Setting up an HP laptop with internal NIC and USB-C NIC adapter (8gb Ram and 120HD)

joelgsus

My question is which NIC should be used for WAN? the internal or USB-C NIC?

I know they can both be used but would like to hear from you to see which one might give better performance. I'll be getting a `netgate 1100 sometime but for now I want to setup above hardware just because i have many computer's seating around and I want to secure my "homelab" a little better and of course learn more along the way. Thanks in advance

(been watching lots of youtube videos regarding pfsence setup)

Rico

You should not use any USB NIC with pfSense or FreeBSD.
If you really want to use this Laptop for pfSense you can try the Router-on-a-Stick method depending on your bandwidth needs: https://docs.netgate.com/platforms/minnowboard/pfsense.html

-Rico

joelgsus

Thanks @rico you are the 2nd person that recommends this method. I may have to give it a try. FYI. it's just for home regular wifi/network 300/300 fiber speed.

stephenw10

Consider this a 3rd recommendation.

USB NICs might work OK, some people report no problems. But you have to lucky!

Using VLANs with the onboard NIC will work fine.

Steve

joelgsus

@stephenw10 I’m going with laptop NIC only with VLAN and managed switch.
I’m new at pfsense and vlan world so having a rough time configuring it. I have a Netgear GS728TP switch. Been following a guide from joe0.com but it’s not working. I’m never able to get into the pfsense dashboard.

On the other hand I gave it a try with internal NIC and USB NIC and got it to work but then my Speedtest results were horrible so I undid everything and I’m back where I started.

joelgsus

@joelgsus this is the exact link I’m using

https://www.joe0.com/2019/11/16/converting-single-nic-mini-pc-into-pfsense-router-firewall-by-using-virtual-lan-configuration-on-a-managed-switch/

Where it says Now you can access the pfSense web-based menu by going to https://192.168.10.1 which I configured as 192.168.1.5 I can’t reach it on my laptop which I plugged in the netgear router cause else how will I be able to reach it otherwise?

stephenw10

Can you post you config or what setting you have actually made?

joelgsus

@stephenw10 when I get a chance tonight or tomorrow If I haven’t figure it out I’ll post some screenshots for you thank taking your time to reply to me.