I am currently in the market for some wireless access points and thought I'd get some suggestions here first. I am currently using some old eero pro's as access points with a firewalla router. The firewalla isn't old and I am happy with it so I am not looking to replace it with something at this time.
Are there suggestions for more privacy focused networking equipment? Or is that just a dumb question to ask?
APs don't run openwrt though. Openwrt is for a home router/firewall and AP combo. AP is just the wifi part and plugs into a router
There are a lot of APs that can be reflashed to run OpenWRT in AP mode.
Sorry for asking, but what even is the use of having a Wireless Access Point? If you have a router then you should be all set, no?
I think the Firewalla may be able to broadcast WiFi (I’m not sure) but it doesn’t matter much to me because it’s tucked away in my utility room. I need a couple AP’s for my upstairs for all my wireless devices.
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More control. I can make a homemade PFSense router that gives me enterprise grade features like VLANS, VPN options and advanced firewall rules.
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Performance. A dedicated AP from Unifi or Armada is more powerful and stable than most consumer wireless routers.
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Price. Building a decent setup yourself actually pretty cost effective compared to high-end consumer routers.
It's DEFINITELY NOT for everyone, but if you're a nerd with some networking skills and time to spare you can make a baller enterprise-grade home network for under $300. My budget setup made from used components blows any $500 "premium" router away.
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Apparently you can flash OpenWRT on some Unifi APs, though I've never tried it personally. I have a Unifi AP (with stock firmware) connected to my DIY PFSense box and it's working great.
Openwrt isn't privacy focused but it does give you a lot of flexibility
