Hey OP, I’m just starting my self-hosting journey as well. I can program a little bit in Python and C++ but I haven’t needed any of that so far. As others have said, some familiarity with Linux would be very helpful. The things I’ve done so far:

• Wireguard VPN server on my router(no programming or linux commands, just some config of my router which I was able to do in the router’s GUI.
• Wireguard VPN client on some of my devices. My phone setup was easy, still working on setting that up on my Windows/Ubuntu laptop.
• Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi (WIP).

Eventually I plan to set up a NAS with Immich and some local IP cameras and Plex or something similar.

I voluntarily subject myself to his rants on youtube. That server is very close to what I’m looking for. Something that can do 10 gbps would be ideal. Just today I came across this. Seems pretty good but going to keep looking.

They seem nice but the ones that can do SFP+ start at around $600

I need a guide

Yes please

First, thanks everyone for all the info, glad I posted. It’s a lot to go through.

OpenWRT is the most frequently recommended thing here, and my router is not supported. I somewhat recently purchased my router (Asus AX6600) when I switched to fiber due to its high bandwidth and I’d prefer to not replace it. I’ll look around and see what options I have for putting a separate device upstream of my current hardware and if that doesn’t work out then maybe I’ll replace my current router.

I see that you can install openwrt on a switch. Would it make sense to put a switch with openwrt upstream of my current router/AP?

Edit: dang there’s only 1 switch supported by openwrt that has 10 gbps ports (ZyXEL XGS1250-12)

He explains things pretty well, I definitely want to understand what I’m doing. I just prefer to have the knowledge consolidated into a single guide instead of searching for all the different components and maybe some things don’t end up working as expected.

Trying to create a router yourself is complicated.

Presumably not when Louis walks you through every step of it. That’s a big part of my motivation for just going through his guide.

They’re definitely on my radar whenever I get around to setting up a NAS