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    Choosing the Right Network Switch for a pfsense Setup: Recommendations?

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    • J
      jackhicks121
      last edited by jackhicks121

      Hi everyone,

      I'm in the process of setting up a network using pfsense, and I'm looking for recommendations on the best network switches to pair with it. The setup will primarily be for a small-to-medium-sized business, with around 50-100 devices, including servers, workstations, and IP cameras.

      A few specific questions I have:

      Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches: Given the number of devices and the need for VLANs, would it be better to go with a managed switch? Are there any specific features I should be looking for to complement pfsense?

      PoE Considerations: Some of our devices, like IP cameras and VoIP phones, require Power over Ethernet (PoE). What are your thoughts on integrating a PoE switch in this setup? Any recommendations on reliable PoE switches that work well with pfsense?

      Brand and Model Recommendations: Are there specific brands or models that you’ve found to work particularly well with pfsense? We’re looking for something that offers a good balance between performance and cost, with solid support and reliability.

      Scalability: As the network grows, we might need to scale up. What should I consider in terms of switch capacity and features to ensure smooth scalability? Is stacking switches a good option, or should I consider higher port count models right from the start?

      I’d appreciate any insights or experiences you can share, especially if you’ve deployed a similar setup. Thanks in advance for your help!

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      • J
        jackhicks121
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        • K
          kaser74968
          last edited by kaser74968

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