I would like to create my own router with OpenWRT and there are an overwhelming amount of hardware options by the likes of nanopi, bananapi, etc. Does this community have any recommendations? :)

Here are my requirements:

  • 1.5Gbps support
  • I plan to connect a total of 3 access points to it (just using spare routers. One of them can support 1.5G)
  • either a port to connect a pihole or another way to set it up
  • ideally VLAN support but I can also use a guest network for a few smart devices
  • no plans to run a homelab off of this setup, so doesn’t need to be fancy
  • lower cost is preferred.
  • VikEnglish
    1•10 months ago

    I’ve heard good things about the bananapi bpi r3. Been meaning to get one myself, and you can find them in kits with cases, antenna, power supply etc for maybe just under 100.

    The R4 is around the corner and has the option to support WiFi 7 via expansion module. I think it’s still awaiting upstream support for openwrt, however. If you don’t need WiFi 7, the R3 is a solid platform.