Double NATing (???)

[cain]

So I'm on an extreme budget and it turned out that adapter that I bought for a router didn't work. So then I thought of an idea.

Modem -> Router/Access Point -> pfSense

Would this work? What would be the downsides? Because at this moment in time I can't connect my pfSense to my Modem directly due to the adapter not working.

[Keljian]

Double NAT is generally not a good idea, it's slow, and painful at the best of times. Also If your access point is being used by wireless clients then there's no point to having pfsense after it.

Your best bet is getting some cheap network cards and using them if possible

[Guest]

Modem -> Router/Access Point -> pfSense

Internet –- Modem --- pfSense --- Switch --- WLAN AP
Internet --- Modem --- pfSense --- WLAN AP
Internet --- Modem --- pfSense --- Switch --- WiFi Router in AP mode

Would this work?

For sure this will also work but then with more or less reaching the goal.
Pending on the devices and firmware offered functions and options.

What would be the downsides?

Double NAT or so called router cascade and the termination of the VPN clients from outside.
The offered speed from the router.

Because at this moment in time I can't connect my pfSense to my Modem directly due to the adapter not working.

Its mostly or often based on a miss match of thee auto speed connection from the modem.
Go and buy a cheap NIC from Intel and be happy.