Inexpensive 1U shallow box for pfsense
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Apologies if this has been posted before; I've searched and just haven't had much luck.
Last year I had the company I work for purchase a pair of C2758s from the pfsense store to replace my current firewall which was quickly running out of "horsepower" for the load we put on it. I have been very pleased with the results.
I would like to replace my home firewall with pfsense as well.
I am sort of the network admin where I work (no credentials, all self taught) so I like to use the same platform at home as I do at work in some cases.
I would really like to play around with some of the packages like squid, and play around with site-to-site vpn.
The thing is I am specifically looking for a small footprint 1 rack unit box for my house. My entire house is wired and terminated in my closet which consists of a very small (but full) "wall mount" rack unit (which viewed from above is nothing more than a sheet of metal formed into a "C" shape with rack holes in it). You would think this would be pretty easy to find-its NOT.
I have seen suggestions for older x86 1u servers on ebay, but they are too deep for my rack. Anyone have any suggestions?
And while I am on the subject, I'd like to suggest the pfsense store add such a product. I know the target audience would be small, but our business uses rack mount gear exclusively (audio, video equipment), and we have many unmanned locations that have nothing more than a few automation computers, so we don't need the "horsepower" of the high end rack units, but would love the convenience of 1u equipment with lesser specs (aka cheaper).
My ultimate goal would be to setup site-to-site VPNs with our main office. Although I have ZERO vpn experience, if it does what I think it does, it would really make life easier.
Back on my home unit, FWIW my current firewall is a ZyXel USG50.
Thanks!
-Alan
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You can use an SG-2220 or an SG-2440 and put it on a 1u rack shelf. We do that all of the time in our installs with various AV equipment.
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Thanks Jahonix for the quick suggestion.
I may go that route. Although we sometimes do it at work with non-pro gear, its a little non aesthetically pleasing, but then again…form over function. Quick question-with it sitting on the shelf it doesn't sit slightly higher than 1u, does it? I don't have much room!
The SG-2220 is out for me. Not enough LAN ports. The SG-2440 is a tad on the high end of my personal budget, but doable. If the guys in the store would just include some removable rack ears, it would be a done deal!
Keep the suggestions coming...
Thanks!
-Alan
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If you do custom installations like me, it shouldn't be too hard for you to add some rack-ears to a case like your Zyxel USG has. Maybe you could even re-use those…
Or look at some (used) Supermicro servers with front facing IO shield. -
Is it just me, or do the white cables make it look extra tidy?
:)
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Nah, it's you. ;)
Black cables disappear and don't clutter the space up.IMHO, what REALLY helps is getting cables exactly the right length.
The availability of 6",12",18" cables makes things sooooo much cleaner…(That's 15,30,45cm for the SI folks)
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It looks like a hospital install.
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Thanks for the compliments guys, appreciate it! I put that together back in 2012 I think. I tried to make it neat. All the cables are self made, that is why it came out as neat as it did.
Actually I did some more research, and looks like the SG-4860 might fit the bill as well, but that is quite over-budget for a home setup. Especially considering its only me in the house (divorced earlier this year).
On some more searching I see this is actually a common request. I hope the pfsense store guys are listening!!!
I attached a pic of the rats nest that is part of my work network LOL. Enjoy!
-Alan
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Yeah, I am looking for a good 1U or similar box that will support full gigabit speeds. Not having much luck, and I cant afford to purchase the pfSense units that will do 1 gig for a home setup.
