Setup for under 200$
-
Hey guys,
I wanted to build a router using pfSense, but I need help with the decision which setup I should use. And I'm just a beginner, so to let you know :).So, one way is to buy a (so called) mini pc on AliExpress from China, they mostly feature 2-4 RJ45 ports, a Celeron processor and ram. And they cost between 150-200$.
One device that I'm interested in is this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fanless-Nettop-Mini-PC-J1900-Quad-Core-4-Intel-WG82583-Gigabit-Lan-Firewall-Multi-function-Pfsense/32736661056.html that costs around 190$.Another way would be that I build a router myself with these parts:
ASRock J3355B Mini-ITX
Small case
4GB RAM
Intel EXPI9301CTBLK PRO1000
128GB SSD (already have one that's lying around)
Access Point (that I connect to pfSense)To assemble the router, it would cost me around 190$.
I'm just thinking which way I should go / has better value (bang for the buck) for me. I also need Wifi, I read that pfSense has problems with Wifi dongles, so I guess I need to buy an AC device.
And just a follow-up question: So this pfSense firewall should replace my Netgear router. The only thing is that I use a shared external hard drive connected to the Netgear router where I drop my files onto. I read that pfSense is only a firewall, not a network storage. Where would you go with the hard drive then? Should I connect it to my computer and then share it on the network?
I really appreciate your help!
Best regards,
layentara -
Another couple of options in your price range
Buy an SG-1000 which comes with a year of gold
Buy an old used workstation SFF desktop on eBay. You can get one for less than $100 and as a NIC to it. Since you already have SSD just search for computers that don't include HDD.
You don't need to buy anything new for wifi. Just use your existing WiFi either as an AP. you should still be able to use the connected HDD.
-
Your must choice variant from you task.
What are services you want use? If only firewall without squid you dont need a powerful hardware.
Some times you are need more than 4 lan ports etc.For example look at used Wathcguard Firebox x750e x5 …. or another.
In aliexpres you can buy it for 50 -100 $ -
The main purpose for pfSense is disguising my Internet connection via VPN. Everything should be routed through a VPN server of my third party service. And I don't want speed limitations, so pfSense should encrypt 100/100 constantly. The cpu should be fast enough to achieve these speeds.
The thing is: I want to replace my router with the pfSense firewall. So I want to sell it on eBay and invest 140$ into new parts for the firewall or a complete system. Depending. -
Yes. I think for you situation micro PC will be best choice.
Because you can update/upgrade it in future (add wifi for example) or use it like file storage for personal data, media server etc -
J3355 is a great CPU for 100/100 VPN.
You probably should not sell your current router because you will need to use it as a WiFi access point.
Don't integrated a WiFi card into your pfsense box, it doesn't work well.
-
Thanks for your answers, guys. Gonna find my way :)
-
APU.2C4 Bundle & 16 GB mSATA ~207 Euro + shipping cost
-
@BlueKobold:
APU.2C4 Bundle & 16 GB mSATA ~207 Euro + shipping cost
Great hardware but I would not expect it to encrypt 100Mbps up and down in a single OpenVPN tunnel config. I'm basing this on my experience with an AMD CPU of the same architecture but with faster clock speeds. At 1.4 GHz (vs the 1.0GHz offered by the APU2C4) I got around 70Mbps down on a single tunnel.
I'd go for one of the Intel solutions in your case.
-
@BlueKobold:
APU.2C4 Bundle & 16 GB mSATA ~207 Euro + shipping cost
Great hardware but I would not expect it to encrypt 100Mbps up and down in a single OpenVPN tunnel config.
It won't. Some people don't bother to read the requirements before making suggestions.
-
BlueKobold often blindly recommends APU and Jetway products when they are clearly not appropriate.
I'm starting to think he is getting kickbacks lol.