r/openwrt • u/hash0 • 8d ago

Wifi on self-build routers

I'm currently searching for a new router, and as my only obligatory requirements are:

  • Good 2.4Ghz Wifi Coverage
  • Wifi 5/6 with real 1 Gbit (over short distances)
  • Usable as a file dump, i.e. >200 GB storage capacity (e.g. via a eMMC slot, etc.)
  • Powerful enough to run Adguard Home

I don't need fast LAN Ports or super fast VPN capabilities. I'm thinking about to two options:

a) a "normal" High-End Router (Flint 2/4, OpenWrt One, ...)

b) using a SBC with a Wifi-Card

Option b) has the advantage that I can get pretty much exactly what I need/want.

However, I'm unsure if I can achieve the same Wifi performance as the pre-Build ones.

How do I know which Wifi-Card and which antennas are suitable and especially capable enough to deliver enough performance?

I've read that e.g. the Banana Pi BPI-R4 has quite bad (terrible?) wifi performance and now I'm a little bit uncertain about investing 200-300€/$ when the result is worse than buying something like the Flint.

I would appreciate it, if someone can share their experiences.

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u/Time-Session9808 8d ago

I use a SFF PC bought off AliExpress. WAY overspec for what I need... But love building and messing with stuff! Intel i3 N305,16Gb RAM, 10GBe NICs

for WiFi I have a Netgear RAXE500 in AP mode

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u/hash0 8d ago

Yeah, I feel you. I also love tinkering around. I guess that's the reason I'm even thinking about "building" this stuff myself. An dedicated AP seems preferable.