RISC-V Router
Start9 introduces a RISC-V-based router aiming for maximum open-source transparency and user-friendly self-hosting, but the Hacker News community immediately flags concerns about its price, limited 1Gbps networking specs for a 2026 release, and whether a custom OpenWrt fork is sustainable. Despite the ambition, the discussion highlights skepticism regarding its
The Lowdown
Start9 is launching a new RISC-V Router, positioned as the most open router on the market, designed to make advanced networking and network security accessible for home-based self-hosting. Slated to ship no later than September 2026, the project is currently seeking pre-orders and donations to fund its development. The company highlights its commitment to open source principles but faces scrutiny from the HN community regarding its price and capabilities. Key aspects of the RISC-V Router include: * Maximal Openness: It leverages a RISC-V processor, boasts a fully open-source boot stack (OpenSBI, U-Boot), an open-source Linux kernel, and promises published board schematics. * User-Friendly Design: Despite advanced functionalities, it aims for accessibility, featuring a modern GUI and sane defaults for plug-and-play use. * StartOS Integration: Seamless linking with StartOS servers for automated port forwarding. * Hardware Specifications: Powered by a SpacemiT K1 8-core RISC-V chip, 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, 16GB eMMC storage, and standard 1 Gb WAN/LAN Ethernet, plus Wi-Fi 6. * Software Stack: Runs StartWRT, a custom fork of OpenWrt, which reimagines the router experience. * Open vs. Closed: While much is open, the WiFi radio firmware and two early boot binaries remain closed, a common industry challenge. * Advanced Features: Includes customizable Security Profiles per device, Identity PSK for multiple WiFi networks with different access rules, and robust Inbound/Outbound VPN management, including VPN chaining. Other features like WiFi blackout schedules and one-click dynamic DNS are also available. The router aims to provide a secure and flexible networking solution for self-hosters, emphasizing control and privacy. The non-refundable nature of pre-orders and donations underlines the project's early-stage, crowdfunding-dependent status.
The Gossip
Pricing & Port Problematic
Many commenters expressed sticker shock at the $250,000 fundraising goal and questioned the $300 unit price, especially given the hardware specifications. The most significant point of contention was the inclusion of only single 1 Gigabit WAN and LAN ports, with many arguing this is outdated for a router expected to ship in 2026, particularly for 'home-based self-hosting' which often demands multi-gigabit speeds or SFP+ ports. Some compared it to the BananaPi boards which offer similar CPUs for significantly less.
Openness & Ownership Odyssey
The claim of being the 'most open router on the market' was met with skepticism. While the RISC-V architecture and boot stack are open, critics pointed out that the WiFi firmware and some early boot binaries are closed, a common industry issue. Comparisons were drawn to other 'open' routers like Turris Omnia NG, which not only provides schematics but also Gerbers for hardware design. The discussion also delved into the nature of RISC-V itself, clarifying that the instruction set's openness doesn't guarantee an open chip design or SoC implementation, and noting that even a Chinese-made chip could have its own 'backdoors,' shifting the geopolitical debate.
Software Forking Fracas
The decision to fork OpenWrt into 'StartWRT' was a major point of discussion. Commenters expressed concern about the sustainability of a custom fork from a small startup, citing numerous past crowdfunding failures with similar approaches. They argued that contributing upstream to OpenWrt would be more beneficial for users and the ecosystem. However, proponents highlighted the need for a more user-friendly GUI, arguing that OpenWrt's default LuCI interface is too technical for many, and that a fork is necessary for a purpose-built, simplified user experience, akin to what GL.iNet offers.
Performance & Port Poignancy
A core debate centered on the performance of the chosen RISC-V CPU (SpacemiT K1) in handling 1 Gigabit throughput, especially with advanced features like VPN chaining and packet inspection enabled. Some doubted its ability to saturate 1Gbps, while others argued that modern CPUs, even 'wimpy' ones, are sufficient for standard packet processing unless software is poorly optimized. The limited physical ports also raised concerns for self-hosters who often use VLANs and require multiple LAN connections, though the UI does support VLANs, potentially requiring managed switches.