Router recommendation for newbie

nshibj@lemmy.world · 19 days

My setup is not perfect, and needs a bit of tinkering, but might adjust to what you want: Xiaomi Mi Box S TV with custom DNS blocking all tracking from Xiaomi and Google.

For apps I mostly use F-Droid via the client Flicky, but I also have a throwaway account on the Play Store for some case where I need an app from it.

I have an older Mi Box model, I’m not sure if it’s still possible to change the DNS in newer models, but since you are looking for second hand, this should suit you.

Years ago I found instructions on Reddit on how to change the DNS in the Mi Box, and switched to NextDNS, where you can activate several blocklists to block tracking and ads, and it has specific lists for Xiaomi and Google. If you are interested I can look for the instructions and share them with you. The only thing needed to do this is a remote ABD shell app on your phone, I used the one recommended in the instructions I found, from the Play Store (this one), but there might be alternatives in F-Droid.

nshibj@lemmy.world · 2 months

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 https://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.