I’ve just had a lot of unexpected expenses lately, so looking to spend like $50 or less.

We have

  • 200 mbps fiber internet (so it’s just straight ethernet feeding into the router)
  • 2000 sq ft home with same size basement, (just wood in between, no concrete)
  • very few wireless devices (like 2-3 most of the time)
  • NOBODY GAMING ON WIFI, this is just for my dad to watch videos online with a laptop
  • need to be able to limit bandwidth by device
  • prefer to be able to flash custom firmware (ddwrt or openwrt or whatever) to make an older router more secure
  • would like to block ads on router level (DNS blacklists and IP blacklists)
  • need it to be stable and not frustrating and constantly dropping signal or something

Thank you!

  • DeadlyVapour@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I would recommend either a Ubnt ERX or a Mikrotik HeX.

    These are both SOHO routers without WiFi for 60USD.

    They are supremely stable, lightning fast and have great support. Both can be flashed with OpenWrt (but they’ve been supported for like ever, so no point).

    Pair either of them with an old WiFi router to act as the AP, and you’ll be golden.

  • LitCast@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    i use a belkin rt3200 (42$ at walmart) with openwrt + adguard home, cool thing about this router is if the signal doesn’t reach you can setup another one and use it as a mesh (even on the stock fw)

    • Bern_Down_the_DNC@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      Thanks for the help. That’s a good suggestion.This is definitely on the right track, but all my other electronics are black and I need the router to match. (I found an identical linksys model in black, but it’s like 4 times the price for no reason lol.)