I'm looking for server hardware to run OpenWRT and provide dedicated routing, firewall, network-attached storage access, and offsite backup (of NAS, via rclone). Internet access will be provided to the router via a Quectel RM520N-GL in a standalone modem enclosure. A dedicated wireless access point will be located downstream from the router.
I'd really like for the unit to be as open-source, low-power, future-proofed, and compact as possible. I'm torn between the OpenWrt One and a Raspberry Pi 4, which can both be had for around the same price (RPi 4 a bit cheaper).
I perceive MediaTek (which is in OpenWrt One) to be more highly-regarded around these parts from an open-source perspective than Broadcom (in RPi). However, I don't need the access point that the OpenWrt One includes, it only has USB 2, and it only comes with 1GB of RAM, which I'm concerned will provide some issues with using it for NAS and rclone backup (I've had problems running rclone on the Spitz AX I have been using thus far).
The Raspberry Pi 4 has USB 3 and can be purchased with up to 8gb of RAM. However, it has the less open-source friendly Broadcom chip (or at least that's my understanding), and is limited to 1Gbps (vs the 2.5 Gpbs of the OpenWRT One). My internet connection is currently maxing out at ~400 Mbps, so I'm not imagining that will be an issue at the moment, but future-proofing as much as possible would be nice.
Obviously there is no "perfect" solution. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the info I've been taking in at the moment however, and am curious what opinions can be offered on the topic. And if you think the RPi 4 is the way to go, do you think 8GB of ram is overkill? Is there a reason why you'd separate server for the NAS/backup, and go with the OpenWRT One for routing and firewall?
The OpenWrt One's USB 2.0 port & 1GB RAM creates critical bottlenecks for NAS and rclone. The RPi 4's USB 3.0 & 4GB RAM is sufficient. Although 8GB is not overkill if you plan to run additional containerized services
Separate the roles if you are open to a two device setup. Use the OpenWrt One for its intended purpose routing, firewall. Then a 4GB RPi 4 as a dedicated server for NAS and backups. This setup should maximize stability and performance by leveraging the strengths of each device.
@frollic , both of those devices look intriguing. I dont see either in the openWRT table of supported hardware, however?
I've started looking at the NanoPC-T6 which appears to be a powerhouse of an SBC which should check off all of my boxes with ease but is quite expensive... $25-$35 for one of those units sounds much more enticing.