Your ISP hands you a box that does everything. Modem. Router. WiFi. Surveillance.
Get your own router.
https://untraceabledigitaldissident.com/why-you-want-your-own-router/
Discussion
I bought an all in one modem/routers and only use that as a modem and use a second router system behind that…
I used to run a ddwrt box between those but it broke down finally lol…
It’s to bad these not really a open source modem option
And change your dns resolver pronto!
Full agree 🦾
If not possible, place a dedicated firewall (OpenWrt or OPNsense) between your network and the ISP router.
I tried both OPNsense and OpenWrt.
The most cost-effective and simplest option for my use case turned out to be a Banana Pi One running OpenWrt — roughly USD 80.
It does exactly what it needs to do:
act as a clear, predictable control point between the internet and my network.
addons:
- dns over tls (f.e. Unbound) / dns over https (simpler with dns mask forwarder, quad9)
- wlan timer
client side:
- https only
- vpn on device needed
My internet cable is connected to the router and I have really good internet because I have fiber optic internet
I use the spy box the ISP give me, but behind it I'm running a raspberry pi4 8gb running openwrt. Then, I create vlans to separate house, business and iot devices.
Love this. What if you have all rooms Ethernet wired. You thing just have a router behind the ISP box, feeding room APs? No central wireless. Or is that too much noise?
Wire is always better. WiFi is just convenience
Just got my open wrt one WiFi up and running and slowly transitioning all ISP connections. Thanks!
How does ZeroSentinel Nano resolver work with nextdns, or does it work against each other and have to pick one?
TL:DR Nano on home network. NextDNS on mobile.
Got it. Was thinking of the network wide VPN for nextdns. Makes sense and more selective/ granular. Thanks!
This will be one of my side projects in 2026.
This … opensource firewall power 😉
- Banana Pi OpenWrt One (with wlan)
- NitroWall V1210 with opnsense (no wlan)
but you need a separate modem.
Man, probably the only words I know from the article are Modem and Wifi. Of course I don't really know what exactly they are either hahahaha I am just a fucking artist seeking freedom... I would rather not learn what everything is but I HAVE TO at least reach a level of understanding, and that is why I love Nostr, we are an army of savages here!
Thanks for the article, I will save it and do my best!
Good feedback. I honestly thought I was keeping it basic. Maybe I should do a beginner orientation series. Luckily it’s not about tech, it’s about control
Actually the second read was much easier to digest, it makes perfect sense even for me but of course I wrote down all my unknown words and I will do some research, keep it up!
For now it seems like only number 1. You Don’t Own the Internet You Use is clickable to open an article, the rest are not, didn't read the no1 yet but 100% I will, again, awesome job man I have no words for people like you! I will slowly try to digest the whole website. Your time is greatly appreciated!!
Happy 2026 😄
lol I am still writing them. I just added number 2. This is the intro series I am adding based on your feedback.
I’m tinkering around with a Banana Pi OpenWrt One 😅