3 Gbps + PfSense - Advice/suggestions.

MrCatDad

Hey all!

I am thinking of making my own pf/OPN sense router/firewall etc. I do have a few bits of old-ish PC parts laying around. I have looked at the pfSense hardware section to get an idea, however just want more an input on the specification's I plan to use from the spare parts I got.

They are :

i7-4770K
CPU Cooler - Noctua NH-D15
Motherboard: Sabertooth z97 Mark S
16 gig ram @ 2333
SSD - 870 EVO, 250
PSU - 600

As for networking cards, is it best to get 2 x 10gigs cards or a duel single 10 gig card?

As I do want to learn pf / OPN sense over time and segment my network up. As I do a lot of editing/WFH/Hybrid stuff.

keyser

@MrCatDad That hardware will handle your 3Gbit “easily” in almost all cases. The only situation that can potentially bottleneck the setup @ 3gbit will be if you intend to do full inspection with the Suricata add-on package.
2 x 10Gbe adapters or a dual 10Gbe adapter is a mere matter of PCI slot usage and very theoretical availability if an adapter dies. So go for the cheapest and most flexible solution - but ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure it’s a Intel 10Gbe adapter. Most other makes has issues with BSD drivers.

stephenw10

The 3Gbps question makes me wonder if this is for a PPPoE WAN? That adds further limitations.

MrCatDad

@keyser said in 3 Gbps + PfSense - Advice/suggestions.:

@MrCatDad That hardware will handle your 3Gbit “easily” in almost all cases. The only situation that can potentially bottleneck the setup @ 3gbit will be if you intend to do full inspection with the Suricata add-on package.
2 x 10Gbe adapters or a dual 10Gbe adapter is a mere matter of PCI slot usage and very theoretical availability if an adapter dies. So go for the cheapest and most flexible solution - but ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure it’s a Intel 10Gbe adapter. Most other makes has issues with BSD drivers.

Thank you! I will keep this in mind!

@stephenw10 said in 3 Gbps + PfSense - Advice/suggestions.:

The 3Gbps question makes me wonder if this is for a PPPoE WAN? That adds further limitations.

Its not PPPoE, well I dont think any ways. I just logged into router to check.

Connection mode is DHCP routed from the ONT/Router device. The company is called Community Fibre in the UK.

stephenw10

@MrCatDad said in 3 Gbps + PfSense - Advice/suggestions.:

The company is called Community Fibre in the UK.

Oh, you're lucky! Here am I stuck on g.fast.