Hello everyone. I want to build a network for a smart home based on OpenWRT; I want to use Raspberry Pi 4b as the hardware basis, but I know that its built-in Wi-Fi module supports no more than 5-7 stable connections. I would be glad to receive any advice or experience on how to make a stable 2.4 GHz network for 20-30 smart devices for the home (light bulbs, kettle, etc.)
The easiest and best approach would be using wired ethernet to a dedicated AP (wireless router), decent dual-band 2x2 wifi6 ones start around 15-20 EUR new.
1 Like
I have a Strong 1200 (aka MTC WR1201), serving my 20+ IoT devices. It sits on its own LAN since a couple of years, no issues whatsoever.
1 Like
Thank you very much for the advice. Unfortunately, the products of this vendor are not available in my location. I'm looking for a solution that will allow me to build a separate network in a miniature case that will work next to my main router and solve a number of problems in addition to providing Internet access for IoT devices
Something like GL.inet GL-MT3000 or TP-Link TL-WR902AC ?
MT3000 is seriously overkill, and the 902AC got 8mb flash, which makes it EOL after 23.05.
But the older 802.11n gl.inet MT300M/N/A devices could fit.
This option could have been the ideal solution, but unfortunately it has already been discontinued and cannot be found even on the local secondary market. I want to make something similar to this, but from what can be found now available at a reasonable cost.
Perhaps my main problem could be solved by a USB AP that can handle multiple connections. But unfortunately, I can’t sort through the options in search of the best. Maybe someone has experience connecting such APs to OpenWRT and successfully setting it up..?
gl.inet MT300 could be suitable, but I’m not sure that in addition to OpenWRT, it will also be able to cope with third-party services like Home Assistant. But thanks a lot for the advice
If you want better suggestions, you'll have to provide more info.
Like amount of RAM or flash space required.
And your location.
You don't want to run Home Assistant on such hardware - it uses way too many resources. You will need something like a Raspberry Pi (it works on a Pi 3b, but it's quite slow - better get at least a Pi4). See for example here.
Judging from your first post, though, you already use or will use a Pi4 for Home Assistant - basically, you just need a cheap AP.
2 Likes