Edit: forgot to mention that I’m based in Europe, which might be relevant for which devices are easily available.

Hi, I am a newbie looking for a new router, one where I can block ads and tracking (with AdGuard, PiHole or something similar), I can choose my own DNS, and hopefully tinker more once I learn more about routers and networks. I have a home server currently running only locally and would like to access it from outside my home, but I’m afraid of letting the door open to bots, hackers, etc.
I am currently using the router provided by my ISP, which has poor customization options and is also failing a lot lately (it loses internet connection at least once a week and needs restarting).

I have searched a bit around and I think something where I can install OpenWRT or other open source firmware would be good. On the OpenWRT forum I have seen recommended the GL·INet Flint 2 GL-MT6000 https://openwrt.org/toh/gl.inet/gl-mt6000. I also looked a bit more on GL·INet’s website and saw the GL·INet 3e (GL-BE6500) which has WiFi 7, and wondered if that could be a good upgrade, but seems it doesn’t support (yet) installing official OpenWRT.

As for me and my use case: I am comfortable with the Linux command line, my personal computer runs Linux and I have a home server running OpenMediaVault with a couple of services on Docker (Jellyfin, Navidrome, Radicale, Trilium, Calibre-Web, Wanderer), but I barely know anything about routers and networks. The router will serve to connect that server via Ethernet and use several devices (laptops, desktop PC, phones, tablets, AndroidTV…) via WiFi.

I wonder what the thoughts of people who know about routers and networks are.

  • Are these good options for a first non-ISP router?
  • Is the 3e (GL-BE6500) worth the update for WiFi 7 or is it overkill for my use-case? Maybe even a bad idea if it doesn’t support the official OpenWRT?
  • Anything else I missed and should take into account?

In addition to the physical router recommendation, I have 2 more questions:

  • from what I have read in other threads I believe I might need to keep my ISP’s router, or get another device to use as a modem before the router (I don’t know how to do that). Is that correct or can I just replace my ISP’s router with a router running OpenWRT (or similar) and be set?

  • does anyone have any good resources to learn more about networks, modems, routers, etc.? for a newbie who is comfortable with the Linux command line but otherwise knows nothing about the topic.

  • BrightCandle@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    1 day ago

    The Asus BT8 is a wifi 7 router supported by openWRT and there is quite a few of us running it. I think generally OpenWRT is a good way to go and the Table of Hardware on the OpenWRT site will give you a dizzying array of options for wifi 6 and 7 devices that are supported and you get to pick your spec and price from those available.

    You might need the modem device if you are using cable, otherwise its FTTH or DSL then you wont.

    If you search for OpenWRT tutorials on youtube you will find a McFly or something like that name and he has a bunch of tutorials on how to set up OpenWRT and a range of more advanced networking topics and how to use OpenWRT to utilise them.

    • nshibj@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      Thanks for your answer! I wasn’t sure about the whole “Cable / FTTH / DSL” issue, but checked my ISP contract and it mentions VDSL 50, so I guess I’m on DSL and don’t need a separate modem. I’m in Europe, by the way (might be relevant to different technologies and devices available), I’ll update the post now to add that.