Why OpenWrt
OpenWrt is the open-source operating system for routers that powers millions of devices and the firmware of many commercial vendors. Running it directly gives you control that stock firmware never does.
Benefits
- Security updates for years, long after a manufacturer abandons a model
- No cloud account, no app, no telemetry: your network answers to you
- Professional features at home: VLANs, WireGuard, SQM against bufferbloat, multi-WAN, IPv6, ad blocking
- Thousands of installable packages and a full Linux system underneath
- The same interface (LuCI) on every device, from a pocket travel router to a rackmount gateway
Which hardware is right for me?
| x86 router PC | Best performance: 2.5G/10G internet, VPN at full speed, IDS, many users. Pair with APs for Wi-Fi. |
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| OpenWrt router | All-in-one router + Wi-Fi for apartments and gigabit lines; also great as an AP or mesh node. |
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| AC + AP system | Cabled ceiling or wall APs with seamless roaming: the best Wi-Fi for houses, villas and offices. |
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| Mesh Wi-Fi | Wireless links between units: whole-home coverage when running cables is not possible. |
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| Managed switch | Carries separate networks (VLANs) across the building and powers APs and cameras (PoE). |
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Choosing an x86 router PC
| E4 · J4125 | Entry level: up to 1 Gbps, basic VPN and ad blocking |
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| X4 Lite · N5105 | Classic all-rounder: 1 Gbps with WireGuard, VLANs and AdGuard Home |
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| X2 Mini · N150 | Compact two-port box for 1–2.5 Gbps lines and travel |
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| X4 · N100 | Best value: 2.5 Gbps with SQM, VPN and DNS filtering together |
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| X6 · N100 6-port | Dual WAN and a dedicated port per network without a switch |
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| X6 Pro · i3-N305 | 10G fibre, IDS/IPS, AC controller for larger Wi-Fi systems |
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| X6 Max · i5-1235U | Heaviest workloads: 10G with IDS, many VPN peers, Proxmox host |
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| R8 · 1U rack | Offices and server rooms: 8× 2.5G + 2× 10G in a rack chassis |
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Not sure?
- Order the Home and Villa Network Design service, or email us your floor plan and internet speed — we will recommend a setup.
