Hi, I'm new to openwrt. Have some basic experience with linux (run a home debian server), I build my own pc. But little knowledge about networking/routers.
I recently changed my ISP and they've given a crappy router which can't be updated with openwrt.
I see some posts saying that the most stable router with openwrt is one that is home built - though it doesn't seem that straightforward. There appear to be many hardware options. For example, using a x86 mini-pc. But doesn't that involve also needing an AP, which involves adding openwrt to a domestic router, and means maintaining two devices?
I don't have internet d/l speeds greater than 750mb, and have max 3 home users simultaneous. e.g. a single user streaming netflix, other users browsing/youtube. (No gaming).
Am I better off just buying say a Netgear R7800 and installing openwrt? Or is there a simpler way to build hardware that is a single device and doesn't involve an extra AP?
@ed8 It's a house with 3 floors (including ground), so I guess a largish area.
I'm confused about access points. Would I repurpose an existing router e.g R7800 into a dumb AP. Or buy a dedicated AP that could easily have openwrt installed on it? I'm trying to come up with a set up that is low maintenance.
@frollic at what point in terms of internet speed would it not be worthwhile using a R7800 as an openwrt router? My connection (Plusnet UK) is 'full fibre', though the company indicates a max average d/l speed of 900mb. There's a modem (Nokia ONT G-101G-R) on the wall, attached to a supplied 'Hub 2' router which has very poor features.
Well, a lot depends on how far down the rabbit hole you wish to go. If you're simply looking for a cheap, robust and secure "install it and forget it" solution, then a 7800 or RT3200 or other modern all-in-one is probably what you're looking for. This is all fairly simple, will cost < US$100 and provide good service for years. Finding an AIO that runs at your fiber line speed will be a significant challenge, especially if you plan on using SQM (highly recommended).
If you get infected with the networking bug or simply want enough CPU to push your full line speed 24/7 with SQM or VPN or whatever, then you'll want/need to get separate router (probably x86 based), switch(es), WAPs (or AIOs configured as dumb APs) and pull some cables through your house to service the APs (or maybe set up a mesh! so many options!).
With care, you can find devices in all of these categories that run OpenWrt, but it's often the case that that's not needed for switches. Your router and APs definitely want to be running OpenWrt, for security updates, interoperabilty and functionality. How much will this cost? Maybe as little as US$200, but could go a lot higher.
As an aside... Since you've already got a debian server, do you run VMs on it, say under qemu? You can pretty easily bring up an OpenWrt VM and build a little virtual network under it to get familiar with how it all works, before you order any extra hardware. Although I have a bunch of hardware, my favorite playground is an OpenWrt VM configured as a subnet router, with an Alma linux VM on that subnet via a virtual switch on the VM-router's LAN.
Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) or Banana Pi BPI-R3 as a router and two Netgear wax206 units as wired access points (fast roaming). If you already have an R7800 it will be good for a dumb AP.
Unless you want to spend more, then buy something with wifi 6e/7