Cheap 5 or 8 Port Gigabit OpenWRT Pocket Switch or Router

Hardware Questions and Recommendations
1

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.

2

You may have a look at these:
8-port switch Netgear GS108T v3 https://openwrt.org/toh/netgear/gs108t_v3
5-port router Ubiquiti EdgeRouter https://openwrt.org/toh/ubiquiti/edgerouter_x_er-x_ka

(not as cheap as $20 though)

3

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.

4

This looks perfect, besides the price point. As mentioned, I think the Realtek RTL8380M is just too expensive of a chipset for this small application.

5

With patience and persistence you can often find rtl8380m under or around 20 EUR on the used markets.

1 Like
6

If you don't need its PoE PD port, the GS308T is cheaper.