Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Interesting project.

For simpler use you can get an OpenWRT capable router which in most cases uses a managed switch chip. OpenWRT provides a nice interface to configure VLANs and other options.



OpenWRT these days can also be installed on some switches eg the Zyxel GS1900 series (though support for things like PoE and 10Gb/SFP+ ports might be limited, I’m not sure where things stand there).


Looking at the OpenWrt forum, work is coming along nicely w.r.t supporting FasterThan1G on RTL9X. Many/Most configurations seem to be working.

RTL8X is AFAIC done, feature-complete. https://svanheule.net/switches/

POE on those devices is mostly two types: Broadcom (well supported), and Realteks inhouse solution, which uses a 'dialect' of the Broadcom protocol. There is a git branch/PR, where the 'dialect' differences have been moved to individual modules. But it's not released yet. https://github.com/Hurricos/realtek-poe/pull/35

Unfortunately, there seem to be hard problems migrating up from Linux 5.15 to 6.1 or 6.6.


WTF, i had no idea that was possible. I have that exact switch (GS1900-24E)... I need to look into that


Install mosquitto afterwards, add a small script, and the ports all show up in HomeAssistant as power-monitoring ON/OFF switches. :)


Jesus christ that’s awesome!


I just bought one of the zyxel 24-port poe switches for use with openwrt.

I've been using openwrt on mikrotik switches, but max was 10-ports. the extra ports and poe will be nice.

I think the zyxel gs1900 48-port switches are also supported.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: