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My question is which NIC should be used for WAN? the internal or USB-C NIC?
I know they can both be used but would like to hear from you to see which one might give better performance. I'll be getting a `netgate 1100 sometime but for now I want to setup above hardware just because i have many computer's seating around and I want to secure my "homelab" a little better and of course learn more along the way. Thanks in advance
(been watching lots of youtube videos regarding pfsence setup)
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You should not use any USB NIC with pfSense or FreeBSD.
If you really want to use this Laptop for pfSense you can try the Router-on-a-Stick method depending on your bandwidth needs: https://docs.netgate.com/platforms/minnowboard/pfsense.html-Rico
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Thanks @rico you are the 2nd person that recommends this method. I may have to give it a try. FYI. it's just for home regular wifi/network 300/300 fiber speed.
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Consider this a 3rd recommendation.
USB NICs might work OK, some people report no problems. But you have to lucky!
Using VLANs with the onboard NIC will work fine.
Steve
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@stephenw10 I’m going with laptop NIC only with VLAN and managed switch.
I’m new at pfsense and vlan world so having a rough time configuring it. I have a Netgear GS728TP switch. Been following a guide from joe0.com but it’s not working. I’m never able to get into the pfsense dashboard.On the other hand I gave it a try with internal NIC and USB NIC and got it to work but then my Speedtest results were horrible so I undid everything and I’m back where I started.
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@joelgsus this is the exact link I’m using
https://www.joe0.com/2019/11/16/converting-single-nic-mini-pc-into-pfsense-router-firewall-by-using-virtual-lan-configuration-on-a-managed-switch/
Where it says Now you can access the pfSense web-based menu by going to https://192.168.10.1 which I configured as 192.168.1.5 I can’t reach it on my laptop which I plugged in the netgear router cause else how will I be able to reach it otherwise?
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Can you post you config or what setting you have actually made?
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@stephenw10 when I get a chance tonight or tomorrow If I haven’t figure it out I’ll post some screenshots for you thank taking your time to reply to me.
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