What are the recommendations for a 5 or 8 port gigabit pocket switch that is OpenWRT compatible?
I am aware of the Realtek solutions that have the RTL8380M, but those are expensive and large. Like almost rackmount large.
I am looking for something small, similar to a an unmanaged TP-Link or Netgear sub $20 5 or 8 Port pocket switch, but instead managed with OpenWRT.
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) is $21.99 new on Amazon. However, unmanaged and doesn't run OpenWRT.
On the 5 port, I am thinking there has to be some routers out there with 5 ports that would work. Something with a Mediatek 7621A would prob work. However, I really want an 8 port option.
An ER-X is an excellent idea. Not $20, but they can be found used shipped for ~$40, which is still quite reasonable for a 5 port Gigabit managed switch even if that is all you plan to use it for. An ER-X running OpenWrt makes a fine Gigabit router too if you do not ask too much of it in the way of VPN or SQM.