Xiaomi 4a Gigabit Vlan capabilities with OpenWRT

Hardware Questions and Recommendations
1

I'm looking for some advice. I've been researching MikroTik routers and RouterOS, specifically the hAP AC3 model and i think IT will do what i need but a I'm looking for a cost-effective solution for my home network. I want to buy router as cheap as possibile but IT about meet reuiqirements. However, I'm starting to think that MikroTik might be overkill for my needs, as it's more geared towards professional use, and I might not take full advantage of its capabilities.

I've come across OpenWRT, and I'm wondering if this would be sufficient, along with a cheaper router like the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition.

Here’s what I need from the router:

VLAN segmentation on LAN and WiFi, with control over traffic between VLANs.

I want to create 3 VLANs on 1 LAN interface:

1st VLAN: completely isolated, only internet access.

2nd VLAN: can communicate with all VLANs, but limited to the local network without internet access and without Access to vlan 1st vlan

3rd VLAN: similar to the 1st, with internet access but with Access to 2nd vlan.

WiFi will also be assigned to a separate VLAN, with internet access and communication with the 2nd VLAN. Another vlan on lan port should communicate with wifi vlan and 2nd vlan from previoua example.

The router will be connected to my ISP’s fiber router, which will be in bridge mode.

The setup includes WiFi repeaters, another router in bridge mode via LAN, and an L2 switch with VLAN support for 2 VLANs on a server interface.

I’ve read that performance can be an issue with budget routers when handling VLANs and firewall rules. My current internet speed is 300 Mbps (may upgrade to 500 Mbps in the future). The network might have up to 30 devices connected via LAN or WiFi at the same time, and currently, without VLANs, this speed is sufficient on fiber router - not Xiaomi.

My question: Can a budget router with OpenWRT handle this setup, or should I consider spending more on a MikroTik to ensure stable performance, especially with VLAN segmentation and firewall rules or could you give me example od another cheap OpenWRT capable router?

2

All Openwrt routers are vlan capable.
If you want to run gigabit QoS you need filogic platform, 7621 will forward at gigabit but no extra cpu left for QoS, qualcommax(ipq) will need proprietary driver to change from one side to other speed wise.
https://openwrt.org/toh/views/toh_available_16128_ax-wifi

Or if you are really into budget (4a gigabit changes manufacturing quarterly, it is hit and miss hardware quality wise, and sometimes externally undistinguishable new incompatible releases come out)
https://openwrt.org/toh/views/toh_available_16128

2 Likes
3

Thank you for hour reply. I do not think so that i need 1 gigabit quos. I have only 300 Mb/ internet connections. Rights now i do not have it enabled because i do not see it in router configurarion. Propably i do not have access to it, i am not allowe by internet provider to modify it.
If Xiaomi devices are not stable i can switch to another brand. What do yout think about TP-Link ax23? IT is also cheap and 2 times cheaper than MikroTik. Is it good? Have i buy aby special version of IT? It has got same procesor as Xiaomi mi 4a. Will it be ok?

4

It depends on where you are and your budget,
ax23 is way better than 4a, but aim for filogic in your favourite local electronics store.

1 Like
5

Ok. I've read that the Mikrotik Hap AC3 has wifi 5 and I would need hax3 to have wifi 6. Due to the price I'll probably go for the Xiaomi AX3000T. It supports OpenWRT and has a filogic 820 processor. Is this a good choice?

6

You need to be careful when installing,some hardware variations are only in snapshot. But yes, will be nice fast.

1 Like
7

Ok. Thanks. I have a Xiaomi Mi 4A 100 Mb (International version), which I got for less than $10. I’ve noticed that OpenWRT supports this router, and I’m planning to check tomorrow if my specific version is supported. I think it's a great candidate for testing OpenWRT and learning how to flash new firmware. If I mess it up - brick or damage it, I won’t regret it too much.

I’ve read that if I have two routers running OpenWRT, I can set up Wi-Fi roaming between them. Is this true? Can I connect my AX3000T to the Mi 4A via LAN and set up the Mi 4A as a bridge with Wi-Fi roaming?
I have also read that Xioami devices run on OpenWRT firmware with Xiaomi GUI. Is it true?

8

Good idea to practice :wink: Basically you get into super ancient ssh with the invasion tool, look around the system even not supported.