Searching for a fresh router because you're getting a 2 gig connection.
Searching for a fresh router because you're getting a 2 gig connection.
It's unusual to encounter such a setup. Using a single 2.5G LAN port on one PC for this purpose could work, but security depends heavily on your network environment. Consider purchasing a dedicated modem/router if possible. As for brands, reputable options include Netgear, TP-Link, or ASUS routers paired with a wired connection.
Pfsense is a router/firewall device. It works well with an old PC if you have the right PCIe NICs. This setup can be quite advanced—be careful not to overcomplicate things and risk disconnecting yourself from the internet. I suggest watching YouTube tutorials before diving in. Make sure you understand what you’re doing. Many of us here use it, just like my friends. Still, do your research first.
your provider should typically provide a router compatible with 2Gbit, probably featuring a fiber SFP+ connection and a single 2.5Gbit port for linking to your PC. alternatively, you can obtain a switch that supports 2.5Gbit to connect multiple devices. however, these options must also support 2.5Gbit if you aim for maximum performance.
I visited their location and inquired, and they confirmed they don’t carry a 2G device; you’ll have to bring your own.
When choosing pfSense, keep in mind that configuring VPN functionality is far more involved than setting up a typical consumer router. A regular home router would raise doubts about its ability to support reliable VPN speeds. On the other hand, a consumer device might seem more trustworthy if it can manage VPN traffic effectively. The advantages of using a dedicated router OS include advanced features such as managing multiple VPN clients, directing specific LAN traffic through them, implementing region-based restrictions, filtering botnet IP addresses, and handling ad blocking—similar to PiHole but integrated directly into the router. I also utilize custom scripts to track client activity, which adds flexibility depending on your needs. While it functions adequately as a basic router without these enhancements, adjusting settings like port forwarding is simpler on consumer models. Its strength lies in its capabilities, but its limitations become apparent when you require deeper control. Recently, I purchased the N100 model, though my current N5105 still supports 2.5Gbit and serves as a reliable backup. The N100 offers roughly a 33% speed boost at about 33% higher cost. Presently, the N5105 operates around 11W, which is significantly lower than the power consumption of an old PC. By the way, you can repurpose your existing router for Wi-Fi use, but pfSense isn’t ideal as a dedicated access point; however, it allows your router and Wi-Fi to stay separate, simplifying placement for optimal coverage.
this seems like a pretty casual question about a provider. it looks like they might be trying to sound more technical than they should. the fact that they deliver their own router suggests they want to manage everything internally, which is common for some companies. you’re also curious about the media type—whether it’s cat6 or 10gbps sfp+—that matters for choosing the right router.
Things vary widely depending on the country. For example, in the US providers must let customers use their own modems and routers. Verizon FIOS offers a basic media converter, giving you the choice to rent or buy their equipment. Some people avoid ISP gear because they pay high rental fees. Comcast charges $15 per month for a gateway or $25 with unlimited data. At $15 a month for a year that’s $180, and most cable modems cost between $50 and $200, so it’s not a big expense to cover the cost of a new one.