this post was submitted on 11 Oct 2023
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I tried using a guide online one time to build a linux router/firewall onto a passively-cooled mini-computer that I could leave on a shelf with no I/O connected... basically a replacement for the garbo off-the-shelf wifi routers that die every year. It worked...mostly. The problem is that the random little things that didn't work right just were insurmountable for a linux noob who was just trying to follow a guide.
I hate that spending money on the best ones you can buy STILL die after a year or two. And now they all require you to login so even more people can inspect all my network traffic.
I'd love to see a guide that's kept up to date for building a simple router/firewall, with sections like you have above for more information so people can unlock ports for unusual stuff or whatever. I mean, in a perfect world, you install a LTS OS and set it up and forget about it for a few years. Mine was like that except it required manual intervention every time it rebooted. If that wasn't the case, it would have been perfect and I would be recommeding it to everyone.
Use openwrt on a existing device
My issue is that the cheapo consumer hardware sucks. Using good software on bad hardware doesn't solve the issue. Unless I can use it on a normal computer... last I looked into it, I don't think you could.
I really want to. My flatmates dont care at all, but afaik our router is supported. Could you share any experiences, how is the installation on such a "not meant to use third party software" device, are updates automatic? Do you install packages? How is the WebUI, how long would it take to just have it working?
Installation of OpenWRT from stock depends on the device. Some devices are more involved than others.
Updates are not automatic, and they require planning with some down time. The process is backup settings, update wiping out settings, reapply settings by uploading backup.
I do not install packages. That leads even more horribly complicated updates. I don’t recommend using anything that isn’t in the stock image.
LuCI is serviceable. It’s not pretty, or the most intuitive, but it works.
OPNsense is better if you have the x86 hardware around to run it.
Thanks! So its a bit like Docker images, why doesnt it save settings? This sounds pretty horrible, shouldnt network hardware always be updated automatically?
OpenWRT saves settings. It’s what’s in the backup, and that’s what allows the router to return to operation after a power cycle.
Things get can sideways when settings are persisted across updates. There is an option to persist settings, but there are fewer headaches when settings are wiped and restored from backup.
This gets even worse when packages are in play. Packages aren’t reinstalled when the backup is restored, so any packages need to be tracked then reinstalled after an update.
You’re opting to self-manage the router by installing OpenWRT. You are the QA department, and it’s up to you to make sure everything works and any manual changes are made.
In a production setting, no not at all. Updates need to be QA’d before being released, especially network equipment updates, to prevent outages.
The Turris Omnia is OpenWRT based and does auto updates, but the Turris is also $300-$400 dollars.
The key is you just buy something a little nicer.
Wow I never thought of that...
I'm serious. You can pick up a WiFi 6 router with gigabit networking that will work just fine.
Seriously. I have a couple of Linksys EA8300's running OpenWRT in my house, and I did not expect the performance jump over my old ones. For not a lot of money I pretty much tripled the speed of the house wireless network.