Pf Sense Custom Router solution Optimize your network with tailored routing options.
Pf Sense Custom Router solution Optimize your network with tailored routing options.
Hello, I enjoy experimenting with custom routers for my home network. I’m planning to install new media soon, aiming for about 350Mbps. The installation will shift the incoming internet connection, so I’m curious if it’s feasible to reuse the same cable that feeds the WAN into the pfSense router and then connect another device to the LAN. Please review the diagram below; it might clarify my thoughts. I’m considering placing the router on an HP server or directly into the switch (or even straight from the modem). This is my current network setup, and I’m thinking about a Virgin Hub switch to send the WAN back down to the TV on the LAN. Would it be better to go straight from the modem to the router? I’d like to replace the existing Ethernet cable but feel the space is limited with two Ethernet ports and coax already in use. I hope this explanation helps and feel free to ask for more details. My networking experience is limited, and I’m still getting familiar with pfSense.
To run several networks over a single cable, use VLANs and managed switches. Avoid using the router inside the VM; instead, configure separate subnets—perhaps one for guests, another for trusted devices, and a DMZ for external-hosted content.
Sure, for that network layout a central managed switch would be ideal, and another near the modem or TV works well. You can find affordable options on eBay, so a used model is a good choice. Would you prefer more advanced features such as L3, PoE, or 10GbE, or would a basic 24-port managed switch suffice if those aren't necessary?
Consider trying another cat 5 setup for the WAN from modem to router in the loft. POE might be worth looking into for adding more CCTV cameras. 10GbE sounds appealing, but I’ve already completed my cabling with CAT5e. Probably won’t need that much again anytime soon.
For a smooth setup, using a cable each is the best choice. I experimented with VLANs and tagging but couldn’t get the WAN and LAN through the same cable to pfSense. It didn’t appear to any of it. I also considered MTU limitations—1500 on WAN works, but VLAN tagging would block it. Regarding cabling, 10Gbps might still function, possibly upgrading to 5Gb or 2.5Gb if needed. No urgent need to switch to CAT6 just yet.
The device won't detect traffic unless the switch port is configured as a trunk and the VLANs on that port are permitted in the settings. This applies to every device connected to the switch that needs several (tagged) VLANs per port.
My switches run Netgear smart-managed instead of fully managed, so that term doesn’t apply. I checked everything I could—referenced the manual, etc.—and it looked accurate. However, no traffic showed up on pfSense. It’s more helpful to label it as a direct Ethernet adapter rather than an Ethernet adapter, since switch ports are more valuable than Ethernet ports in the router.