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Extending RAM via file SWAP
Introduction
There are some applications and network situations that may require the need for more RAM, like DLNA file indexing, Tor or disk checks. There are a couple of options of upgrading RAM, via soldering or using a SWAP partition on a USB thumb drive. This how-to describes installing SWAP on a USB thumb drive. This method is a bit slower but also more convenient. Your router will need a USB port like the TP-Link TL-WR1043ND v1-1.8
The SWAP partition will be automatically mounted after plugging the right media to router USB port.
Tor
If the SWAP partition provides enough memory Tor will be enabled.
If Tor is enabled without enough memory the router crashes.
Setup
Select a suitable USB pen/thumb/memory-stick drive.
The USB drive needs to be formatted with a Linux SWAP partition and I would suggest he rest of the drive formatted FAT32 for data storage.
There are a few software format options
- Gparted (GUI)
- Acronis Disk director (GUI)
- Native linux - Fdisk (CLI)
Acronis Disk director
Formatting USB drive using Acronis Disk director
In this example with a 4Gig pen drive all partitions were wiped first
Create a new volume
Select free space
Enter required volume size and select Linux swap
Swap partition now created
With the remainder of the disk format Fat32 for file storage
Commit changes
Disk formatted and ready to use
plug your USB drive in and it should auto load
