔗
WRTune handles engine installation automatically:
- Navigate to Settings → Permissions
- Tap “Install WRTune Engine”
- WRTune uses SSH to connect to your router
- It uploads the engine script to
/usr/libexec/rpcd/wrtune - It installs ACL permission files at
/usr/share/rpcd/acl.d/ubus_access.json - Confirms successful installation
The entire process takes a few seconds and requires no manual commands.
:::tip After a router firmware upgrade, you may need to reinstall the engine. WRTune checks the engine version on login and prompts you if an update is needed. :::
Engine ubus Methods 🔗
Once installed, the wrtune namespace exposes these methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
get_info | Returns engine version for auto-update checks |
get_neighbors | LLDP neighbor discovery (network map) |
get_supported_widths | Channel width capabilities per radio |
set_wifi / add_wifi / delete_wifi / toggle_wifi | Full WiFi lifecycle |
start_guest / extend_guest_time | Timed guest WiFi with auto-expiry |
kick_client | Disconnects a client via hostapd |
init_firewall / block_client | Firewall-based client blocking |
toggle_internet / get_internet_status | LAN-wide internet pause |
reboot_router | System reboot |
wake_on_lan | Sends magic packet via etherwake |
list_interfaces | Returns active bridge interfaces |
check_etherwake | Checks if etherwake is installed |
Firewall Rule Naming 🔗
All firewall rules created by WRTune use the wrtune_ prefix convention. This keeps your router’s firewall configuration organized and easily identifiable — no hunting through randomly named rules.