Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Mikrotik. Or EdgeRouter Lite or X. $100, Debian-based, they even sell it with an SFP port. You can install FreeBSD if you like that better.


> Mikrotik.

Mikrotiks are an amazing value! Usually they are way over spec'ed for their intended purpose as well, which means you're getting even more bang for your buck.

They have models for home users, businesses, all the way up to ISP "carrier grade" equipment.

They used to be difficult to configure (you needed to know quite a bit about networking and how Mikrotik's do things, since they originally targeted only WISP and more traditional ISP customers), but that's changed significantly in the past few years. They have 1-click setup wizards now, so even people with no networking experience can get up and running quickly, just like your run-of-the-mill Netgear router.

Also, you can run RouterOS (the OS on Mikrotiks/Routerboards) on x86 hardware, so you can build your own router if you have the need.


+1

WebFig, GUI WinBox, and SSH/Telnet feature parity and a config I can export and read as text, fully featured boxes with gigabit for ~$50 USD, need I go on?




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: