Your configuration seems suitable for a PFSense system.
Your configuration seems suitable for a PFSense system.
I need help setting up my first PFSense system. The configuration I have is: Intel Pentium G4560 with 2 cores, 4 threads, 3.50 GHz; Asus H110M-CS with 8GB DDR4 RAM and 120GB SSD; four 1GBPS LAN cards connected to a Unifi switch. I want to use dual LANs with manual load balancing and connect both to my router. My local networks are all 1GBPS, except one PC that uses the new card for LAG. I’d appreciate your advice on handling this with your router settings and any suggestions you might have.
Sure, I'm just getting started with PFSense. For a personal network setup, it definitely meets the standard requirements. As long as you set up everything correctly in PFSense, you should be fine without any problems.
I recommend moving to OPNsense. Since starting in 2021, the makers behind PFSense have shifted toward closed-source solutions for certain products. Their emphasis now lies on proprietary tools, which could limit future development and availability. People today generally prefer free software, particularly for security devices like this one. I’m uncertain about the exact hardware needs, but based on what I know, OPNsense would be a more viable option.
Running OPNsense in a VM on an E3-1230 V2 server works well up to 200MBit, and likely handles higher speeds with proper configuration. For direct hardware deployment, it should require a powerful machine—capable of at least 4x1GB ports, preferably more, and ideally 2x10GB ports. WireGuard support is essential, though VPNs may not be necessary now thanks to WireGuard. The system should consume around 50W max, have at least four SATA ports, avoid built-in network adapters (though a single 1GB port is fine), and include at least 8GB ECC RAM with capacity for 64GB. A 2U or 4U 19-inch case would be ideal, but a 1U works if space allows. You can certainly opt for used hardware from eBay to keep costs down.
Same here — only when I first asked on their forum did I learn about it. I then moved to OPNsense. It’s just an assumption that they’ll stay committed to free software. The key point is that PFSense has already made the change, while OPNsense hasn’t. Ultimately, it depends on how you set it up and whether the support remains solid. For newcomers, there’s no reason not to try OPNsense — or stick with this one?