this post was submitted on 25 Dec 2023
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I'm looking for recommendations for a cheap, and basic OpenWRT router (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by Kalcifer@sh.itjust.works to c/homelab@lemmy.ml
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I used to use an old Linksys WRT54GL v1.1 router for the purpose of testing homelab setups, but I have recently found that, as of 2022, it is unsupported by OpenWRT. So, I am now looking for a router to replace my old one. I don't need anything fancy -- I just need a router with WiFi connectivity (2.4GHz is fine, but 5GHz is, of course, appreciated, if possible), and a few LAN ports (gigabit would be nice, but it is not a necessity). By no means does it have to be a new model of router. So long as it supports a current version of OpenWRT, and satisfies my hardware requirements, it will be an acceptable recommendation

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[–] jet@hackertalks.com 9 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Glinet devices have great support for openwrt.

https://www.gl-inet.com/

Search your local listings for them, they can be quite cheap too

[–] Kalcifer@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Do you recommend any specific model(s), by chance?

[–] SuddenlyBlowGreen@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I have the Slate AX travel router, and it's really good.

It has a simplified web interface + app for the gl-inet specific functions (WAN failover, adblock, VPN server + client, file share, etc), but you can also access the OpenWRT interface underneath.

[–] jet@hackertalks.com 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I have a bunch of different models from them, no complaints. Obviously the newer models with USBC and higher throughput are better. But it depends on your use case. I would just buy the cheapest one you can find locally and play with it. Make sure you're happy with open WRT on it.

I have a few shadows and a beryl, my primary use case is a travel router. But now that Calyxos and lineage os allow sharing of VPN over tethering I just use a old cell phone as my travel router.

[–] sxan@midwest.social 3 points 2 years ago

"Cheap" being relative, I think GL.iNet products are reasonably priced, and their software is OpenWRT with a customized web interface. $40 for their small, portable WiFi 5 Opal; $95 for their WiFi 6 "home" router; $130 for the WiFi 6 Opal. The Opals work fine for covering a 1br apartment, but have 2 eth ports. The bigger one (Flint?) has 4.

[–] SpacePirate@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Having just researched this, I purchased the Dynalink AX3600 (DL-WRX36). While it’s not as simple as a drop in firmware reflash, it offered the best speed and performance for not significantly more effort; Wifi 6, USB 3.0 ports, and full MIMO antenna support.

I also considered the following:

  • Buffalo WXR-5950AX12
  • Linksys E8450 (5GHz ax only)
  • Netgear WAX202
  • Xiami AX9000

https://openwrt.org/toh/views/toh_available_16128_ax-wifi

[–] Lrobie@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

I use a Belkin RT3200 (same hardware as Linksys E8450). They go for pretty cheap on ebay and I have no complaints.

[–] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip -1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I bought a Linksys router from Walmart that has WiFi 6 and is well supported

[–] Kalcifer@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago

What model?