Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic
1 | 2 | 3
Oubadah

676 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #501701 4-Aug-2011 00:01
Send private message

As I mentioned earlier, I have a dual port Intel NIC, which I will use if I go the PFsense route: PRO/1000 MT server adaptor.

 
 
 

Best TrendMicro deals for antivirus and malware protection(affiliate link).
muppet
2388 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #501721 4-Aug-2011 07:02
Send private message

I'm still curious what you actually plan to use it for. Otherwise we're all still just guessing at what we personally think is good.




I hate you.


PANiCnz
936 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #502036 4-Aug-2011 17:24
Send private message

I'm running pfSense on an HP Thin Client with the PCI expansion module, upgraded memory and a compact flash card to replace the DOM.

This thing uses hardly any power and runs like a champ.

I can't see the point in using a fullsize PC for a router, especially a multicore monster, the power usage would be huge for minimal gain.

For a SOHO environment you really don't need too much.



Oubadah

676 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #502097 4-Aug-2011 19:00
Send private message

muppet: I'm still curious what you actually plan to use it for.


Hosting large multiplayer (dedicated) servers without affecting anyone's browsing/streaming/usual internet tasks, and also heavy torrent usage.

And I want more access control features.

PANiCnz: I'm running pfSense on an HP Thin Client with the PCI expansion module, upgraded memory and a compact flash card to replace the DOM. 

what model is this? 

PANiCnz
936 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #502113 4-Aug-2011 19:27
Send private message

Similar to the t5300 but I can't remember the specific model number. Its one of the older ones with the crappy Transmeta CPU's. Got it from work for free.

The hard part is finding the PCI expansion module, had to get it from OZ they're pretty rare.

sbiddle
30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod
Trusted
Biddle Corp
Lifetime subscriber

  #502122 4-Aug-2011 19:40
Send private message

IMHO if you're going to the hassle of buying a PC you may as well just buy a Mikrotik 750 for ~$70. There is a learning curve but you'll learn a lot about networking on the way.

mastapenguin
71 posts

Master Geek


  #502130 4-Aug-2011 19:52
Send private message

I have an Alix 2D3 running pfsense like a champ (http://pcengines.ch/alix2d3.htm). Got it shipped here for ~NZ200 and about 5 working days. Can't really ask for more and it hardly uses any power.


Another alternative I considered was getting an Asus RT-N16 and flashing Tomato firmware onto it. This is one of the more powerful consumer routers and you get the benefit of N-wireless.


I see you already have some server hardware you plan on running pfsense with. This will end up costing you a lot in your power bill though. A 100Watt PC running 24/7 could cost you an additional $10/mo+ in power or $120 annually.


I ended up going with the Alix board because:
+ Geode 800mhz processor is a lot more powerful than the N16's processor
+ Could install linux and use it for home server should I acquire a better router/modem
+ 3 Network interfaces + mini pci gives lots of connectivity options

Couple of shortcomings:
- Wireless costs extra. You have to buy a mini pci card. pfSense doesn't support wireless N yet. I just reused my old router as a wireless access point.
- Need a gigabit switch to get you the ethernet ports that would come standard with the N16 (I already had one)



ArcticSilver
722 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #502197 4-Aug-2011 23:16
Send private message

All other options aside....

I have used (and still do use) PFSense at home for the last 3 or so years.

At the office where i work.

To fix a unreliable internet connection issue for a small-medimum sized business.

To connect to the PFSense box i use a Dynalink RTA1320 in half bridged mode. You can pick one of these up off trademe for bugger all ($5~).

For the PFSense box I have used multiple computers ranging from 500mhz upwards with 256mb's of RAM or more (however you can easily run it on less).


This combination has proven to be great for the telecom cabinets (as the modem is a broadcom chipset) and at the same time amazing for stability as the modem only acts as a modem and authentication (because of the half bridging) rather than a fully fledged router.

I am yet to have any issues with PFSense and uptime. My internet connection is reliable and consistant, even with heavy usage.

I would highly recommend it over most other products because it uses proper networking terminology and is coded extremely well. It is a extremely powerful product.

In my mind it doesnt even compare to the likes of Smoothwall Monowall etc.

Just as a side note, if you do use it make sure you enable the traffic shaper, otherwise you will have issues with your torrenting taking over etc.

Privoxy
132 posts

Master Geek


  #503903 9-Aug-2011 14:55
Send private message

I have a duel core 2.8Ghz with 4Gb of ram running PFsense...

The main reason its so grunty is I had no other need for the system... And its nice to be able to over load it with lots of useless packages you never really need or use ;)

I have a lot of stuff on there I do and don't use.

Snort
Squid
SquidGuard
LightSquid
OpenVPN

Are all very useful things depending on your needs but can take a bit more power than a small light box can produce.


I am actually having a few problems getting my PFsense box happy in a dual wan environment, so if anyone knows a bit about it, please flick me a message so I can pick your brain a bit.



ObidiahSlope
260 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #503913 9-Aug-2011 15:03
Send private message

This thread from the Christchurch Linux Users Group mail archive may be useful;

http://lists.canterbury.ac.nz/pipermail/linux-users/2011-July/001057.html




Obsequious hypocrite

Oubadah

676 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #506818 15-Aug-2011 14:36
Send private message

I am still undecided.

Will Tomato/DD-WRT allow me to create a filter that blocks internet traffic to all MAC addresses except those I specify?

PS. the key word there is 'internet', they should still be able to access the LAN even if I haven't specified their MAC.


Privoxy
132 posts

Master Geek


  #506849 15-Aug-2011 15:21
Send private message

This is a two second rule of PFsense - It is extremely easy to set rules for each IP address, MAC address, subnet, or adapter.

Have never used DD-WRT so cannot comment on that front.

Oubadah

676 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #506918 15-Aug-2011 17:05
Send private message

Privoxy: IP address, MAC address, subnet, or adapter.


Pardon my ignorance, but by adapter do you mean it can differentiate clients by their actual NIC hardware (making it impossible to bypass like one could by spoofing a MAC)?

1080p
1332 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user


  #506933 15-Aug-2011 17:45
Send private message

@Privoxy, you have a PM regarding multiple WAN.

@Oubadah, I believe that by adapter is meant the pfSense machine's local NIC hardware. Just a guess, however.

Ragnor
8085 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #507072 16-Aug-2011 01:47
Send private message

Oubadah:

Will Tomato/DD-WRT allow me to create a filter that blocks internet traffic to all MAC addresses except those I specify?

PS. the key word there is 'internet', they should still be able to access the LAN even if I haven't specified their MAC.



Yes TomatoUSB and DD-WRT have access restriction rules that will allow you to do this.

1 | 2 | 3
View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic





News and reviews »

New Air Traffic Management Platform and Resilient Buildings a Milestone for Airways
Posted 6-Dec-2023 05:00


Logitech G Launches New Flagship Console Wireless Gaming Headset Astro A50 X
Posted 5-Dec-2023 21:00


NordVPN Helps Users Protect Themselves From Vulnerable Apps
Posted 5-Dec-2023 14:27


First-of-its-Kind Flight Trials Integrate Uncrewed Aircraft Into Controlled Airspace
Posted 5-Dec-2023 13:59


Prodigi Technology Services Announces Strategic Acquisition of Conex
Posted 4-Dec-2023 09:33


Samsung Announces Galaxy AI
Posted 28-Nov-2023 14:48


Epson Launches EH-LS650 Ultra Short Throw Smart Streaming Laser Projector
Posted 28-Nov-2023 14:38


Fitbit Charge 6 Review 
Posted 27-Nov-2023 16:21


Cisco Launches New Research Highlighting Gap in Preparedness for AI
Posted 23-Nov-2023 15:50


Seagate Takes Block Storage System to New Heights Reaching 2.5 PB
Posted 23-Nov-2023 15:45


Seagate Nytro 4350 NVMe SSD Delivers Consistent Application Performance and High QoS to Data Centers
Posted 23-Nov-2023 15:38


Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Max (2nd Generation) Review
Posted 14-Nov-2023 16:17


Over half of New Zealand adults surveyed concerned about AI shopping scams
Posted 3-Nov-2023 10:42


Super Mario Bros. Wonder Launches on Nintendo Switch
Posted 24-Oct-2023 10:56


Google Releases Nest WiFi Pro in New Zealand
Posted 24-Oct-2023 10:18









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.







Backblaze unlimited backup