Heddle 0.5 - Initial Release

Heddle is a serial networking host designed to bring DOS, Windows 9x, and other retro computers onto modern networks.

Highlights

• SLIP and PPP networking over serial connections
• Self-contained NAT networking with DHCP, DNS, and WINS support
• OpenWrt TAP bridging for direct LAN integration
• IPX networking for compatible multiplayer games
• Hayes-compatible modem emulation
• Direct dial-up connections between Heddle hosts over LAN or WAN
• Automatic PPP-over-TAP address assignment
• Configurable static addresses and connection profiles
• Hostname registration and network name resolution
• Browser-based management interface
• Native Windows and Linux builds

OpenWrt Integration

• OpenWrt packages for multiple router architectures
• LuCI configuration and service management
• procd startup, supervision, and automatic boot
• TAP integration with the OpenWrt LAN bridge
• Automatic DHCP lease allocation
• Support for common USB serial adapters

Documentation

This release includes guides for:

• SLIP and PPP setup
• OpenWrt installation and configuration
• TAP bridge networking
• LAN and internet dial-up connections
• Multiplayer IPX gaming
• Building Heddle and its OpenWrt packages
• Troubleshooting common configurations

Notes

This is Heddle's first public release. Although it has been tested with several DOS, Windows 9x, Linux, and OpenWrt configurations, hardware and serial-driver behavior can vary.

Bug reports, compatibility results, and feature suggestions are welcome.