Why do so many OpenWrt builds run on MediaTek chips?
MediaTek’s Filogic line (MT7981, MT7986) works upstream with Linux and OpenWrt, so you get open-source Wi-Fi drivers, hardware-accelerated routing and low power.
Don’t want to flash anything? GL.iNet’s Flint routers ship with OpenWrt-based firmware straight from the factory.
For VPNs, OpenVPN has been around since 2001. WireGuard is the modern one: fast, with state-of-the-art crypto, and built into the Linux kernel.
Which would you run, OpenVPN or WireGuard?
Sources: openwrt.org, wireguard.com, GL.iNet, ServeTheHome Flint 2 review.
From the comments: the follow-up guideOpenWrt with an Airtel, Jio, BSNL or ACT connection: what actually worksYou almost never flash the box your ISP gave you. You put your own OpenWrt router behind it. Here is how that works on each of the big Indian ISPs, and which routers to buy.