*AIO* All-in-one box

jonesr

Excellent, glad it is working. The other participants in this thread sound like they would appreciate feedback on performance and reliability so do let us know how you get on.

McCount

I will do some performance testing at the weekend and then report back.

Thank you for your help!!!

Seeing how they probably draw near max of the usb spec, i would separate the two usb connectors. Like one on front and one on back, just to make sure you are drawing from two different circuits. Maybe consider a powered hub if you have problems when radio is loaded. I always worry about killing my usb ports….
Glad to hear you got it going.

McCount

Hey guys, sorry for the delay…

There were some problems with the stability of the wireless connections on pfsense.
I switched to OPNsense to see if this problem persists.

On OPNsense (http://opnsense.org/) the stability of the wireless devices is much better (my experience by now).
I will keep on testing and maybe switch back to a newer version of pfSense later.

jonesr

You may have better luck with pfSense 2.2.1 - https://forum.pfsense.org/index.php?topic=89542.msg495521#msg495521

McCount

You may have better luck with pfSense 2.2.1 - https://forum.pfsense.org/index.php?topic=89542.msg495521#msg495521

Thanks!!
I will test that asap.

McCount

just tested it with 2.2.1 but system always reboots after filling the screen…

:'( :(

20150318_112701.jpg_thumb

jonesr

Just to check, when I suggested 2.2.1 it hadn't been released yet and was available as a preview build. It was released for production in the last 24 hours, so are you using the actual release 2.2.1?

I updated to 2.2.1 this morning, no boot issues for me but I use an Atheros Mini PCIe card. Have you tried booting without the USB wireless devices plugged in to confirm that is what stops it booting?

McCount

I installed the actual 2.2.1 release.

Booting without the USB wifi devices is no problem.
Started the web configuration and then plugged in the devices (run0 & run1).
After assigning them to OPT1 and WAN the system reboots.

jonesr

Even if this makes a difference I am not sure how it helps you, but could you try plugging in and assigning just the WAN USB stick? I have seen systems (not pfSense, just computers in general) struggle with two or more identical USB devices, it may not be either one but a combination of both causing the fault.

Sorry I can't help with your actual problem but if just one stick works but not both it may help someone else assist you.

McCount

okay, I tested it this way and plugged in only 1 USB adapter, but without luck.
The system still reboots. :(

kejianshi

So, now that you have all this USB NIC experience, what will you be recommending for people considering USB NICs in the future?

McCount

I think that this is a problem with the internal handling (drivers?) in pfSense, because the scenario (2x USB wireless NIC for WAN and OPT1) is working on OPNsense (v15.1.7.2) without errors… 8)

If I had the option to use external APs via cable, then I would perhaps prefer this way.
But I have only 1 internal NIC (for LAN) and there is no way to install an additional card.

So, my recommendation is:
If it is possible to use external APs --> use them
If it is NOT possible --> wait for working update/release (or use OPNsense instead)

For now I use OPNsense, but I will switch if there is a working version of pfSense.

kejianshi

Me, on the other hand. I'd have gone with something that allows as many physical interfaces as I need to begin with. If only 2 is available (1 WAN and 1 LAN), but I needed say 4 interfaces, I'd use pfsense + a vlan switch.

Switching to another distro is also an answer I guess if it gives you what you need but I think much of your pain has been self inflicted. (I've been there myself)

The real lesson I see here (and in other threads daily) is ask before you buy. Don't buy first then try to make it fit.

McCount

Sure, first ask then buy, but the devices worked with version 2.2 , only stability was poor.
Now they don't work with the actual 2.2.1
So I think there is a possibility that this is fixed soon 8) ;D

Overall I spent about 100-120€, what is still within my planned budget.

jonesr

I think there is also an argument for "the costs involved made X impossible from the beginning anyway, so I may as well take the zero-to-low budget Y option and make the best use of it". Not everyone can afford new computers, VLAN capable switches and multiple APs. I would agree though that if it hadn't worked he would have lost $40, and any right to complain or be surprised by any "I told you so" comments.

If MrCount has anything at all to show from something that would otherwise have gone in the bin, coupled with devices we advised him not to buy, our advice is still as valid as it was when we gave it and I would offer the same advice now, but I also congratulate him if he is happy with his ~~$40~~ 100-120€ worth of success. Of course $100s worth of success would be much more reliable but when you don't have $100s, you don't have $100s.

Well done, MrCount.

Edit - corrected prices, $127? Less economically sound as I first thought but well, the sentiment is still there!

kejianshi

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G2HZ3766&cm_re=vlan--33-704-224--Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833389064

jonesr

@kejianshi:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G2HZ3766&cm_re=vlan--33-704-224--Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833389064

I had to edit my previous post as I didn't realise how much MrCount had spent, and I see prices have gone down since I last checked, so fair enough I stand corrected and I could have done a google myself for current prices.

McCount

Well done, MrCount.

Thanks, jonesr!

And thanks kejianshi for the links.
I found them on amazon germany for a total of about 40€.
Maybe I try these in my next project… still have 2 other thin clients (T5735) waiting for action ;D 8)

A big thanks to all contributors, eyebrow-raiser and anyone interested!!
If there wouldn't have been such a big response, critic and support, maybe I would have canceled the project. :o

EDIT: just bought the switch & AP on amazon... 8)

kejianshi

Ohhhhh really? the same ones? (If its the same AP be sure to install lates firmware since every rating says it works great AFTER that update)

If so, please post here how they work. I'd be super interested since I have a small pfsense I wish to build to replace an aging DD-WRT setup.