Newbie here; anyone know if this setup will work?
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I have an IT background and have built an IPCop box before, but I'm new to pfSense. I want to build a box that will replace my wireless router, be a house-wide ip blocker (a la PeerGuardian, PeerBlock, etc), and a DLNA server. Here's what I've got in mind:
Mini ITX box with dual LAN.
Wireless via USB adapter. (Any problems with pfSense using a USB ethernet adapter?)
pfSense Embedded 4g VGA on USB flash drive. (Any problems using Embedded on a USB flash drive instead of compact flash?)
pfBlocker for self-updating IP blacklist. (Any problems using pfBlocker on Embedded?)
minidlna for DLNA media server. (Can this or something similar be installed on pfSense?)Does that sound feasible?
Thanks! :)
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Any problems with pfSense using a USB ethernet adapter?
That will work fine as long as you get one that's compatible. pfSense 2.0.X is based on FreeBSD 8.1 and has a limited support for usb wifi, no 802.11N at all for example. See:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AojFUXcbH0ROdHgwYkFHbkRUdV9hVWljVWl5SXkxbFE&hl=en#gid=0
Also don't unplug it! pfSense will not enjoy having one of its interfaces removed.Any problems using Embedded on a USB flash drive instead of compact flash?
That should be fine. The install process will be slightly harder as the image expects to mount via IDE so you need to point it at the USB stick initially and then edit the fstab.
Any problems using pfBlocker on Embedded?
Not that I know of though I don't use that package. The package is not restricted from embedded.
Can this or something similar be installed on pfSense?
Although it maybe possible to do this it's not easily done. There is no package for it. Running any server on pfSense is generally frowned upon. That doesn't stop people doing it though! How much media can you fit on a USB stick anyway?
Steve
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…FreeBSD 8.1 and has a limited support for usb wifi, no 802.11N at all for example.
Ah, say it ain't so! That's a wrench in my hardware plans. I can do a different setup with PCI wireless, but it's gonna mean a bigger case and more cash. Alas.
Although it maybe possible to do this it's not easily done. There is no package for it. … How much media can you fit on a USB stick anyway?
Hrm, I suspected as much. Sound like I'll have to dust off my meager linux skills! (I basically just want it as a dropbox, so 10 gigs of flash should be plenty.)
Thanks for the feedback! I had a feeling it wouldn't be that simple. It never is. :) But now I've got a starting point!
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PCI wifi is also limited. More cards work but still no 802.11N support, yet. Some hardware does now run 802.11N in FreeBSD 9. pfSense will use this as a code base at some point in the future but don't hold your breath! ;)
Steve
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PCI wifi is also limited. More cards work but still no 802.11N support, yet.
Ah. Well. Drat. That could be rather more than a wrench. It's a big pipe and a big house (and the box will be in the basement). I'm not sure G could get the whole thing to every room. Hrm.
I may have to revise this to just a pfBlocker gateway between the modem and wireless router. But then the router I was looking at has a DLNA USB port anyway, so I suppose it will still all work out. Just a bit more expensive than I was hoping.
Again, great info. Thank you!
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Just use an external AP, you can generally place it in a more optimal location for coverage that way, and the cost is generally no different.
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@cmb:
Just use an external AP, you can generally place it in a more optimal location for coverage that way, and the cost is generally no different.
The thing is I need it to be a mini switch, as well. But the good news is I found this nice used appliance, with everything preloaded for $70. It should be a fine pfBlocker box, and I can use use my wireless router to do the rest.
So I'm a happy camper. :) Thanks!
