Recommendations on implementation of a bridge with ESXi/pfsense

Keljian

hey all
So my situation is this:
I had a pfsense box set up with 1 port dedicated to the wan, and 3 bridged on the lan.

Now I want basically the same config.

Is it best to pass through all 4 ports of the nic and set it up as before, then add a virtual network card to the vm, adding it to the bridge - or is there some other setup that is recommended?

heper

the recommanded setup is to not use a PC as a switch…. thats why they invented switches and they cost $15

passthrough or all seperate virtual nics+vswitches: not sure if this makes much of a difference ..... performance will be horrible either way. its horrible baremetal and will most likely be worse when virtualized

johnpoz

Why would you do this?? Buy a SWITCH!!! as suggested. I run pfsense on esxi without any issues. I use the very valuable nics on my esxi hosts and nics in different segments so pfsense can ROUTE and Firewall between them..

I have wan, lan, wlan (multiple vlans on this one) and one fro my vmkern..

You can pick up a 5 port gig switch for $15 easy..

For F sake here is 1 for $10
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156259

You can get a smart get switch 8 port gig smart switch for $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3FA37P6987

Keljian

I caved and bought a cheap switch..

johnpoz

Now don't you feel better ;) and the setup is so much easier!! and now your packets get switched at switch speed not through a slow ass bridge ;)

Keljian

Easier yes, though now I am out of power sockets, and am likely to be using more power..

johnpoz

well that is what power strip/surge protector is for. I would hope you have your stuff on a ups that should have multiple plugs.