The Czech-based registry operator CZ. NIC has launched its new second-generation router, the Turris Omnia NG, which incorporates swappable Wi-Fi and cellular modules alongside a lifetime automatic update policy, signalling a push towards longer-term home network hardware.

At its core the Turris Omnia NG runs a quad-core ARMv8 64-bit processor clocked at 2.2 GHz and features a passively-cooled design to deliver silent operation under heavy load. The device supports Wi-Fi 7, with the 6 GHz band rated at up to 11,530 Mbps, the 5 GHz band at up to 8,647 Mbps and the 2.4 GHz band at up to 800 Mbps. What sets it apart is that the Wi-Fi module is not soldered but mounted as an M.2 card, allowing future upgrades when new Wi-Fi standards emerge. A dedicated M.2 slot also supports 4G/5G modem modules for cellular connectivity. The WAN port can handle 10 Gbps via SFP+ or 2.5 Gbps RJ-45, while the LAN side includes one 10 Gbps SFP+ plus four 2.5 Gbps RJ-45 ports.

On the software side the router runs Turris OS, and it is advertised with a lifetime firmware update promise: unlike many consumer routers which cease updates after a few years, the Omnia NG will continue to receive automatic system updates indefinitely, at least according to the manufacturer. In the product description the firm states that this ensures the home remains protected from emerging threats over the full lifespan of the device.

The introduction of swappable modules reflects a growing trend in hardware design geared towards sustainability and flexibility. By allowing the Wi-Fi board to be upgraded independently of the router chassis, the device aims to avoid obsolescence when new wireless standards are introduced. Similarly, the cellular expansion slot enables users to add backup internet connectivity or primary mobile broadband without requiring a separate router. Such modularity could be particularly appealing to tech-savvy users, small offices or homes with high demands on connectivity and security.

However, the approach does come with trade-offs. The price tag is reported to start at around €520, before taxes and shipping, which places it at a premium compared with many mainstream consumer routers that cost a fraction of that amount. Some users have also flagged compatibility issues; one review noted that the SFP modules sold by a fibre provider required forced negotiation to work with the original Turris Omnia model, adding a layer of complexity for end users. While the lifetime update promise is compelling, manufacturers' long-term support commitments have come under scepticism in the past, so users may want to verify firmware-update policies and community support over time.

Security-wise the Turris line has offered features such as a distributed adaptive firewall: devices in the network feed threat-data into a shared system so that once one device detects an attacker, a signature is distributed to other devices within minutes. This level of integrated network protection remains atypical in consumer routers and adds value for users concerned about cyber-threats. The passive cooling and rack-mount capability also position the device as viable for compact server-room or SOHO environments, rather than just typical living-room Wi-Fi use.

From a marketing standpoint CZ. NIC is tapping into a niche of advanced users who place high value on longevity, upgradeability and open-source flexibility. The router's open-source foundation and support for virtualization broaden its appeal beyond plug-and-play home networks into small server or self-hosted cloud use-cases.

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