I recently had ATT Fiber installed. They said I must use their provided BGW320 Router, but I can switch it to just act as a Modem and run my own router.
Here's what I would like to do.
1) ATT BGW
- Acting as modem
2) ____ Router:
-- Eth01
192.168.1.1 - This block routed direct to the internet for my work PC (windows). This is to isolate it from the rest of my home network.
-- Eth02
192.168.2.1 - Mix of half a dozen Linux & Windows boxes routing all external traffic through a VPN Service (like nord or the like) setup on the Router
WiFi#1 WIFI LAN running the same IP Block as Eth02 for mobile devices (Cell/tablets) so these computers can access local file server & Network printer.
192.168.3.1 - WiFi#2 Guest Wifi network for visiting friends. This too isolated from my home network.
The sales guy at Microcenter said any of these 3 would work great with #1 being the preferred and #3 the least.
$99.99
https://www.microcenter.com/product/483710/asus-rt-ac86u-dual-band-ac2900-wireless-router
$99.99
https://www.microcenter.com/product/634964/asus-ax1800-dual-band-wifi-6-(80211ax)-router
$49.99
https://www.microcenter.com/product/636016/asus-rt-ac67p-ac1900-wifi-router-dual-band-wireless-internet-router
I was a little confused by this as #2 has the quad core so I would have assumed it to be the more powerful router.
I'm a fan of ASUS mobo's so that's why I was primarily looking at asus routers but if there are better options I'm happy to look at those instead.
May want to compare them for features with TP-Link Archer models, as they show up on a lot of "best budget wifi router" lists.
May want to compare them for features with TP-Link Archer models
So, any router can do the items I asked about?
Most good ones, yes. You'll want to do feature comparisons, but most will have capacity for multiple VLANs once you hit a particular price point and above.
If you like asus, I recommend RT-AX56U or similar
1. fast and responsive gui and SSH access
2. easy to use
3. decent amount of features (usb storage and others)
4. default runs asus openWRT
5. there's an easy to use aftermarket firmware that provides more features called "asus merlin" which is still openWRT
6. wifi is really good and stable
7. not BIG or ugly to have in the home
Cons:
1. a bit expensive