Best setup for me? (1 WAN & 3 LAN)

[HelloZ]

I currently have a system with the following specs:

CPU: 800 MHz (AMD K7)
RAM: 128 MB (SDRAM)
1x 100 Mbit NIC (Compaq 10/100 Tx)
3x 1Gbit NIC (LevelOne GNC-0105T)

I have installed pfSense and assigned the 100 Mbit NIC as WAN. One of the gigabit NICs are assigned as LAN and the 2 remaining are assigned as OPT1 and OPT2.
How can I make this box work like a normal router, how do I set up the LAN cards so I can connect 3 PCs to it in total and they will be connected to the internet?

Also, sometimes when I switch the LAN cables between my NICs, pfSense shows a warning and reboots, can this be fixed?

[wallabybob]

@HelloZ:

How can I make this box work like a normal router, how do I set up the LAN cards so I can connect 3 PCs to it in total and they will be connected to the internet?

Perhaps you want to bridge OPT1 and OPT2 to LAN. In the web GUI, Interfaces -> OPT1 in the IP Configuration section, Bridge with use the pull down menu to select LAN then click Save.

@HelloZ:

Also, sometimes when I switch the LAN cables between my NICs, pfSense shows a warning and reboots, can this be fixed?

What is the text of the warning? Is there a panic message displayed? Is there a real need to switch the cables? ("If it hurts don't do it!" But I do think it should be more resilient.)

[ktims]

@wallabybob:

@HelloZ:

How can I make this box work like a normal router, how do I set up the LAN cards so I can connect 3 PCs to it in total and they will be connected to the internet?

Perhaps you want to bridge OPT1 and OPT2 to LAN. In the web GUI, Interfaces -> OPT1 in the IP Configuration section, Bridge with use the pull down menu to select LAN then click Save.

This will work, but note that performance is going to suck. Your CPU and I/O subsystem isn't going to come close to saturating GigE this way, so you'll be crippling LAN->LAN performance somewhat. You'd be better off with a cheap GigE switch and just one LAN interface.

[HelloZ]

Can I set it up as a switch so that performace is equal to my switch.

[wallabybob]

@HelloZ:

Can I set it up as a switch so that performace is equal to my switch.

If you want switch performance you need to use a switch.