Edge Router #
Purpose #
The edge router provides upstream connectivity between the site and the external network (ISP, travel router, or host network).
Edge routers are external to the site — they provide connectivity but are not managed by Deevnet automation. Configuration is manual or vendor-managed. The site assumes each edge router provides DHCP on its LAN interface (for bootstrap node or core router upstream connectivity).
graph LR
A[Edge Router
unmanaged] <--> B[Core Router
managed] <--> C[Site Hosts]
Hardware Platforms #
Site: dvntm (mobile)
The GL-AXT1800 Slate AX is a portable Wi-Fi 6 travel router used as the edge router for the mobile site. It provides upstream connectivity when traveling — connecting to hotel Wi-Fi, tethered phones, or any available network.
Hardware #
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | GL-iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) |
| CPU | IPQ6000 1.2GHz quad-core |
| Memory | 512MB DDR3L |
| Storage | 128MB NAND Flash |
| Ethernet | 3x Gigabit (1 WAN, 2 LAN) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) dual-band, 1800Mbps |
| USB | USB 3.0 |
| Power | USB-C, <8.75W max |
| Dimensions | 125 x 82 x 36mm |
| Weight | 245g |
Selection Rationale #
- Portability: Compact form factor with retractable antennas fits in a laptop bag
- Flexible upstream: Can connect via Ethernet, Wi-Fi repeater, or USB tethering
- OpenWrt-based: Runs standard OpenWrt with full package ecosystem
- VPN capable: WireGuard and OpenVPN at near-gigabit speeds
- Power efficient: Runs from USB-C power bank if needed
Operating System #
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| OS | OpenWrt |
| Version | 23.05-SNAPSHOT |
| Base | GL-iNet firmware (OpenWrt fork) |
Roles #
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| WAN connectivity | Connects to upstream network (hotel, tether, etc.) |
| NAT | Masquerades substrate traffic |
| DHCP | Provides IP to core router WAN interface |
| Wi-Fi repeater | Extends upstream Wi-Fi to wired connection |
Site: dvnt (home) — Primary connection
The BGW320 is AT&T’s fiber gateway combining an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) and router in one unit. It provides the primary internet connection for the home site.
Hardware #
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | AT&T BGW320-505 |
| Type | XGS-PON Broadband Gateway with integrated ONT |
| Ethernet | 1x 5Gbps + 3x Gigabit |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), AX3600 class |
| Phone | Analog phone port (VoIP) |
| USB | USB 2.0 |
Selection Rationale #
- ISP-provided: Required for AT&T Fiber service
- Integrated ONT: Fiber terminates directly in the gateway
- 5Gbps port: Supports multi-gig speeds for future upgrades
- IP Passthrough: Can pass public IP to core router
Operating System #
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| OS | AT&T firmware (proprietary) |
| Version | Vendor-managed |
| Base | Proprietary |
Configuration #
The BGW320 is configured for IP Passthrough mode:
- Public IP is passed through to the core router
- BGW320 handles fiber termination only
- Core router manages all routing, firewall, and NAT
Roles #
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Fiber termination | ONT converts fiber to Ethernet |
| IP Passthrough | Passes public IP to core router |
| DHCP | Provides IP to core router WAN interface |
Site: dvnt (home) — Secondary connection (failover)
Spectrum provides the secondary internet connection for WAN failover. This connection is not yet implemented but planned for redundancy.
Hardware #
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | TBD (Spectrum-provided or DOCSIS 3.1 modem) |
| Type | Cable modem (DOCSIS) |
| Ethernet | Gigabit |
Selection Rationale #
- Redundancy: Different last-mile technology (cable vs fiber) for true failover
- Different provider: Avoids single-provider outage scenarios
- Cost-effective: Basic tier sufficient for failover purposes
Operating System #
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| OS | Spectrum firmware or DOCSIS modem firmware |
| Version | Vendor-managed |
Implementation Status #
| Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Physical connection | TBD |
| Modem provisioning | TBD |
| Core router dual-WAN | TBD |
| Failover automation | TBD |
Planned Roles #
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| WAN connectivity | Secondary internet path |
| DHCP | Provides IP to core router secondary WAN |
| Failover | Automatic switchover when primary fails |