pfSense vs UniFi Dream Machine Pro
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I'm currently using a UniFi Secure Gateway 4-Pro in an all UniFi network system (7 switches, 4 AP's) in my house. I have a Netgate XG-1540 device running pfSense for my OpenVPN server. Currently it is not performing routing/firewall functions.
I ordered a UDMP from UI, but the firmware has had issues. I've yet to place it in service in my network. I really don't need the UniFi Protect software, so the UDMP isn't an absolute requirement. Any router will do and I can run the UniFi controller on my Mac or a CloudKey.
My question is should I reconfigure my pfSense server as my primary router/firewall? The device is 4 years old, and I'm not sure of its longevity. I wouldn't want to put it into service if there is a high likelihood of it failing soon.
It would certainly offer more configurability, better DHCP reserved addresses, inter-VLAN routing/blocking, etc.
Has anyone had any experience they could share with incorporating pfSense as a router in an otherwise almost exclusive UniFi setup?
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I have used pfSense with Unifi a lot.
Unifi for wifi access points and switches and then pfSense does all the routing/vpn/dns. I have also used the Unifi Security Gateways and they are great and simple but aren't built for anything complicated. In most of the sites I have gone back to pfSense because I run into a limit of the Unifi routing software. For configuration I use the Unifi Cloud Keys.
The only real incorporation that needs to happen is if you wanted a VLAN configuration to make its way through the switches which works well.
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i run Pfsense hardware and UI AP's
i seriously stopped updating the wireless AP for a while there due to the issues they have with the firmwares
IF i didn't require openvpn tunnels i would consider their router hardware otherwise i will stick to Pfsense hardware and firewall..
their AP rule just becareful of the updates they can cause serious issues
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I've been running beta firmware on my UDMP since putting it into production in my home network. I love the new controller's dashboard and DPI statistics, but I don't think it's worth it. I have this great XG-1541 pfSense router that is not realizing its potential.
So I'm waiting on my CloudKey to arrive so I can continue configuring my UniFi AP's and switches, but I think I'm ditching the UDMP and its pretty DPI statistics and going with something more reliable and likely faster (not that I need super duper fast for a home network).
I'm not sure if it's my internet provider or the UDMP, but since exchanging my USG-4P for UDMP, I've had issues where I will click a link and 20% of the time there is either a significant delay or the link won't load at all. Images on some sites won't load initially and require a refresh of the webpage. Even as I'm writing this, I keep getting notifications from the Netgate Forum that my connection was lost.
Not sure what is causing this, but my patience has worn thin. Just dread all the time that will be involved creating my 9 VLAN's, reserving IP's, and recreating my network. Should be worth it in the long run though.