Recommendations on implementation of a bridge with ESXi/pfsense
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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?
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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
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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=N82E16833156259You can get a smart get switch 8 port gig smart switch for $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3FA37P6987 -
I caved and bought a cheap switch..
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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 ;)
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Easier yes, though now I am out of power sockets, and am likely to be using more power..
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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.