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, …

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.

Are there any decent suggestions for AX router to flash OpenWrt, in a range of $50/50€? Mainly for a light usage and to put it after ISP’s one, which can’t even change DNS options, so other devices can use it.

I was almost about to buy it, but then i realized they all don’t have cellular (open wrt 1, banana rpi, flint). I don’t understand, why would you have a router that doesn’t have cellular? And why do so many people recommend it? Do so many people have fiber?

[image] Anonymous235: I don’t understand, why would you have a router that doesn’t have cellular? At least in my country, most people don’t use mobile data for their home internet due to its relative unreliability, variable latency, lower speeds, etc. You could still use one of these routers …

[image] 0x1: Are there any decent suggestions for AX router to flash OpenWrt, in a range of $50/50€? Mainly for a light usage and to put it after ISP’s one, which can’t even change DNS options, so other devices can use it. Check TP-Link in OpenWrt table and your local shops. Just be sure revi…

[image] Anonymous235: I don’t understand, why would you have a router that doesn’t have cellular? Are you sure you aren’t referring to a modem ? In my region, “Cellular Internet” isn’t a very common outside of some rural or underserved areas. But in any case, how my internet gets to my wall …

That OG diagram made me smile… memories of '80s dialup BBSs

I find it funny that TP-Link is mostly suggested for use and supported by OpenWrt and its also the company that they wanted to ban from selling routers in the US. I haven’t checked on where that proposal went bu t do find it ironic.

They have cheap hardware. Is there any privacy/security concern after flashing it with OpenWRT?

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anon73250778 June 29, 2025, 11:15am 35

You buy a separate access point, that you attach to a separate switch.

You can buy combo devices like an AP with LAN network ports but, generally speaking separate devices are better.

There is a an option to attach WiFi antennae but In have no experience with the specific device +openwrt one)

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