Print Page - Unbloated network – building an OpenWRT router: Which hardware actually makes sense? (part 2)

Title: Unbloated network – building an OpenWRT router: Which hardware actually makes sense? (part 2)
Post by: Redaktion on February 16, 2026, 13:18:08

After deciding against using the ISP router in part one, it's time to focus on hardware: what actually works best for an OpenWRT router? A mini PC, Raspberry Pi, or a traditional router? And what about the switch and access point? In this part, I'll walk through my hardware choices, including considerations around power consumption, architecture, and cost.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Unbloated-network-building-an-OpenWRT-router-Which-hardware-actually-makes-sense-part-2.1227571.0.html

Title: Re: Unbloated network – building an OpenWRT router: Which hardware actually makes sense? (part 2)
Post by: All on February 17, 2026, 08:30:29

Articles like this are cool. If your router is still plenty fast (which is highly likely), but is run out of software security updates, or you don't trust its OS regarding privacy, or you want features that OpenWrt has, try OpenWrt.
Ideally would be a fully open source router, including open firmware, down to RAM initialization code (code for DDR3 RAM exists), and OpenWrt installed by default, but because of the economy of scale, such a router is going to cost more and price is simply the lowest common denominator for many.

Title: Re: Unbloated network – building an OpenWRT router: Which hardware actually makes sense? (part 2)
Post by: opckieran on February 17, 2026, 22:23:06

I'll stick with a Flint 2.

NotebookCHECK - Notebook Forum

English => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: Redaktion on February 16, 2026, 13:18:08