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@nshibj@lemmy.world

2026-08-26 15:15 UTC

Router recommendation for newbie Edit: forgot to mention that I’m based in Europe, which might be relevant for which devices are easily available. Hi, I am a newbie looking for a new router, one where I can block ads and tracking (with AdGuard, PiHole or something similar), I can choose my own DNS, and hopefully tinker more once I learn more about routers and networks. I have a home server currently running only locally and would like to access it from outside my home, but I’m afraid of letting the door open to bots, hackers, etc. I am currently using the router provided by my ISP, which has poor customization options and is also failing a lot lately (it loses internet connection at least once a week and needs restarting). I have searched a bit around and I think something where I can install OpenWRT or other open source firmware would be good. On the OpenWRT forum I have seen recommended the GL·INet Flint 2 GL-MT6000 openwrt.org/toh/gl.inet/gl-mt6000. I also looked a bit more on GL·INet’s website and saw the GL·INet 3e (GL-BE6500) which has WiFi 7, and wondered if that could be a good upgrade, but seems it doesn’t support (yet) installing official OpenWRT. As for me and my use case: I am comfortable with the Linux command line, my personal computer runs Linux and I have a home server running OpenMediaVault with a couple of services on Docker (Jellyfin, Navidrome, Radicale, Trilium, Calibre-Web, Wanderer), but I barely know anything about routers and networks. The router will serve to connect that server via Ethernet and use several devices (laptops, desktop PC, phones, tablets, AndroidTV…) via WiFi. I wonder what the thoughts of people who know about routers and networks are. Are these good options for a first non-ISP router? Is the 3e (GL-BE6500) worth the update for WiFi 7 or is it overkill for my use-case? Maybe even a bad idea if it doesn’t support the official OpenWRT? Anything else I missed and should take into account? In addition to the physical router recommendation, I have 2 more questions: from what I have read in other threads I believe I might need to keep my ISP’s router, or get another device to use as a modem before the router (I don’t know how to do that). Is that correct or can I just replace my ISP’s router with a router running OpenWRT (or similar) and be set? does anyone have any good resources to learn more about networks, modems, routers, etc.? for a newbie who is comfortable with the Linux command line but otherwise knows nothing about the topic.

Replies (4)

  • A Gl.inet router is easy to use with it’s stock firmware. I recommend getting one and keeping it stock at least for awhile. You can still use Luci to get more in-depth while also having a simple to understand interface as a backup. It has Adguard built in as well as other things like VPNs and Tailscale and packet inspection. Of course through Luci you can install all sorts of stuff. The Flint 2 has good hardware to be able to run lots of addons

    Open ##4612580

  • @derin@lemmy.beru.co 2026-08-28 02:59

    I also own a Flint 2. Been using OpenWRT for years, but when I got the flint I was so pleased with the stock interface I chose not to flash vanilla on it. 2 years later and it’s still doing great. Note that even though it’s stock, standard LuCi is still available - the “stock” part just seems to be a custom GL.iNet GUI you can choose not to use.

    Open ##4617821

  • @Cyber@feddit.uk 2026-08-28 06:46

    Get 2 devices, set them up the same and put 1 in a cupboard. When you make a change / update and / or the hardware fails, then you can still recover. Personally I have a Fritz router in bridge / pass through mode, then a pfSense firewall - basically a low-ish power microATX (I think) PC - which does all my adblocking and DNS as well as reverse proxy for home assistant, etc. Works well

    Open ##4620804

  • Mikrotik.

    Open ##4631376