So, I'm trying to get the best network setup I can with this supervectoring VDSL2 thing my ISP gave me. I need a VDSL2 SuperVectoring modem and I would like to have the modem run OpenWRT, while running behind that an ASUS RT-AX88U Pro. I'm with 1&1 (Germany), and it needs to handle VDSL2 SuperVectoring with options to flash OpenWRT as custom firmware.
I'm looking at the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro, but I'm open to other suggestions if there's something better.
Basically, I need:
A VDSL2 SuperVectoring modem that can do bridge mode and use OpenWRT.
A separate router: I want an ASUS router with Asuswrt-Merlin for the features and performance. Or at least (because i mainly want it for automatic QoS) something supporting OpenWRT and the qos-mate ipk Freetz is a no-go, so forget AVM.
I’m open to any other suggestions, including options without built-in WiFi and additional devices for WiFi support. If there are better alternatives out there, I'm open to everything
Fritzbox 7530 (or 7520) - has to be the non-ax version. As far as I know you can't buy them new anymore. This uses the vrx518 chipset, it has a 4 core arm cortex-a7 cpu that runs at 700-800mhz.
BT Homehub 5a / Plus Net Hub One - This uses the older vrx200 chipset and has a mips32r2 34kc cpu running at 500mhz, it's single core but supports smt so presents 2 cores to the OS. It might do over 100mbps in bridge mode, but it's getting near it's limit without alot of tweaks possibly. It's also quite tricky to actually get openwrt onto, involves a soldering iron etc. There's other modems with vrx200 that will work with openwrt but the hh5a or the hub one are the most common and they have 1gbps ethernet ports, they're the most sold on ebay etc. If you do buy one of these i'd suggest you make sure you get one that's never been used before.
You're probably going to want that Fritz 7530 or 7520 for the modem if you want openwrt on it. As far as the wireless router goes, seeing as you're in the European region you're quite spoiled theres a cheap Zyxel model (I forget the model number) or Gl.inet flint 2 seem all the rage these days for running openwrt on and there's a lot of happy campers there.
That's interesting, but I'm not totally following. What's up with not being able to buy them anymore? I've got a bunch of 7530s and a 7590 right now. Are you saying I need to use those as modems? Like, I have to flash them to OpenWRT or I'm screwed? Thanks for the quick replies, btw.
Try to go for version one of AVM Fritzbox 7530 or 7520, these are vrx518 based modems that support profile 35b (what in Germany is marketed as super-vectoring). For the 7520 I believe you need the variant with the two small fin-like antenna stubs (the older design).
See here:
This being the OpenWrt forum, I would be amiss if I would not try pitching OpenWrt as router operating system, depending on what you want to do OpenWrt might be preferable over Merlin (but that is likely true also in the other direction, some things might be nicer with Merlin).
Top be explicit, this generation does not support profile 35b/super-vectoring. Otherwise it makes a nice bridged modem (doing 100/40 as bridged modem will put it really hard to the edghe, but still works )
They have been superseded with newer variant that over more modern WiFi, but are not compatible with the OpenWrt vrx518 code (IIRC they use broadcom SoCs so no )...
If you want to use a bridged modem, you need to find something other than a Fritzbox running FritzOS, I guess Freetz would allow to change any Fritzbox into a bridged modem (but I never tried, so this is speclation).
They don't sell them new anymore, you can't go to a store and buy them new, heaps of people selling them on ebay though most of them used. You don't have to use openwrt at all, but if you do want to put openwrt on a modem then you got like two options like I said. If you already have a 7530 (non AX) you're already good to go I guess as far as getting the hardware for the modem.
Okay, I find it a bit challenging to grasp the implications here. I initially thought I could purchase at least a specific modem that could be flashed, like the BT Homehub 5a, and then have another device for routing (PPPoE bridge). However, I have multiple 7530s and a 7590 (non-AX) as my current hardware, and I’d really prefer not to use those since I see them as black boxes with limited customization options and virtually no visibility into their operations. I understand that flashing OpenWRT would change that, but I was hoping for a device that’s already tested for these purposes. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. Thanks for the tips so far!
Just buy the router from the ISP and put it into bridge mode. Then use any OpenWrt device with pppoe on wan. I would say this is at least the minimum of hassle. (I'm with DTAG in Germany.)
While true, does that really matter if they are in "bridge mode" and relegated to do only one job? What customizations do you expect to do on a bridged modem? (Not that there weren't any that come to mind, logging for example, or in a pinch use its other ports as a switch, btdt)
1&1 is only offering FritzBoxes, which I already have. I have previously flashed a 7530 to OpenWRT, but my assumption is that using other devices is the better option, although I'm not sure about that. Now I'm considering trying to flash the non-AX Fritz again instead of using it as the useless repeater that it currently is.
@takimata
I'd like to be able to see what it does. While that may seem unnecessary, as you suggest, you might be right. However, since I'm completely resetting up my hardware, why not aim for the best?
Fair enough, but that information (e.g., the modem status) is usually also available with manufacturer's stock firmware.
I should note that I'm not advocating against OpenWrt on/as a modem (again, been there done that when I was still living in Klingeldrahtland). I'm just pointing out that it's a lot of work and, with SuperVectoring, money for very little gain.
I understand, but let's say I have multiple locations, and I'm planning for CDNs (in data centers, of course, not at home; I'm asking for a home setup which is reproducible, though) and other gigabit connections, including WireGuard mesh setups. This is for work, so having the best equipment is essential. Why not use the Zyxel VMG4005-B50A? Since I don't live alone and have roommates, I plan to set up the ASUS-Merlin router (because of its AI-QoS) with a German VPN IP to ensure they are protected and can access a reliable VPN service without issues or high ping for gaming. It's complicated, but I don't think this is relevant for you guys to say what's best as a setup for the purposes already stated here. Thank you very much for all your replies so far!
Can not say any thing specific to the hardware of other providers. Telekom uses mainly speedport (smart) or offering fritzbox.
I just brought the speedport and as I've written, put it into modem-/bridge-mode.
That way the provider can not blame me for my hardware in case I have issues with the line. (For the router I use an x86 box)
What do you all think about combining the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro with the Zyxel VMG4005-B50A modem flashed with OpenWRT? Wouldn't that be quite something? Or, to put it another way, it sounds like the more cost-effective (and likely also reasonable...) option might be to just leverage my non-AX existing FritzBox and flash it with OWRT and use it as modem? What are your thoughts on that approach vs using the Zyxel?
Since this is the OpenWrt forum, maybe try OpenWrt with SQM or if that is not enough try the recent QoSmate for your QoS needs. Especially for gaming also have a look at geomate:
to accompany qosmate...
For this you ideally want parts that can still be sourced new... in which case your selected Zyxel modem might be a better choice... but since you have a 7530 sitting around and already installed OpenWrt on that once, why not simply try a gain so you can test how it performs?
The speedports are IMHO the exception in that many of them allow to be configured as bridged modem... Fritzboxen used to allow that as well, I have been told, but stopped doing that a long time ago...
If you just need a bridged-modem, no need to convert the VMG4005 to OpenWrt (assuming that is even possible) which as far as I can tell already can be configured as bridged-modem. And the RT-AX88U Pro does not even seem to allow OpenWrt...
That is what I would try, if only you have that 7530 already sitting around... I seem to recall a post here in the forum showing that as bridged modem the 73530/20 can achieve (close to ) DSL-line speed.
If however you want to create a recipe you expect others to easily follow for the next years using a modem that is still sold new might be a better approach, it really depends on your goals.
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