Hello everyone, I would like to improve my current home network.
I’m currently using an old router that I retrived from the garage, the Fritzbox 3390 (I need DSL functionality, I still not have fibre at home), and I must say it works well. But as the router is old, the firmware is no longer being updated by AVM and above all I would like more control over the connections from my devices connected to the router (especially the smart tv, as notebooks and smartphones go with mullvad). So I was considering the following options:
Changing routers to a privacy-oriented one (Gl.Inet for example), but one that has DSL functionality (not everyone has it)
Continue using my old fritzbox (I’d like to avoid unnecessary purchases of new devices if the one I have can do the job) by updating the firmware with openwrt (it’s supported)
Use the fritzbox as a bridge and connect a new gl.inet to it for example (the latter does not need DSL functionality as it inherits it from the fritzbox)
Continue using the fritzbox and buying a raspberry with adguard home linked to the router
What do you think?
Thank you very much in advance and have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you! But do you think that the best solution for privacy, security and performance reasons would be to buy a new one? In that case, do you have any particular model to suggest?
I can’t make the determination that buying a new router strictly better in your case,;but off the top of my head i would think a newer device would receive more firmware updates and support newer security features out of the box.
I have heard a lot of people on this forum say good things about Gl.Inet routers, though i have not done my due diligence in researching them yet as I’m not currently looking for a router.
OpenWRT can breathe new life into old routers. I run OpenWRT and am quite happy with the result. Before attempting, I would peruse their forum as well as the main page for your router to see if there are any hiccups. Read all documentation on the router before installing. After that, I’d say that router will likely last a while.
In terms of privacy, depends on your threat model. OpenWRT will likely be the most private option out there. As for more secure… I couldn’t asses, but I imagine it’s not any worse than running outdated firmware. There are guides on hardening OpenWRT, so I’d look them up. But you’ll get complete flexibility with OpenWRT and can tinker as much as you like. I have a DNS adblocker running on it, like a pi hole but without needing another device.
My advice is have a backup plan. I doubt the OpenWRT install will go bust, but messing up will be annoying. Maybe try OpenWRT, and have a backup router option ready to order if it frustrates you.
Thank you! I think I’ll follow your advices.
I read that with my router there are some difficulties to activate 2,4 frequency (but the 5ghz works well) and to install it I have to run a script.
I have already done a backup, so I think I’ll try and in case it doesn’t works I’ll restore it.
No problem! There is a pretty big release coming out soon (rc4 is already here), but imo just use the current stable version for the time being. I’m going to wait upgrading to this next big release until a few months from now while most of the major issues get wrinkled out.
It depends on your knowledge and financial possibilities. For me, the best solution is to buy a passive miniPC with 4/6 Ethernet ports and install OPNsense. Then, add a WiFi solution like Ubiquiti.
Another option is an Asus Router + MerlinWRT. You can configure DoT, a VPN server, firewall, and filters.
Finally, you can keep what you have and set up a Raspberry Pi + Adguard Home.