Open-source, secure, and made for hands-on learning.
In today’s digital learning environments, cybersecurity is no longer just a backend issue—it’s an essential part of the classroom. As more business and technology educators introduce lessons on networking, internet safety, and system administration, one powerful tool stands out for lab-based instruction: the Turris Omnia.
Built with open-source principles, exceptional hardware, and education in mind, the Turris Omnia isn’t just a firewall—it’s a learning platform.
🔍 What Is the Turris Omnia?
The Turris Omnia is a high-performance, open-source router and firewall device developed by CZ.NIC, a Czech non-profit organization. It’s designed for advanced users, small businesses, and especially for IT educators and students who want full control over their network.
Unlike typical consumer-grade routers, Turris Omnia offers:
- 🧩 Customizable firmware based on OpenWRT
- 🛡️ Deep packet inspection & intrusion detection tools
- 🔐 Automatic security updates via Turris Sentinel
- ⚙️ Powerful hardware with 2GB RAM, mSATA support, and SFP connectivity
- 🧠 Root-level access for real-world system configuration and testing
🎓 Why It’s Perfect for Classrooms and Labs
1️⃣ Built for Hands-On Learning
Turris Omnia allows students to configure firewalls, monitor traffic, analyze logs, and manage access control in a safe, isolated environment. It’s ideal for cybersecurity and networking labs where students need real-world exposure.
💡 “We use it to teach packet filtering, port forwarding, and traffic shaping—it’s a mini enterprise-grade system in a small box.” — Joshua M. Tech instructor, E.U.P. I.S.D. Michigan
2️⃣ Teaches Open-Source Best Practices
Since Turris is powered by OpenWRT, students learn how open-source operating systems work and gain experience with Linux-based tools. This is directly applicable to careers in IT, sysadmin work, DevOps, and cybersecurity.
3️⃣ Safe and Secure for Classroom Networks
Turris offers automatic updates, built-in intrusion prevention, and DNS over HTTPS—all ideal for securing lab networks and safeguarding student devices. Educators can simulate attacks and responses without risking real data.
4️⃣ Supports Multiple Use Cases
Whether you’re building a virtualized lab, managing VLANs, setting up IoT demos, or simulating cyberattacks, the Turris Omnia adapts to your curriculum. Its modularity makes it great for CTE programs and advanced business tech tracks.
Turris also provides valuable educational resources through its learning platform, Turris Academy.
Turris Academy is an educational initiative designed to empower students, educators, and tech enthusiasts with the skills needed to understand and manage secure networks using open-source tools. Created by the team behind the Turris Omnia router, the Academy offers hands-on courses, detailed tutorials, and real-world lab scenarios that guide learners through topics like firewall configuration, packet inspection, and network monitoring. With a focus on open-source innovation and cybersecurity best practices, Turris Academy is the perfect companion for schools, universities, and CTE programs looking to incorporate advanced networking and security instruction into their curriculum.
Turris Acadamy
Turris launches an online course called Turris Academy. You can look forward to streaming examples, manuals, and lectures about Turris devices and software.
The content of the first lecture was unboxing and the initial setup of Turris Omnia router. A recording of this first session is available on our YouTube channel.
About CZ.nic
CZ.NIC is a non-profit organization based in the Czech Republic, best known as the administrator of the Czech national domain, .CZ. Founded in 1998, CZ.NIC plays a leading role in developing and maintaining critical internet infrastructure, promoting cybersecurity, and supporting open-source technologies. The organization is deeply committed to research, innovation, and education in the field of internet and network technologies. In addition to managing domain services, CZ.NIC is also the creator of the Turris project, including the Turris Omnia router, and the Turris Academy, which help advance secure networking practices around the world. Through its public initiatives, CZ.NIC supports internet freedom, open standards, and digital literacy.
🧪 Sample Lab Ideas Using Turris Omnia
- Lab 1: Build your own secure network and monitor for intrusions
- Lab 2: Configure firewall rules for different user roles
- Lab 3: Set up VPN tunneling and analyze encrypted traffic
- Lab 4: Use OpenWRT packages to simulate a small business network
- Lab 5: Analyze DNS traffic for signs of phishing or malware
🔧 Bonus: It Grows With You
Unlike limited school-issued routers, Turris Omnia can evolve. Teachers can integrate it with Raspberry Pi servers, virtual machines, or cloud-connected dashboards. It works perfectly in hybrid or remote setups, too.
