Build your own Firewall/Router with PFSense.
pfSense is an open source firewall/router computer software distribution based on FreeBSD. It is installed on a physical computer or a virtual machine to make a dedicated firewall/router for a network and is noted for its reliability and offering features often only found in expensive commercial firewalls. It can be configured and upgraded through a web-based interface, and requires no knowledge of the underlying FreeBSD system to manage. pfSense is commonly deployed as a perimeter firewall, router, wireless access point, DHCP server, DNS server, and as a VPNendpoint. pfSense supports installation of third-party packages like Snort or Squid through its Package Manager.
The system is fairly light weight an can be run on old or inexpensive hardware. For my purpose which is a home/small business router, where I want VPN capability, squid proxy server and easy router for a web server and low power draw.
I went with a Asus J1800I-A SOC system. It is a 2.4Ghz Dual core Celeron, and out fitted it with 4GB of DDR3L ram.
I had paid $98 for the SOC, $50 for the ram, $50 for the case and $45 for the PSU. This SOC system has a PCI port and I used an INTEL Gigabit Adapter for the LAN port (49.99 to buy new). I also have a 120 GB SSD for the system install.
Overall the system runs between 50 and 60% load. The Disk usage is about 500mb for the ufs, tmp and var partition. Memory Usage runs at about 6%. The system is fast and easy to manage.
Overall the system runs between 50 and 60% load. The Disk usage is about 500mb for the ufs, tmp and var partition. Memory Usage runs at about 6%. The system is fast and easy to manage.
SOC:
Total: 284.98 + Tax
