Hi guys as title suggests I have a pi 4b 4gb and basically I want to connect it to my isp provided router (wired connection via a lan cable) and run an openvpn config on it and then connect it to an access point that i already have (this one is wired too via a usb to RJ45 adapter and lan cable). I know that I need to flash openwrt image on an sdcard and install it on pi4 but I don't know how to configure openwrt after that and honestly the guides on the forums and internet are a little confusing (I'm not that tech savy) also I read that not all usb to RJ45 adapters work with openwrt on pi4 but I don't know which one to buy. can anyone show me a fool proof guide or tell me what I need to do?
What should I buy that supported by OpenWRT?
I think most consumer routers let you flash firmware. I believe certain Asus ones do, but obviously just validate that before buying it. OpenWRT has a list of supported devices you can check.
I just figured that if you're doing network stuff then you'd likely want to use something other than the ISP router as those track your activity more (this is a privacy community after all) and lock many features you may need.
I checked OpenWRT table of hardware and there were some Asus and Mikrotik models that are available where I live but I don't know which one to buy that sufficient hardware for running ovpn clients
Mikrotik wont need openwrt unless you are dead set on having an open source OS on your device.
Mikrotik supports all sorts of VPN connections, both client, server, and site to site. You could even get creative and have it for certain services or IP addresses.
If you get one of the more modern devices it will support a pretty chunky VPN as well, mine can get over 600mbps without much hassle.
Thanks. I know routerOS is pretty capable but I'm also aware it's not noob friendly at all that's why I want to flash OpenWRT on it. I'm not sure which one to buy, I found RB750GRE hex model for a good price and it's supported by OpenWrt too but I'm not sure it can handle openvpn or not
They should all be able to run a VPN, its just the speed you'll get through it that will vary. That particular model is pretty old now I would not get that unless your budget is limited. The refreshed version of that is the E50UG, which is a lot more powerful, but its still a budget device. I have no idea when openwrt will be coming for the refreshed hex, but it should not be that long as other arm devices from mikrotik are supported.
It requires a bit of work to setup routeros but the guides for the common tasks are easy enough to follow. Its only if you want to do something outside of the guides or miss a step that it becomes a PITA if you aren't familiar with networking.
Does it need to be openwrt? What about tomato or asus-merlin? I think any of those should work, no?
What are these and how does it change anything?
They're other popular router firmwares. What do you mean how does that change anything? I'm suggesting them because they may have a wider list of compatible models.
OK I'll look into them thanks