Router Mainboard for pfSense
Router Mainboard for pfSense
You're considering a home router setup with a focus on low power use and solid performance. The Supermicro X10SDV series looks promising, featuring an Intel D1508 processor and two 10GB NICs. It's important to verify if the CPU can support the required 10Gbps speeds. Since you're planning to add two Wi-Fi access points, ensure they meet your needs. Let me know if you'd like help checking compatibility or finding alternatives. Best regards, Kai
PFsense doesn’t function exactly like a traditional switch. Typically, users set up one interface for WAN and another for LAN, then connect a switch to add more LAN ports. Focus on choosing a switch with two 10Gbps ports. @Electronics Wizardy mentioned WAN because it depends on your specific connection and requirements, which may influence CPU recommendations. For fast connections such as 1Gbps, you’ll need more than just a 100Mbps link.
To save energy, opt for ready-made devices that incorporate laptop components. Desktop boards aren’t very efficient even at low wattage levels, especially when trying to match a router’s performance. You might end up with a more powerful CPU than needed while using less power than a typical desktop. (This was the case after I upgraded mine). For 10Gbit speeds, a switch is necessary. A solid pfSense unit can handle gigabit switching smoothly, but 10Gbit won’t work without additional effort.
The system requires 10GB ports for both WAN and switch connections. I aim to avoid limitations as I invest in more advanced equipment later. I need one high-speed port for the WAN and another for the switch. There are compact options like the super micro board with a Pentium D1508 and two 10GB ports, or the ibase MBN802 featuring an 8-core Intel Atom and four 10GB/s links. Both claim a 25W power draw. My concern is whether these processors can support such high speeds. Currently I only use cable internet, but I’m planning a future FTTH setup.
What is your connection speed? Which features are important? That’s what we need to confirm the router fits. Do you have a network map? Your router should only handle the wide area link traffic. A switch performs better for local area network activity. If you must direct your local network subnets, choose an L3 switch—it’s much more suitable. If your internet speed is below 1Gbps now, just get a device without 10GbE; it won’t make a difference here.
as i already mentioned. my current wan speed is irrelevant. I want to be future proof to avoid that i have to upgrade in 3 years. my goal is a 10G solution. so the hardware has to be capable of handling 10g throughput. It needs to be powerful enough to route 10G between to interfaces. i know what a router should do and what not. I know what pfsense is capable of and what not. neither a network diagram, nor any information about my usage is relevant to answer my main question: Is a Pentium D1508 or a Atom C3758 really powerful enough to handle at least 2 x 10G of bandwidth. This question is about experience with the corresponding hardware. So: just ignore anything else, just focus on the question if those cpu's are powerful enough for 2 x 10G I know that i will also need a switch, thats nothing we need to discuss. So please stop focusing on what you think i need. i know exactly what i need / want. All i need in this thread are experience reports for 2 x 10G capable embedded mainboards with a TDP below 35w
It looks like you're questioning the feasibility of achieving high speeds. The current limits are quite low, and reaching 10 gigabits isn't realistic right now. What you've observed is typical for most setups, especially without advanced security measures. Going public with such speeds would be premature. Also, high-speed routing isn't energy efficient or affordable—especially at 35 watts. It seems you're focusing on the hardware side while overlooking practical constraints.