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Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

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Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#22

Post by mbrock »

Wheaties466 wrote: post #16

mikrotik routerboard with a ubiquiti wap. I've never been happier.

Have you tried the Mikrotik WAPs?

I'm just about to order a Mikrotik hAP AC Lite.

https://routerboard.com/RB952Ui-5ac2nD

It's for a one-floor collective house in Latvia, so it's kind of nice to get an AP from a Latvian company. :)

Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#23

Post by Zelmor »

roseltraut wrote: post #17
fnj wrote: post #8

A router has nothing to do with providing WiFi. You should have a separate router and WAP. For the router, any fanless mini-PC with two ethernet ports. Run OpenBSD or pfSense.

I wonder, are there simple powerful just AP's comparable to the already mentioned routers? Just with less features...

yes https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9482696

Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#24

Post by Zelmor »

Taking into consideration the do-it-all directions the linux kernel is heading, I am more in favour of security conscious solutions, such as an APU board with BSD on it. For myself, this is still a concept. I've decided to learn more about bsd, security and networking before jumping into implementation and purchase of hardware.

Next year though! Next year!

Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#25

Post by sashk »

I use two devices to handle usual definition of the router:

  1. Mini PC[1] running as a router (pfSense);
  2. eero to handle the wifi.
Why? I've tried many times to use dd-wrt, openwrt and tomato firmwares on my routers, but every time I failed miserably: it's either something stops working, or I need to schedule routers reboots and so. So I gave up. Since that time, mini pc [1] is the third system which routes my traffic, acts as VPN gateway, proxy server and so on on my home network and I've never been happier. With eero I've got even better coverage comparing to the previous Airport Express.

[1]: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Latest-windows-8-mini-pc-min...

Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#26

Post by wincy »

mbrock wrote: post #22
Wheaties466 wrote: post #16

mikrotik routerboard with a ubiquiti wap. I've never been happier.

Have you tried the Mikrotik WAPs? I'm just about to order a Mikrotik hAP AC Lite. https://routerboard.com/RB952Ui-5ac2nD It's for a one-floor collective house in Latvia, so it's kind of nice to get an AP from a Latvian company. :)

I just ordered the hAP AC non lite. I have a gigabit internet connection so I couldn't deal with the 100mbit ports. I'll get that and an RB3011uias-rm tomorrow! Got that because of some of the traffic shaping I'm planning on doing will need routerOS 5 and more processing power. I'm in the US and a huge fan of Mikrotik stuff, they don't get the exposure they deserve on threads like this.

They also have a new cheaper wAP ac which has a single gigabit port and work outdoors!

Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#27

Post by vetinari »

darkblackcorner wrote: post #10

I think the Turris Omnia ( https://omnia.turris.cz/en/ ) looks fantastic, and plan on getting one when my budget allows. On further (re)inspection though it seems you'd still be tied to your ISP's router/modem :( Perhaps there's a good standalone/mPCI modem out there somewhere?

Turris Omnia has a SFP port, so if your ISP has that option, you can get rid of your modem.

Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#28

Post by TheRealDunkirk »

fnj wrote: post #8

A router has nothing to do with providing WiFi. You should have a separate router and WAP. For the router, any fanless mini-PC with two ethernet ports. Run OpenBSD or pfSense.

I built a firewall/router out of this board, with Linux and shorewall. It took a trick with the installer to get it to go, but it's run for a couple of years now without hardly a thought. I love it.

http://www.pcengines.ch/apu1d4.htm

I agree with the separation comment, but you can buy a radio for this board, and make it do wifi as well. The case even has pre-cut holes for the antennas. I've thought about doing it just for the fun of it.

Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#29

Post by mox1 »

sashk wrote: post #25

I use two devices to handle usual definition of the router: 1. Mini PC[1] running as a router (pfSense); 2. eero to handle the wifi. Why? I've tried many times to use dd-wrt, openwrt and tomato firmwares on my routers, but every time I failed miserably: it's either something stops working, or I need to schedule routers reboots and so. So I gave up. Since that time, mini pc [1] is the third system which routes my traf…

I also use a MiniPC running pfSense and couldn't be happier. I made the switch 3 years ago, after running a Linksys WRT54G-TM on OpenWRT for 5+ years.

pfSense is simple to get started with, powerful enough for small to medium businesses and "just works."

The initial setup might be a bit more $$$ ($150 for hardware), but it will last you a long time.

Re: Ask HN: Best current model routers for OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.?

#30

Post by randombit »

This is not quite what you ask for and a little more expensive that some options, but I use a PC Engines APU2 running Alpine as my router+wifi access. Great little machine that is much more functional than typical home router hardware, and it boots using coreboot. A good option if you like setting up everything by hand.

More about APU2 at http://www.pcengines.ch/apu2b4.htm

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