this post was submitted on 24 Mar 2026
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Does anyone have any suggestions on a router I should buy before this comes into effect? Would prefer one that is open source or can run an open OS.
Can a raspberry pi be used to make a router?
this isn't for everyone. if you don't know what a subnet or gateway are then this isn't for you.
get yourself a micro firewall appliance. something with an N100 Intel. should have around 5 network ports, you'll only really need 2 if you're just hooking up internet.
you'll also want to get an unmanaged network switch. this will take your one port on your router and split it into 8,12,24,48, etc.
you'll also want to install opnsense or pfsense on your router, configure it correctly, and maintain updates going forward.
Why do I need the network switch?
think of the network switch like a coax splitter on a TV antenna. it takes one port and allows many devices to connect.
in opnsense each port on the router can be setup as a completely different network subnet. this is actually the default and the easiest to configure.
for me personally, I have one port for regular network access. one for secure no internet access (things like cameras, IOT, smart devices). and one for a work network so all my work devices connect directly to the internet and bypass all my other infrastructure.
this gives me flexibility for all the devices on my network, but for most people is overkill.
you can set opnsense up to use all ports under one network, but it's kind of a PITA from my experience.
A pi can definitely be used, but you may get much better performance for a similar price getting a refurbished pc, adding a second nic, and installing something like opnsense.
Look into banana pi r3 or r4. Both should be on openwrt stable now.