EXHIBIT 5

               Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
                              One Financial Center
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02111



                                October 6, 1999

OpenROUTE Networks, Inc.
Nine Technology Drive
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581


Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to OpenROUTE Networks, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement"), pursuant to which the Company is registering the
issuance under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of a total of 600,000
shares (the "Shares") of its common stock, $.01 par value per share (the
"Common Stock"). This opinion is being rendered in connection with the filing
of the Registration Statement. All capitalized terms used herein and not
otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings given to them in the
Registration Statement.

     In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Company's Restated
Articles of Organization, as amended, and Restated By-Laws, as amended, both
as currently in effect; such other records of the corporate proceedings of the
Company and certificates of the Company's officers as we have deemed relevant;
and the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto.

     In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures,
the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such copies.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that (i) the Shares have
been duly and validly authorized by the Company and (ii) the Shares, when
sold, will have been duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable
shares of the Common Stock, free of preemptive rights.

     Our opinion is limited to Massachusetts law, and we express no opinion
with  respect to the laws of any other jurisdiction. No opinion is expressed
herein  with respect to the qualification of the Shares under the securities
or blue sky laws of any state or any foreign jurisdiction.

   2

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

OpenROUTE Networks, Inc.
October 6, 1999
Page 2



     We understand that you wish to file this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, and we hereby consent thereto.

                                       Very truly yours,


                                       /s/ Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky
                                           and Popeo, P.C.

                                       MINTZ, LEVIN, COHN, FERRIS,
                                       GLOVSKY AND POPEO, P.C.