F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks PfSense "Box" ideas for improvement

PfSense "Box" ideas for improvement

PfSense "Box" ideas for improvement

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banshee45
Senior Member
726
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#1
I found a fresh PfSense setup. Many suggestions came up, but nothing feels brand new—it's mostly from 2014. Could be time for an upgrade? I need a compact system with just two Ethernet ports, since my switch already has sixteen. No Wi-Fi needed; I already have an AP in the living room. Including RAM and SSD would be great, plus AES-NI support is a must. Budget around $100 to $200, and I’d like to pay via PayPal. Checked Newegg, eBay, Amazon—most reviews are missing.
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banshee45
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #1

I found a fresh PfSense setup. Many suggestions came up, but nothing feels brand new—it's mostly from 2014. Could be time for an upgrade? I need a compact system with just two Ethernet ports, since my switch already has sixteen. No Wi-Fi needed; I already have an AP in the living room. Including RAM and SSD would be great, plus AES-NI support is a must. Budget around $100 to $200, and I’d like to pay via PayPal. Checked Newegg, eBay, Amazon—most reviews are missing.

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Zbob11
Member
198
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#2
Check how fast your broadband is and see if VPNs are necessary. Quality of Service settings might also matter. You might find it easier to use a dedicated device like the one offered by NetGate https://www.netgate.com/solutions/pfsense/sg-1100.html.
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Zbob11
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #2

Check how fast your broadband is and see if VPNs are necessary. Quality of Service settings might also matter. You might find it easier to use a dedicated device like the one offered by NetGate https://www.netgate.com/solutions/pfsense/sg-1100.html.

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Bekindly_
Member
165
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#3
Receive 200 out of 11. No requirement for VPN or QoS.
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Bekindly_
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #3

Receive 200 out of 11. No requirement for VPN or QoS.

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Nicocara
Member
64
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#4
I’m not entirely confident that QoS is the main factor for a good router, especially when your connection is busy. The choice between pfSense and a mid-range consumer model with OpenWRT seems driven by different priorities—pfSense excels in handling complex networks, while the latter offers flexibility for advanced setups.
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Nicocara
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #4

I’m not entirely confident that QoS is the main factor for a good router, especially when your connection is busy. The choice between pfSense and a mid-range consumer model with OpenWRT seems driven by different priorities—pfSense excels in handling complex networks, while the latter offers flexibility for advanced setups.

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BarryBarnes
Member
51
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#5
Consumer routers are a pos... I've been using PFSense on a spare machine for six months without any issues. The main reason I'm considering a dedicated PFSense unit is that my current PC is consuming too much power. I'm looking for something more compact and with lower power usage.
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BarryBarnes
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #5

Consumer routers are a pos... I've been using PFSense on a spare machine for six months without any issues. The main reason I'm considering a dedicated PFSense unit is that my current PC is consuming too much power. I'm looking for something more compact and with lower power usage.

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dragonwaveking
Junior Member
14
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#6
Obtain an APU4 from PCEngines and succeed with it!
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dragonwaveking
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #6

Obtain an APU4 from PCEngines and succeed with it!

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levo14
Member
247
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#7
However, the Realtek NICs are quite poor. I wouldn't handle anything without Intel involvement; it's generally advised to use Intel directly for pfSense.
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levo14
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #7

However, the Realtek NICs are quite poor. I wouldn't handle anything without Intel involvement; it's generally advised to use Intel directly for pfSense.

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Monoki06
Member
152
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#8
No, Intel does not have an i211 series of NICs.
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Monoki06
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #8

No, Intel does not have an i211 series of NICs.

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Eroby
Junior Member
43
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#9
Original text replaced with a relevant phrase.
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Eroby
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #9

Original text replaced with a relevant phrase.

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GamingPanda54
Member
230
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM
#10
It seems I mistakenly checked the main APU page. They should improve clarity beyond just the top title. The color change on the menu link is normal for a good design. Also, I’m disappointed you got linked to the main page instead of APU2.
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GamingPanda54
04-18-2024, 01:06 PM #10

It seems I mistakenly checked the main APU page. They should improve clarity beyond just the top title. The color change on the menu link is normal for a good design. Also, I’m disappointed you got linked to the main page instead of APU2.