Do software updates require a support package

JKnott

I'm considering buying a Netgate SG-1100, to replace the computer I had been running pfsense on, before it died. One question I have is does it require a support package to get the software updates? Or are they a free download, as with the computer version?

tnx jk

DaddyGo

@jknott said in Do software updates require a support package:

I'm considering buying a Netgate SG-1100

Hi,

buy stronger than... 1100 pls., I know your posts (IPv6, etc.), you are more than that

I think this "iron" works just like any other, Netgate support or not, you can install it with a community image

stephenw10

No you don't need support for access to the pkg repo or the install images (should you need them).

Steve

@JKnott You obviously know this but for others:

Forum support is available to anyone, netgate HW or not, and often includes direct access to developers and support engineers. Try that over at C*.

The forum is moderated by mature individuals and you will often get multiple answers from experienced network professionals within minutes of asking. In other words, it's the sh*t!

johnpoz

@stephenw10 said in Do software updates require a support package:

the install images

The couple of times I have asked for factory images, for my 4860 and 3100 - had a email with a link in like 1 minute ;)

I would suggest once you get it, do request an image and put it in a safe place.. But I do miss the portal where you could just download the image for the appliances.

When 2.5 comes out - I believe I will have to request an image. Because when move to 2.5 I plan on moving to zfs vs ufs.. And I believe will need to do a clean install vs upgrade to do that.

But doing so is just a simple open of ticket - no requirement for support contract.

JKnott

@daddygo said in Do software updates require a support package:

buy stronger than... 1100 pls

What would you recommend. I'm not that familiar with Netgate models. I would expect any box running pfsense to be able to handle IPv6. My concern is the bandwidth. I have a 500/20 connection and the HP computer had no problem keeping up with that. I would often get 560 - 580 Mb download with it on speedtest.

Pippin

If my memory serves me well there is a video in here with speedtest:
youtube.com/user/TheTecknowledge/search?query=1100

johnpoz

@jknott said in Do software updates require a support package:

What would you recommend

While the 1100 could prob handle your 500mbps pipe.. Depends on what sort of traffic you move and what performance your looking for

https://info.netgate.com/hubfs/website-assets/netgate-hardware-comparison-doc.pdf

Are you worried about able to download some file at full speed, or do you have a lot of imix traffic and want to be able to max out your pipe?

If me I would go with 3100.. Or better yet the 5100 ;) Go big or go home I say... But does come down to what sort of budget you had in mind..

What are you looking for other than that - I personally want discrete interfaces vs switch ports.. The 3100 had just came out when I got my 4860.. And was in stock - but 4860 was not... I waited to get the 4860 because of the interfaces.

If my 4860 bit the dust right now... I would replace with a 5100.. But man the 7100 would sure be tempting with those 2 sfp+ ports for future move to 10ge..

JKnott

@johnpoz

It's just me with my normal daily use. My dog and cat don't use my computer much.

I don't often download large files, though lately I have been watching a lot of Youtube videos, due to the pandemic and that idiot in the White House. Also, I now have IPTV, but that doesn't take a lot of bandwidth.

johnpoz

Well the 1100 is prob fine for you then... Good entry level into netgate appliances for sure - and a reasonable price point.

The 4860 is overkill for me as well ;) The 2100 would be fine ;) But I prop don't need 3 unifi AP in my small ranch house either ;) heheh But have those - and my wifi rocks!

Could get by with a 40" TV for sure - but have a 55.. And only reason not bigger is wouldn't fit where TV is..

Not always about what you can work with or need, but what you want ;)

Nothing wrong with starting small with something that works, at good price point for your budget.. I am sure you will be quite happy with 1100..

edit: My budget committee (wife) keeps me in check.. Or would prob have a xg1541 HA pair setup ;) Because that is what you "need" for 500/50 internet connection - hehehe..

And my plex server would be some 100TB DC worthy setup, vs little ds918+ that sits in the corner in my computer room ;) And for sure would be 10ge network... And my PC sure wouldn't be a 5 year old box - that I kind of hope would catch fire so I could justify something new to the budget committee ;) hehehehe

SteveITS

@jknott The 2100 has a slightly faster CPU (I think?) and the main difference is it has the WAN port on a separate network port...the 1100 has a switch for all 3 ports sharing 1 Gbps internally, so is sort of capped (it uses VLANs to emulate ports). See https://www.netgate.com/products/appliances/. If you thought there was any chance of going over 500 Mbps, or you wanted to run IDS or pfBlocker or something on the device then I would think about the 2100 or 3100.

But overall no, upgrades are just available to all. Netgate simply makes a bit of money on the hardware.

stephenw10

The SG-2100 will pass that but you won't have much headroom. I would be happier with an SG-3100 there.

Steve

DaddyGo

@jknott said in Do software updates require a support package:

What would you recommend.

Like Steve,....minimum 3100 because you love to experiment and this requires a flexible HW.