OpenWrt is a free and open-source Linux operating system for supported routers and embedded devices.
Unlike stock firmware, it provides a fully writable system with package management, letting you install features like WireGuard, AdGuard Home, VPNs, mesh networking, custom firewalls, and more.
It’s a privacy-friendly alternative to manufacturer firmware, giving you full control over your router without vendor lock-in.
GitHub: https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt
More details: https://digitalescapetools.com/tools/tool.html?id=openwrt
More privacy-friendly tools: https://digitalescapetools.com/
You can get supported routers with decent oomph for testing, or deployment, for like $15 shipped on eBay 🤷♂️
My favorite is the Google ac1304, it’s wifi 5, 4gb rom, 512mb ram, USB c powered. Perfect to play with. I have 3 in service, running my whole house. 2 waiting in the wings. Are they dated? Sure. But wifi 7 isn’t ready for prime time yet, and wifi 6 is only marginally better than 5. My important stuff is hardwired, I don’t notice an issue 🤷♂️
Plus I only spent like $40 setting up the whole house, instead of several hundred 🤷♂️