I’m looking for recommendations for a managed network switch that either comes with open source firmware or can have open source firmware flashed onto it.

I read that some old TP-Links let you do this but the modern ones don’t. I also read some ZyXELs allow it, and I’m looking at the GS1900-8, but it doesn’t say anywhere in the description about the firmware.

Does anyone have any ideas or knowledge to share? Do I need to buy an old one second-hand?

I’d prefer something with 8 ports, but 4 or 5 is probably enough, honestly. 8 would just be more future-proof if I decide to expand my setup.

PoE isn’t a dealbreaker for me but I consider it a nice-to-have. And I don’t need SFP (unless someone can explain why I might?). I do want something managed though, for setting up VLANs, QOS prioritization, NGFW, etc.

Thanks in advance!

  • wonderingwanderer@sopuli.xyzOPEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    I don’t think I need that, but it sounds interesting and I’ll keep that in mind if I run into any problems that it might fix.

    My main intent is just to run a router to the switch, and then connect a few different devices, like a raspberry pi and a couple old laptops, set up VLANs, and basically just use it to learn computer networking. I don’t have much use for a homelab at this time, but it sounds cool and I want to learn how to do it