Choose your own path: build your own router at home or invest in a high-end model.
Choose your own path: build your own router at home or invest in a high-end model.
What connection speeds are available from the ISP? If installing cable is challenging, I’ll try power line and mesh options first if they suit the home setup. If those don’t work, I’ll move to a mesh system. A DIY router becomes more practical when you prioritize wired features such as multiple subnets, content filtering, caching, and avoid Wi-Fi since most DIY routers are purely wired and require your own access points.
This approach offers a solid way to dive into DNS and content filtering setup. You can try using the TP-Link in AP mode, though it's important to verify compatibility. Building your own solution might require more components than necessary. For my setup, I handle four PFSense installations for a medium-sized company with multiple satellite locations. Each uses virtualized hardware with just two CPU cores and two GB of RAM. They comfortably manage 1Gb wan connections and about 700Mb/s IPSec traffic.
It isn't always quicker or superior to make it yourself. The choice hinges on your intended use and available resources. For most users, purchasing a complete router offers the best balance—simpler operation, adequate performance for key tasks, lower cost, compact size, reduced power consumption, and straightforward setup.