Hi! I’m looking to buy a router to install OpenWrt on it, and I’d like to understand the security landscape of these devices. Are there any brands that frequently release firmware updates? Any ones that have some special hardware security features? These kinds of things. Thanks.

OpenWRT has now its own original hardware: [image] OpenWrt's first "unbrickable" reference router is now available Non-profit Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC) partnered with OpenWrt to develop OpenWrt One, the first reference router based on the OpenWrt project. Announced in January, …

OpenWrt Two coming soon as well. They’re partnering with GL.iNet . [image] OpenWrt Two will be a higher-performance router with 10 Gigabit LAN and WiFi... OpenWrt Two will be a higher-performance router with 10 Gigabit LAN and WiFi 7 support Est. reading time: 2 minutes …

[image] overdrawn98901: My understanding is that OpenWRT is the firmware, and what you are referring due is either microcode updates or devices drivers. OpenWrt does indeed provide the entire kernel and userspace, but depending on device it still will use a proprietary firmware binary for the…

Appears that OpenWrr one is indeed a good choice. They have a detailed guide on how to update its firmware. Not sure this is even possible on other routers since this is not desktop linux with fwupd support. Not really sure if they meant firmware in the sense I’m thinking of. Still probably the bes…

[image] anon63378630: depending on device it still will use a proprietary firmware binary for the radio. good to know, this divested os guy knows the blob shit a little too much haha

Without knowing much about your needs I’ll just throw a recommendation. GL.iNet Flint are good home routers. The Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) is their current offering but the Flint 3 is coming soon.

[image] Cyber-Typhoon: The Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) is their current offering but the Flint 3 is coming soon. This is the router that I use, can 100% recommend it.

I have the flint. It’s very nice but I wish it had automatic updates or at least a way to get notified when new updates are available. I don’t think vanilla openwrt has automatic updates either though so maybe a moot point.

GL.inet’s OS has been quite behind OpenWrt, at least it used to. Which is why I would recommend using vanilla OpenWrt and subscribing to their mailing list for updates.

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overdrawn98901 April 16, 2025, 1:57am 14

OpenWrt One/Two, or I’d suggest perusing the OpenWrt forums and getting an idea of what you need for your setup.

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