Purchased Orbi to replace Linksys AC1900 and satellite, mostly for speed and reliable coverage reasons. Ran OpenWRT on the AC so tons of flexibility.
The Orbi was easy to setup and absolutely resolved both the speed and coverage issues. Missing some key features that I would like to further secure my net though.
1. I want to be able to have multiple SSIDs. I suppose technically I could do that by splitting the internal and external SSIDs into their 2.4 and 5GHz components but that is cheating 🙂 Let me create my own SSIDs that encompass one or both bands as I choose.
2. I want to be able to VLAN things a bit to improve security and be able to have both wired ports and wireless SSIDs use the same Vlan. I would split the network as follows:
--Vlan 10 - Home computers/printers, NAS, etc.- 5GHz WiFi plus wired
--Vlan 30 - IoT (WiFi switches, plugs, sprinkler system, other automation, etc.) - 2.4GHz WiFi only
--Vlan 40 - Guest net - 2.4GHz plus 5GHz, WiFi only
Yes, these are enterprise-like features but with the huge increase in work-from-home, these kinds of setups could be very popular. Most of my staff works from home and I know I would feel better if I could help them secure their home net like this.
Would love to know if features like this are on the roadmap and, if so, are they close or very far in the future?
Not inclined to spend that kind of money for a home solution. I also haven't read good things about the AX devices. That in itself wouldn't prevent me from trying it (everyone's mileage varies) but the price is off-putting.
I thought I read that Orbi is OpenWRT-based, is that correct? Perhaps giving some access to the underlying OpenWRT features (via the Telnet interface maybe)? I'd be willing to experiment with that and see if I could get closer to my goal (IT is what I do and I do love to tinker) even if not explicitly supported. Can always factory reset and start over, right?
Or, give me the ability to drop the public OpenWRT distro on the device ? Old router with OpenWRT was super flexible but the coverage sucked. Love the Orbi for that reason (and having one SSID everywhere).
