Configuring the firewall involves adjusting security rules to protect your network.
Configuring the firewall involves adjusting security rules to protect your network.
Hey there, looking for advice on building a physical firewall setup? Your Asus Router handles both security and routing, but switching to a dedicated hardware box would definitely boost your security and show your IT skills. You're considering an HP EliteDesk 800 G3 as a potential solution—it only has a single gigabit port, which matches your ISP's typical limits for consumers. Since you're not planning high-speed transfers beyond that, it should work fine. For software, Linux-based networking tools like Proxmox are popular choices, but you could also explore dedicated firewall OSes such as pfSense or OpenWRT if you want more control. If you prefer a GUI, consider solutions like Cisco ASA or even a commercial appliance like Fortinet. Visual guides and step-by-step tutorials are available on YouTube and official documentation sites—search for "physical firewall setup guide" or "Linux firewall installation." Let me know what you find, and happy learning!
It sounds like you're considering a promising approach. I'll look for resources on it. Thanks!
You can utilize it as a router and employ the ASUS router as an access point if it is compatible.
I have an Intel i3-N305 unit equipped with six 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports. I installed OPNsense (also supports PFSense) on it, which now serves as my router and firewall. It performs significantly better than previous Wi-Fi-based setups. Basic traffic control and security rules wouldn’t impact its performance, unlike similar combo devices I’ve used before. My smaller i3 model handles everything smoothly. If you require additional Ethernet ports, consider adding Intel i225-v or i226-v NICs. Other chipset options might work too, but Intel cards generally offer better compatibility with networking gear. Once OPNsense is set up on my EliteDesk, you can follow guides to implement traffic shaping and improve network efficiency. Just keep in mind, custom configurations can be tricky—be prepared to adjust and test often. I switched my Wi-Fi router to AP mode, but it still functions well as a switch; you can keep using it as a router while treating the firewall as another gateway. This lets you revert quickly if needed.