I’m looking for recommendations for a managed network switch that either comes with open source firmware or can have open source firmware flashed onto it.
I read that some old TP-Links let you do this but the modern ones don’t. I also read some ZyXELs allow it, and I’m looking at the GS1900-8, but it doesn’t say anywhere in the description about the firmware.
Does anyone have any ideas or knowledge to share? Do I need to buy an old one second-hand?
I’d prefer something with 8 ports, but 4 or 5 is probably enough, honestly. 8 would just be more future-proof if I decide to expand my setup.
PoE isn’t a dealbreaker for me but I consider it a nice-to-have. And I don’t need SFP (unless someone can explain why I might?). I do want something managed though, for setting up VLANs, QOS prioritization, NGFW, etc.
Thanks in advance!
Check out some of the options at Protectli. They provide some great hardware, but it comes at a bit of a premium.
You could also check out OpenWRT’s Table of Hardware. Browse around all the supported models and verify that the latest version can be flashed to it, and verify all features are functional (e.g. if a router ships with Broadcom wifi chipsets, they don’t tend to work in OpenWRT due to the proprietary binaries required). This requires a bit more homework, but if you find a somewhat newly released hardware model that checks all your boxes, it should be supported for years to come.
Thirdly, Ive heard great things about the options over at GL-iNet, but I haven’t had an opportunity to vouch for it myself. Figured I would share it though since I know some people swear by them.
The Table of Hardware reveals that the GS1900 does work with OpenWRT, so that answers my question perfectly! Thanks!
I’m pretty sure I’ll get a router from GL-iNet, but I haven’t seen them offer any network switches.
And I was thinking about getting a Protectli Vault just to put Sentry Firewall on it between the router and the switch, but that seems like way overkill, and for the price it just doesn’t seem worth it. I’ll just put a NGFW on the switch or the router.