F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Looking for fresh PFSense options? Consider updated models, solid performance, and user-friendly features.

Looking for fresh PFSense options? Consider updated models, solid performance, and user-friendly features.

Looking for fresh PFSense options? Consider updated models, solid performance, and user-friendly features.

J
jjsoini
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809
05-19-2016, 01:43 AM
#1
Hello everyone. Considering the recent issues with routers like VPNFilter, it seems timely to consider replacing my Netgear router (FVS336G) which had its software updates stopped in September 2017. Should I go ahead and build one myself or purchase a prebuilt model? Appreciate your advice.
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J
jjsoini
05-19-2016, 01:43 AM #1

Hello everyone. Considering the recent issues with routers like VPNFilter, it seems timely to consider replacing my Netgear router (FVS336G) which had its software updates stopped in September 2017. Should I go ahead and build one myself or purchase a prebuilt model? Appreciate your advice.

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S
Streiyn
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768
05-20-2016, 08:04 PM
#2
It depends on your availability and resources to construct it yourself. If you lack time, opt for a ready-made version.
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S
Streiyn
05-20-2016, 08:04 PM #2

It depends on your availability and resources to construct it yourself. If you lack time, opt for a ready-made version.

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A
AJ663
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78
05-20-2016, 10:02 PM
#3
Ensure the solution you choose includes AES-NI support, as PFSSENSE 2.3 demands it.
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A
AJ663
05-20-2016, 10:02 PM #3

Ensure the solution you choose includes AES-NI support, as PFSSENSE 2.3 demands it.

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H
HoundLynx
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233
05-21-2016, 06:14 PM
#4
Pfsense 2.5 needs this feature.
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H
HoundLynx
05-21-2016, 06:14 PM #4

Pfsense 2.5 needs this feature.

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_
_ZeroSplash_
Junior Member
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1
05-21-2016, 07:50 PM
#5
I don’t mind purchasing ready-made units if you don’t have outdated components nearby. However, I’d avoid buying their prebuilt options—they tend to be underpowered and quite costly. Instead, look on eBay for a refurbished Dell or similar model (Sandy Bridge or newer) and install a dual or quad Intel NIC. If power is a priority, consider a fresh mini PC such as these:
- Firewall Micro Appliance Barebone (dual LAN) – https://www.amazon.com/Firewall-Micro-Ap...an+mini+pc
- XCY Celeron Supporting Ethernet Firewall – https://www.amazon.com/XCY-Celeron-Suppo...an+mini+pc
- ZOTAC Quad Core Performance ZBOX CI327NANO – https://www.amazon.com/ZOTAC-Fan-less-Qu...an+mini+pc

For my current setup, I’m running an i3 4GB ThinkServer for PFSSL and it’s a bit too heavy. If you need something more affordable, go low on the network cards but opt for at least an Intel Pro 1000 or better.
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_ZeroSplash_
05-21-2016, 07:50 PM #5

I don’t mind purchasing ready-made units if you don’t have outdated components nearby. However, I’d avoid buying their prebuilt options—they tend to be underpowered and quite costly. Instead, look on eBay for a refurbished Dell or similar model (Sandy Bridge or newer) and install a dual or quad Intel NIC. If power is a priority, consider a fresh mini PC such as these:
- Firewall Micro Appliance Barebone (dual LAN) – https://www.amazon.com/Firewall-Micro-Ap...an+mini+pc
- XCY Celeron Supporting Ethernet Firewall – https://www.amazon.com/XCY-Celeron-Suppo...an+mini+pc
- ZOTAC Quad Core Performance ZBOX CI327NANO – https://www.amazon.com/ZOTAC-Fan-less-Qu...an+mini+pc

For my current setup, I’m running an i3 4GB ThinkServer for PFSSL and it’s a bit too heavy. If you need something more affordable, go low on the network cards but opt for at least an Intel Pro 1000 or better.

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A
AlmightyEag
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785
05-21-2016, 08:10 PM
#6
So their prebuilts arent that good, then i guess i have no choice but to build one... Oh well, at least i can retire the RPI running my openvpn server... /EDIT Okay, i think i go overboard and build it with a r3 ryzen, the mobo almost as much as the intel alternative so why not? Edited May 25, 2018 by jagdtigger
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A
AlmightyEag
05-21-2016, 08:10 PM #6

So their prebuilts arent that good, then i guess i have no choice but to build one... Oh well, at least i can retire the RPI running my openvpn server... /EDIT Okay, i think i go overboard and build it with a r3 ryzen, the mobo almost as much as the intel alternative so why not? Edited May 25, 2018 by jagdtigger

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T
TwiceCritical
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110
06-05-2016, 06:17 PM
#7
An alternative budget-friendly choice is the PC Engines APU 3 B4, offering solid performance with three Intel NICS units and three mini PCIe ports—one serving as an M.2 slot for your operating system. It includes two SIM cards slots for LTE connectivity. The main limitation is the absence of video output, making it suitable only for terminal or serial connections.
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T
TwiceCritical
06-05-2016, 06:17 PM #7

An alternative budget-friendly choice is the PC Engines APU 3 B4, offering solid performance with three Intel NICS units and three mini PCIe ports—one serving as an M.2 slot for your operating system. It includes two SIM cards slots for LTE connectivity. The main limitation is the absence of video output, making it suitable only for terminal or serial connections.

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S
SoloDroid
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180
06-11-2016, 02:24 PM
#8
They mention the R3 likely wouldn't consume much power since their server runs on an 1700X with idle usage around 60W.
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S
SoloDroid
06-11-2016, 02:24 PM #8

They mention the R3 likely wouldn't consume much power since their server runs on an 1700X with idle usage around 60W.

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N
Nevik
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196
06-13-2016, 06:06 PM
#9
You can easily purchase them, as shown here. Various models are offered with either 2 or 4 GB of RAM, and the APU4 appears to be the newest version. A case is also available in several colors for a modest price.
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N
Nevik
06-13-2016, 06:06 PM #9

You can easily purchase them, as shown here. Various models are offered with either 2 or 4 GB of RAM, and the APU4 appears to be the newest version. A case is also available in several colors for a modest price.

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L
lucarich
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133
06-17-2016, 08:24 PM
#10
Nice, I hope they deliver to Hungary as well... Thanks for your assistance. I believe I’ll go with the models that are available now, specifically the APU.3B2. It should suffice given the CPU in my current unit runs at 500MHz. Edited May 26, 2018 by jagdtigger
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L
lucarich
06-17-2016, 08:24 PM #10

Nice, I hope they deliver to Hungary as well... Thanks for your assistance. I believe I’ll go with the models that are available now, specifically the APU.3B2. It should suffice given the CPU in my current unit runs at 500MHz. Edited May 26, 2018 by jagdtigger

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