A complete introduction to NAS running Docker: from hardware selection to full deployment of Jellyfin, HomeAssistant, and AdGuard

2026, NAS was no longer just for file storage; Docker turned it into a home data center. This hub article links hardware selection, system comparison, must-install service recommendations, image source optimization, and backup strategies—just read through them in order and you'll get started. One article a year is enough for such a long article, because the foundation is stable. I've packed together the latest hardware, firmware, and pitfalls for 2026, arranged in chronological order. After reading through them, you'll have a clear idea.

why did I write this hub

before, I had scattered about the pitfalls related to getting started with OpenWrt in various articles. Whenever readers in the comments or groups asked, "Where should I start?" I would always flip through several articles to piece. So I decided to write a summary of hub resources, linking scattered content along learning paths. This hub is the 'entry point,' not the 'final part.' I've linked the specific details to my previous practical articles.

The design idea for

hub pages is to allow other bloggers to directly cite related topics as reference resources. For example, someone writes the "2026 Beginner's OpenWrt Recommended Checklist," which might link to this hub—this serves as a citation bait. Structurally, I try to be self-contained so that you can understand it without opening internal links.

Resource Classification List

the following list is divided into two parts: on-site practical articles (which I personally tested and wrote, with high credibility) and external authoritative references (official documents and community forums as supplements). The articles on the site are arranged in the order of recommended learning, covering everything from hardware selection to daily maintenance.

articles on the site (in order of study)

The above 4-5 articles are core readings. It is recommended to read them in order, and when you encounter specific actions, return to the corresponding articles to dig deeper into the details. If you only read two articles, I recommend first reading "OpenWrt Flash Must-read" and "Phicomm K3 ImmortalWrt Flashing Six-Year Stability." The former focuses on methodology, while the latter covers long-term usage data.

External Authoritative Resources

external resources, the official firmware download page is a must; confirm the hardware version before downloading; Community forums are great places to search for answers when encountering specific device issues, but the quality of posts varies. When searching, adding keywords like "2025" or "2026" makes it easier to find timely answers.

Entry Path (step-by-step)

I divided the entire onboarding process into 7 stages, each taking about 1-3 days. Follow the steps in order, don't skip stages, or you'll have to redo the work.

Stage 1: Clarify the requirements. First, ask yourself: why flash OpenWrt? Do you want ad filtering, QoS speed limiting, or plugin extensions? If it's just internet access, there's no need to bother with it—the original system is sufficient. This step determines the direction of hardware selection later on.

Stage 2: Hardware selection . If budget is below 200, look for K3, N1, and Wankeyun—these are all trash. 500-1000 for friendly NanoPi and Galaxy Magic Box; 1000+ direct routing barebones (3865U, 4125, etc.). Memory should be at least 512MB, with 1GB+ recommended. 16MB flash storage is the bottom line; ideally, 32MB or 128MB+.

Stage 3: Firmware selection . Machines supported by the manufacturer come directly with the official OpenWrt firmware; Broadcom chips or domestically exclusive models equipped with ImmortalWrt redesign; For pure ARM boxes, look at Armbian. First, search for the model on the official website; only make a move if you can find it.

Stage 4: Flashing . If you can access the factory webpage backend, use factory firmware to upgrade; OpenWrt is already using sysupgrade; For Xiaomi models like the Chinese version, first use the base package for DD writing before upgrading. Before flashing, back up the original firmware and prepare tools for brick recovery.

Stage 5: Initial configuration. Change default password (mandatory), use WAN/LAN ports, set up WiFi, and install necessary plugins. For this step, it's recommended to put the router in the living room and connect it to the computer. Don't just plug it in the weak current box and mess around right away.

Stage 6: Routine maintenance . Firmware upgrades, plugin updates, backup configurations. I recommend manually backing up all files under /etc/config/ every 3 months; if something goes wrong, recovery is the fastest.

Phase 7: Expand gameplay . DDNS, intranet penetration, SQM speed limiting, PassWall, and other on-demand features. After each plugin, monitor its 24-hour stability, and only add the next one after confirming everything is fine. Don't open everything at once.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Q1: What should I do if my phone turns bricked after flashing?

A: First, check if it's a 'soft brick' (it can enter recovery mode but the system won't start). 90% of the soft bricks can be recovered via TTL serial port. "Hard brick" (completely unpowered) can only replace hardware. Prevention is more important than brick repair. Before flashing, always back up the original firmware and check the brick repair methods for your model.

Q2: The factory system is already sufficient, is it still necessary to flash OpenWrt?

A: Pure internet access really isn't necessary. But if you have more than 20 devices at home, want to fine-tune speed limiting, install ad filters, or run internal network services, the original system quickly becomes insufficient. Criteria: If your family complains about internet issues at least once a week, it's worth the trouble.

Q3: How to network with a soft router + factory router?

A: Two common patterns. First, the soft router serves as the main router (strong performance but high power consumption), while the original router acts as an AP and only transmits WiFi; Second, use a soft router as a bypass router (moderate performance, low power consumption), while the original router continues to serve as the main router for dialing. The second method recommended for beginners is stable and power-saving.

Q4: Which should you choose, ImmortalWrt or the original OpenWrt?

A: Hardware is a Broadcom chip or a domestically exclusive model, choose ImmortalWrt; If the hardware is MTK or Qualcomm, the original OpenWrt will do. Additionally, ImmortalWrt has more built-in features by default and is user-friendly for Chinese users, but the version number lags behind the official by a few months. It depends on whether you prioritize stability or new features.

Q5: Will upgrading firmware lose configuration?

A: Minor version upgrades (21.02.1 → 21.02.3) usually retain configuration; For major version upgrades (19.07 → 21.02), it is recommended to back up and refresh the product from scratch. My own habit is to reconfigure everything with every major upgrade, which is like giving the router a thorough cleaning.

Q6: Which plugins are must-have for beginners?

A: SQM QoS (Speed Limiting and Latency Protection), SmartDNS (DNS Acceleration + Anti-Pollution), AdGuardHome (ad filtering), and DDNS (Dynamic Domain Names) are the four basic packages. Other options as needed: remote access plus FRPC, game acceleration with PassWall/SSR4G, file sharing with Samba.

Q7: Will power consumption increase after flashing?

A: It depends on the hardware. Slag switching to soft routers generally ranges between 5-15W, while original routers typically range from 8-12W. The difference isn't big; the electricity bill increases by only twenty or thirty yuan per year. If switching from a dual-band router to multi-band + multiple plug-ins, power consumption may rise to 20W, so you need to pay attention to cooling.

Q8: How can I tell if my hardware can be flashed?

A: Go to the OpenWrt official website and search for the model in the Table of Hardware; if you find it, it supports it. If you can't find a domestic exclusive model, go to the Enshan forum and search for "model + ImmortalWrt" or "model + Padavan"—usually, there are solutions.

Q9: What do you need to do after the first startup after swiping?

A: Connect to the network cable to access 192.168.1.1 backend; Change the root password immediately; Set the WAN port internet access mode (PPPoE / DHCP / static); Set the WiFi name and password; Install luci-i18n-base-zh-cn Chinese package; Finally, install plugins. The order is reversed.

Q10: Will the router's lifespan be shortened by flashing?

A: No. OpenWrt systems have fewer disk writes than the original factory (longer NAND lifespan), so CPU usage is actually lower. What really affects lifespan are cooling and power supply; flashing itself doesn't matter. My 2018 K3 is still running steadily to this day.

Final Thoughts

this hub, I plan to maintain it every six months (flashing data, patching new pits, replacing outdated firmware), and update early if there are major changes. If you want to see other hubs in 2026 (NAS running Docker, WiFi channels, soft router selection), you can search "hub" on the site to find everything.

relaxed before starting the game, flashing the PC isn't that scary. The chance of bricking for the first time is actually much lower than expected. When I first used the Xiaomi Mini, I was extremely nervous, but now I can revisit three or four devices a day without hesitation. Backing up more and researching more, skipping steps—you can do it too.