It works as a Zotac PI225 box in PfSense.
It works as a Zotac PI225 box in PfSense.
I noticed this on Linus's YouTube channel earlier, and now I'm considering using it as a PFSense/IPFire device. It seems you could probably adapt it by swapping the USB ports for Ethernet. If storage becomes an issue later, an SD card would be a practical upgrade option. The main advantage is its lower cost compared to regular PFSense boxes.
What a bargain you're getting! USB NICs usually don't come cheap. For the Amazon deal, there are better alternatives to consider first.
What are you aiming for? A router? DIY setup or something like an edgerouter? If unsure, consider a used or mini ITX system. Check the link for an enclosure with Pico PSU and adapter, and add an ITX board with an ATMOS and dual NICs. Also explore options similar to the one shown.
PCPartPicker list of components: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/JHDWBb Price details per vendor: CPU – Intel Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core ($57.65 at OutletPC) Motherboard – ASRock H110M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1151 ($64.99 at Newegg Business) RAM – G.Skill NT Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 ($37.98 at Newegg Business) Storage – Patriot Burst 120GB SSD (2.5") ($26.99 at Amazon) Case – Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower ($35.98 at Newegg) Power Supply – EVGA BR 450W ATX ($15.98 at Newegg) Combined total: $239.57 Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts Generated by PCPartPicker on 2018-08-05 23:50 EDT-0400
Right now, I am unsure, everything is flipped up in the air right now. A LOT of unknowns. Reason I asked the above, is because we are moving into a new house, and I want to get this RIGHT the first time. This is a brand new house. We went to a building company. We picked out the house design, what it looks like, things in it, etc. I wanted to be in charge of networking, and my parents know it. I want to use our current router as an AP system, that will be in our living room. SO, I do not know if Spectrum is going to use their own modem. When they come, I want to be there with my unmanaged switch that I want to install in the basement. Right where the line will come in. SOx2, I do not know if I will have control over my AP. That I will NEED a router in front of the modem.
Choose a simple wired router without fancy router options. It’s low power, straightforward to use, and offers all the essentials you need.
Pfsense doesn't officially endorse or suggest using USB to Ethernet. For compact systems meant for Pfsense, ensure the device supports AES-NI to guarantee future compatibility. There are many choices available, such as the option page at https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-pfsense-box.html offering various ports for expansion. This is just an example—check local availability.
Avoid ATOM-based or Celeron J 1000 models, as well as AMD CPUs such as the E350. Older processors lack AES-NI support.