pfSense Plus Home

JonathanD

I'm running pfSense CE and consider upgrading to pfSense Plus Home.
The product page does not specify "Software Update" for Home license (as it does for "TAC Lite")
Does Plus Home get regular updates?
Are there any differences in functionality between Home / TAC licenses or those are change different support plans ?

Thanks!

stephenw10

There is only one Plus version, those are just different support types. They are functionally identical.

Steve

Dobby_

@jonathand said in pfSense Plus Home:

I'm running pfSense CE and consider upgrading to pfSense Plus Home.
The product page does not specify "Software Update" for Home license (as it does for "TAC Lite")

I run pfSense 23.01 at home and get updates for the system and the packets well!

Does Plus Home get regular updates?

Yes this will be the case

Are there any differences in functionality between Home / TAC licenses or those are change different support plans ?

No differences the functions are the same, but you
will be only allowed to use the pf+ at home or in a lab
network for evaluating it.

You may see the system is up to date and if you control the packets on both pictures you will see three differences
(version number) so you will get even all updates you want. updated pkgs.jpg
System patches
pfBlocker-NG
Snort

JonathanD

@dobby_ - Thank you for the detailed answser !

furom

@stephenw10 said in pfSense Plus Home:

There is only one Plus version, those are just different support types.

Hm. So those with TAC-Lite will be changed into Home eventually? How would request for images work if email is not an option?

bingo600

@furom
Where did you see a product called pfSense Plus Home ?

pfSense Plus as i know it, is free for home/lab usage.
And i think i read that Netgate stated it will remain that way.

Obtaining home/lab licenses are "automated" and super easy.
I have 5 home licenses at the moment ( Two Prod-machines + Two backup + 1 play)
I might apply for another two, for my new "Mini's"

Other usage requires a subscription, that afaik. at moment still is "free".
Netgate has informed that the subscription will be payable sometime in the future.

Ie. I have 6 pfSense 2.6.0 at work, that i would consider to convert to Plus.
But i do have some demands before i can switch:
1: There has to be a Plus image for "Non Netgate HW"
2: I have to pay via a yearly invoice sent to the company - Webportal & CC won't work here.

/Bingo

furom

@bingo600 said in pfSense Plus Home:

Where did you see a product called pfSense Plus Home

This link is what I found the info on
https://www.netgate.com/pfsense-plus-software/software-types

And yes, I get that it will remain free which perhaps is good, but feel like something nice is removed. Will images be offered on the website if a re-flash should be neccessary, that is what TAC Lite has been for thus far, but if removed (without paying the ~$120), what then?

bingo600

@furom said in pfSense Plus Home:

@bingo600 said in pfSense Plus Home:

Where did you see a product called pfSense Plus Home

This link is what I found the info on
https://www.netgate.com/pfsense-plus-software/software-types

And yes, I get that it will remain free which perhaps is good, but feel like something nice is removed. Will images be offered on the website if a re-flash should be neccessary, that is what TAC Lite has been for thus far, but if removed (without paying the ~$120), what then?

I have no problem contacting TAC, in order to get an image. Just as the "Netgate HW" users do.

Btw:
If you use the pfSense in a Non Home/Lab environment. And are calculating the $120/yr into the equation. Then Netgate HW pricing (where Plus is free), begins to be comparable to a "China Box". Maybe even with Netgate EU prices .....

/Bingo

furom

@bingo600 said in pfSense Plus Home:

I have no problem contacting TAC, in order to get an image. Just as the "Netgate HW" users do.

Sure, but they aren't enforcing the new subscriptions yet, seems to be a transfer period(?). I'm not saying there is a problem, just curious how it will work going forward as TAC seems to be removed from the equation. I have had to use it a few times

stephenw10

When we get the Plus installer images I imagine there will also be an automated method for downloading them because the additional load on TAC that would create would be significant.
However should those two things not coincide then emailing TAC with image requests would not be limited to TAC Lite. Users to signed up for home/lab will not be left with no upgrade path.

Steve

furom

@stephenw10 said in pfSense Plus Home:

should those two things not coincide then emailing TAC with image requests would not be limited to TAC Lite. Users to signed up for home/lab will not be left with no upgrade path.

Thanks, that was that. I am a little curious to why the TAC Lite with subscription don't seem to offer anything more than "Zero to Ping"? I would find it useful to have a way of getting help from TAC (at a cost) when needed, but find the subscriptions to be way too pricy. Maybe making it possible to buy say, 5 tickets for $XX, valid for a period (use it or loose it).

stephenw10

We have had various support models over the years. At one time we did have incidents like that but was not really viable. What counts as an 'incident' is hard to define accurately.

furom

@stephenw10 said in pfSense Plus Home:

We have had various support models over the years. At one time we did have incidents like that but was not really viable. What counts as an 'incident' is hard to define accurately.

True, can understand that. I would have suggested some sort of "up-front" agreement and then least path to fulfill that, but way easier said than done.