So, as part of my home network expansion, I need to upgrade my router to a Gigabit Ethernet capable model. Also, I’m libre software compatible wireless access points. For my purposes, they need to be libre, and part of that is so that I can centrally manage then.
So, first of all, my first acquaintance, the Think Penguin mini Wi-Fi router. This is definitely a fun toy to play with, but it may not fit the bill for some of the other users who don’t care so much learning about, tinkering with, and generally playing with technology.
20190621/https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/free-software-wireless-n-mini-vpn-router-tpe-r1100
So, if we must compromise between libre software friendliness and raw performance features, where will we go next? Looks like a Linksys WRT3200ACM router may be a good compromise pick. To be honest, this is a bit bittersweet, as I know, ultimately, my pick will likely only last 5 years before it becomes obsolete and reverts back to the status of a tech geek’s toy. By all means, don’t try to future-proof your network equipment unless you are really sure that (1) the new standards and features in your router are compatible with existig equipment and (2) you are pretty sure that standard will become the way of the future, such as was the case for Gigabit Ethernet.
20190621/DuckDuckGo gigabit router
20190621/https://heavy.com/tech/2018/03/top-10-best-gigabit-routers-of-2018/
OpenWRT is okay, but I would much rather prefer something that works with LibreCMC. So my picks? Linksys WRT AC3200, supporting MU-MIMO again tops the list… with a few caveats. ZyXEL Armor Z2 AC2600 also supports MU-MIMO, but is only supported by LEDE. Linksys WRT AC1200 does not support MU-MIMO, so I would not pick it unless it is set up to be used by only a single person. But, if that is the case, surely you would want to pick a router without protruding antennas, as you will not need that much gain.
By the way, this is a pretty well-written article. Unfortunately, we must undoubtedly agree that there is quite a far and wide gap between the small minority of geeks and the unlimited ranks of consumers.
20190621/DuckDuckGo gigabit router librecmc
20190621/https://hobgear.com/best-openwrt-lede-routers/
Well, with all those previous mentions, they may still not necessarily work with LibreCMC. So, we keep searching. Vikings, ah yes, they are always a good brand. So the NETGEAR WNDR3800 appears to be a good pick if you want support by LibreCMC. Vikings sells a rebranded version. The price is right… but this is, of course, a relatively old model of wireless router. In the meantime, some of the expectations as to how the average non-technical computer users uses their computers have changed in that time.
20190621/https://store.vikings.net/wndrrouter