I do something similar but different choice of software. There is much more that is possible using this approach (distributing exact same hardware with preinstalled configs to each network particpant). These RPis are gateways. They are gateways to an overlay network controlled by users and not surveilled by "tech" companies trying to sell ad services. I like to imagine them as modern day IMPs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interface_Message_Processor