My DIY router has been my DNS, VPN, and ad-blocker for a year, and I'd never use an ISP router again
The author replaced their ISP-provided router with a DIY router running OPNsense, a free open-source firewall and routing platform, and has used it for a year as a DNS server, VPN gateway, and ad-blocker. They cite improved security, advanced features, and greater control over their network as key benefits. The setup requires some technical know-how but offers significant advantages over stock routers. As a result, the author says they would never go back to using an ISP router.
- ▪The DIY router runs OPNsense, an open-source firewall and network management platform.
- ▪It functions as a recursive DNS server, mesh VPN hub, and ad-blocker.
- ▪ISP routers are criticized for outdated firmware, lack of features, and potential security backdoors.
- ▪OPNsense allows for VLAN configuration, custom firewall rules, and detailed logging.
- ▪The author has experienced no issues over a year of use and considers the switch highly worthwhile.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at XDA.
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