Debugging hardware can be tricky especially when doing kernel and drivers
development. It might become handy for you to add serial console to your
device as well as using JTAG to debug your code.
\subsection{Adding a serial port}
Most routers come with an UART integrated into the System-on-chip
and its pins are routed on the Printed Circuit Board to allow
debugging, firmware replacement or serial device connection (like
modems).
Finding an UART on a router is fairly easy since it only needs at
least 4 signals (without modem signaling) to work : VCC, GND, TX and
RX. Since your router is very likely to have its I/O pins working at
3.3V (TTL level), you will need a level shifter such as a Maxim MAX232
to change the level from 3.3V to your computer level which is usually
at 12V.
To find out the serial console pins on the PCB, you will be looking
for a populated or unpopulated 4-pin header, which can236
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