## Building my own router

Damn it! I've got to read more before making decisions :) I already do that, but I need yet *MORE* reading.

So I bought a miniPC which I'm planning to turn into a router. I wanted to install AX200 (wifi6) card in it but it could only see the bluetooth part of it (using btusb kernel module).

What I did NOT know about wifi cards and mPCIe slots

M2 is only a form-factor. It defines what the connector looks like. Over that connector multiple different protocols could be used. m2 (NGFF) WIFI cards are usually using PCIe proto. And USB.
https://delock.com/infothek/M.2/...

My so-desired AX200 uses both PCIe and USB protocols: USB for BT and PCIe for the actual wifi.
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/.... The same spec applies to both: m2 and mPCIe card versions.

Now my mini PC has a mPCIe slot but the label on the board says "USB wifi". Which suggests that it only accepts the USB-related pins of mPCIe (as wiki says about mPCIe: "The host device supports both PCI Express and USB 2.0 connectivity, and each card may use either standard.").

So I guess that means I'm stuck with a useless mPCIe port :D shit..

Now my best bet is to wait for USB dongles supporting wifi6 and use usb AC adapters until then. Well... It's not an optimal outcome. But still IMO a better solution than an embedded router from the shelf!

(No, I'm not giving up and buying another used/new PC :) )

At last I can calm down and stop searching for magical pcie-to-usb adapters :) Phew... That's a relief!

And so again I'm here asking for your opinions.
My old router (linksys EA6400) had a meltdown yesterday and decided to lose wifi connectivity every 4-5 seconds for 4-5 seconds each time. So it was like 5 ICMP packets pass and then 5 fail, and this pattern held up through the whole day.

Did a hard reset hoping it will help. Little did I know.. Do you even imagine how fun it was setting it up with randomly not working wifi? :D And this router can only be set up over wifi. I had to count seconds in my head predicting when it will start losing packets. Because when it does - the setup fails :)

yayy!!

So I guess it's time to start looking for a new one. I barely use ethernet ports (one for RPi). But I do need a good wifi. AC is a must. AX is not since none of my devices support it. I'd also like it to have open-source firmware, maybe accessible via shell (100% dd-wrt/open-wrt compatible). A USB port would be a plus (for the RPi).

Do you have any suggestions worth looking at?
What do you think about WRT3200ACM MU-MIMO?

Also I came across something called MESH ROUTERS (wtf is that?). http://linuxgizmos.com/low-cost-802.... Is it worth looking at?

What would YOU suggest?