Linux kernel 6.1 or 6.6 for OpenWrt 24.x release?

[Paul D]

On 2024-02-03 13:06, Hauke Mehrtens wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I track the status of the Linux kernel 6.1 migration in this github 
> issue: https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/issues/14546
> 
> There are still many targets on kernel 5.15 without testing support for 
> kernel 6.1 in OpenWrt master. I assume that we need at least 4 months to 
> get everything to 6.1 and more or less stable. Kernel 6.1 support is 
> also missing for some important targets like lantiq, realtek and ramips.
> 
> 
> Which kernel should we use for the next major OpenWrt release?
> We have two options and I would like to get some feedback on these:
> 
> 1. Do the OpenWrt 24.X release with kernel 6.1. Branch off when all or 
> most of the targets are on kernel 6.1 by default.
> 2. Do the OpenWrt 24.X release with kernel 6.6. Branch off when all or 
> most of the targets are on kernel 6.6 by default. Do not do any stable 
> OpenWrt release which supports kernel 6.1.
> 
> Doing a OpenWrt release with multiple kernels cases too much maintenance 
> effort from my point of view based on previews experience.
> 
> 
> I think with kernel 6.1 we can branch off at around May 2024. With 
> kernel 6.6 we could probably branch off around September 2024. The final 
> release will be out about 2 to 4 months later.

Do a release using 6.6 - although from past experience this means no 
OpenWrt 24.

6.6 likely means carrying fewer patches also.

Does this give rise to the potential that some older devices get dropped?