I use AT&T as my ISP and their router software is workable at least. It can assign static IPs and do port forwarding; enough for a basic home lab and some self hosting. If you absolutely need to be in full control of your network, most off-the-shelf name-brand router/APs will do. At that point in your journey, I’d recommend a Mikrotik hax3. You don’t need to dive into the advanced stuff in Router OS, they have a quick setup that’s good enough but you can go deeper if you need. Though I will say there’s a learning cliff.

Bro, TRUTH. I have preferences but when you gotta get something done, it doesn’t matter how the app comes bundled. I’d run .exe’s through Wine if I needed to.