Pfsense

[CrypticNetworks]

Hello All,

 

Recently I've been nose-diving into PfSense, thinking how cool it is. I need some help either building a box or finding used hardware.  I'm thinking an old Dell Optiplex 790, but am unsure so let me know.  I don't want to spend more than $250-300.

 

My home connection is about 120 down and 11 upload

[NinJake]

Have you looked on craigslist or ebay? Even amazon?

[knightslugger]

just about anything will work. it doesn't take a massive amount of power.

[CrypticNetworks]

9 hours ago, knightslugger said:

just about anything will work. it doesn't take a massive amount of power.

 

9 hours ago, NinJake said:

Have you looked on craigslist or ebay? Even amazon?

Yes. I’m talking is that a good choice...or are there other options?

[Donut417]

24 minutes ago, IntelBeastboy said:

 

Yes. I’m talking is that a good choice...or are there other options?

I mean, There are units you can buy from China. I see them in youtube videos about PFsense all the time. I cant really recommend any due to the fact Im not using one. But most of these units were maybe $200-300. 

 

Though if you go an old computer that could be an option. At least for now. 

[CrypticNetworks]

9 hours ago, Donut417 said:

I mean, There are units you can buy from China. I see them in youtube videos about PFsense all the time. I cant really recommend any due to the fact Im not using one. But most of these units were maybe $200-300. 

 

Though if you go an old computer that could be an option. At least for now. 

Are they going to start to go proprietary??  I mean they support their software one year after its final release correct? I just want to find something with AES-NI for somewhat of a future proof system. 

[knightslugger]

13 hours ago, IntelBeastboy said:

 

Yes. I’m talking is that a good choice...or are there other options?

there's always other options. you could buy their hardware...https://www.pfsense.org/products/

[Donut417]

9 hours ago, IntelBeastboy said:

Are they going to start to go proprietary??  I mean they support their software one year after its final release correct? I just want to find something with AES-NI for somewhat of a future proof system. 

Many of these boxes from China are not from PFsense. While you could buy hardware directly from PFsense for a lot of money. The stuff from China, doesn't even come with PFsenese preinstalled. Some of the items are bare bone machines where you need RAM and storage. 

 

As far as support goes, I couldn't tell you. Id treat PFsense like Linux. Your not going to get more support than an online forum. Especially if you using it for free. If you want to pay hundreds of dollars for PFsense hardware then Im sure they will give you all the support in the world. 

[jj9987]

15 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Many of these boxes from China are not from PFsense. While you could buy hardware directly from PFsense for a lot of money. The stuff from China, doesn't even come with PFsenese preinstalled. Some of the items are bare bone machines where you need RAM and storage. 

 

As far as support goes, I couldn't tell you. Id treat PFsense like Linux. Your not going to get more support than an online forum. Especially if you using it for free. If you want to pay hundreds of dollars for PFsense hardware then Im sure they will give you all the support in the world. 

Rumours have been going around that some contain malware.

 

To OP: I consider looking at Netgate's own line of products. https://www.netgate.com/solutions/pfsense/#on-premises

 

9 hours ago, IntelBeastboy said:

Are they going to start to go proprietary??  I mean they support their software one year after its final release correct? I just want to find something with AES-NI for somewhat of a future proof system. 

No, Netgate has officially said on reddit (/r/pfSense, they are very active there) pfSense is open source and will always remain so. pfSense is same that you can download on the page and what you get with their hardware with minor differences regarding the hardware. 

 

If you are talking about the one year support, it is the Gold membership that they offer. It gives additional support, some training materials, access to digital videos/books, automatic backups and much more. It's not a necessity to have it to use pfSense. Community Edition will always be free.

[leadeater]

Sophos XG Home Edition is another good option to look at.

https://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-xg-firewall-home-edition.aspx