Standard consumer routers often suffer from limited RAM, slow CPUs, and abandoned security updates. Using Armbian changes the game:
ARM chips found in SBCs often outperform the MIPS processors in budget routers, easily handling gigabit traffic and heavy encryption. armbian router
In the world of home networking, the standard ISP-provided modem-router combo is often the weak link in the chain. It offers limited features, poor Wi-Fi range, and rarely receives firmware updates. On the other end of the spectrum, enterprise-grade networking gear is expensive and power-hungry. There is a middle ground, however, that offers the best of both worlds: building your own router using a Single Board Computer (SBC) running Armbian. Standard consumer routers often suffer from limited RAM,
If your switch supports VLANs, you can isolate smart home devices from your main PC. Edit /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml : It offers limited features, poor Wi-Fi range, and
Create /etc/dnsmasq.conf :
This approach involves configuring the base operating system directly. It is lightweight and offers the most control.