Best pfSense Hardware for Home/SOHO/Business - zenarmor.com (2024)

pfSense® software is a firewall and router that is free and open source. One of the most significant advantages of pfSense ® software is that it can be deployed on a variety of devices. You may convert an old PC or thin client into a router or even operate it as a virtual machine with a suitable network card.

pfSense® software runs on a range of platforms, including x86 64 architectures and ARM CPUs. Because pfSense ® software is recognized for being lightweight and efficient, it does not require the most powerful hardware to function well.

The hardware requirements for pfSense ® software are determined by your use case. If you only want to operate pfSense ® software in your home network with modest traffic, you will require far less hardware power than if you want to run pfSense ® software on a business network with hundreds of users and a plethora of firewall rules and capabilities.

pfSense® software may be run as a fully functional firewall in VirtualBox or VMWare for both business and private use.

When it comes to pfSense® software hardware, there are several options currently available. While third-party appliances were formerly the only possibility, Netgate has subsequently collected its own collection of hardware appliances expressly intended to run pfSense ® software. If you want to buy a new gadget, you have several pfSense hardware alternatives, which we'll go through in this article.

The best pfSense® hardware solutions available in the market are as follows:

1. Netgate 1100
2. Protectli Vault FW4B
3. Protectli Vault 6 Port
4. Qotom Q330G4
5. MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4
6. HUNSN RS34g
7. HUNSN RS03

Figure 1. Best pfSense® Hardware for Home/SOHO/Business

1. Netgate 1100​

The Netgate ® 1100 security gateway equipment with pfSense ® Plus software is appropriate for home and small business networks. It may operate totally undetected on a desktop or wall due to its small form size, low power use, and silent operation. The Netgate 1100 features a Dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.2 GHz CPU, (3) 1 GbE ports, and 1 GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing for up to 927 Mbps routing and 607 Mbps firewall throughput.

The Netgate 1100 outperforms its widely popular predecessor, the SG-1000, in terms of pfSense ® software Plus firewall performance. With pfSense ® software Plus software, world-class price-performance, stylish packaging, and an unbeatable low price, consumer and corporate users will immediately see that this device packs a real punch.

Figure 1. Netgate 1100

Some features of Netgate 1100 hardware are listed below:

• Used For: Home / Small Business

• CPU: The Marvell ARMADA® 3720 network processing system-on-chip (SoC) is powered by a powerful, yet energy-efficient, 64-bit Marvell Cortex®-A53 ARM® processor core.

• Network Ports: (3) GbE Ethernet (WAN/LAN/OPT) ports are driven by a Marvell 88E6141 networking switch.

• Storage: 8GB EMMC storage is provided.

• Memory: 1GB DDR4 RAM, DDR4 memory provides more reliability and faster transfer rates for memory-intensive applications (such as IDS/IPS).

• Cooling: Despite its much-increased performance, the Netgate 1100's passive cooling mechanism and low power demand ensure effective thermal management and silent operation anticipated for smaller devices.

• Price: $189

The Netgate 1100 has two advantages over its competitors. First, the Netgate 1100 is pre-installed with pfSense ® software. As a result, the implementation is a lot easier. Second, the Netgate and pfSense ® software projects are inextricably linked. So, in terms of support and general compatibility, Netgate devices have a minor edge.

Netgate provides a wide range of hardware solutions that cover the whole application spectrum, from household to enterprise-level solutions. The Netgate 1100 is a low-cost device that supports pfSense ® software in its entirety.

2. Protectli Vault FW4B​

The Vault is a compact form-factor PC designed to function as a firewall/router. The FW4B is built on a four-network port architecture and a low-power yet adaptable Intel Celeron J3160 CPU. This CPU supports AES-NI, Intel's Hardware Encryption Acceleration. Because the Vault is built with common Intel components (including Intel network ports), it is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including a number of open-source firewall projects. The Vault is fanless, so there are no moving components, resulting in a very robust platform that may be utilized in less-than-ideal conditions. It's all-aluminum housing (no plastic here) acts as a massive heat sink, keeping the CPU cool.

Figure 2. Protectli Vault FW4B

Some features of Protectli Vault FW4B hardware are listed below:

• Used For: Home

• Model: FW4B

• Processor: CPU Intel Celeron J3160 (64 Bit, 1.6GHz, 4 Cores, 4 Threads, 2MB L2 Cache)

• GPU: Integrated Intel Clear Video HD Technology

• Memory and Storage: RAM 1x SO-DIMM DDR3L-1600, 1.35v, Max 8GB

• Storage: 1x mSATA SSD, Max 1 TB

• Networking: 4x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, RJ-45

• USB: 2x USB 3.0

• Wireless: Optional 802.11b/g/n WiFi Kit (Protectli P/N: WAP01K)

• CPU Fan Header: None

  See Also

  Firewalling Fundamentals | pfSense DocumentationNetgate pfSense Reviews, Competitors and PricingpfSense vs SonicWall TZ: A ComparisonHow to install and configure pfSense firewall

• Max Power: 16W

• Price: 329 Euro

The Protectli Vault FW4B is an ideal alternative for your home firewall needs. This is due to the fact that you have three network interface ports to connect to this router. So you have cable connectivity to your desktop, a Wi-Fi access point, and a backup.

Protectli provides the FW4B in both barebones and kitted-out configurations. The FW4B comes equipped with an Intel Celeron Quad-Core J3160 CPU. This variant has 4GB of sDDR3 RAM and 32GB of mSATA SSD storage. Furthermore, for encryption programs, the CPU supports Intel's Advanced Encryption Standard instruction set, AES-NI. As a result, once you've installed the operating system, you'll have adequate system resources to install pfSense ® software or any other network software.

There is no active heat dispensing mechanisms on the router. The FW4B combines a heat sink with the outside body to regulate heat. Furthermore, the gadget is rather small, measuring 115x107x39mm.

Some of the advantages of Protectli Vault FW4B hardware are given below:

• The four network interface ports are excellent for home network configurations.

• The lack of a fan aids in noise reduction.

• AES-NI provides high degrees of security.

• The barebones approach allows for configuration customization.

• Customer service in the United States is available for troubleshooting.

• Money-back guarantee for 30 days

Some of the disadvantages of Protectli Vault FW4B hardware are listed below:

• Expensive

• Installation can be difficult.

• A single-year warranty

3. Protectli Vault 6 Port​

The Protectli Vault is a tiny form-factor PC that is used as a firewall micro appliance, mini PC, or router. The Vault is absolutely silent, highly compact, and can be installed anywhere thanks to its fanless design. The Vault has been tested to make sure it works well with some of the most popular open-source firewall software. pfSense ® software CE, untangle, OPNsense, VyOS, Security Onion, VyOSm, CentOS 7, *BSD, Linux, Windows, and others are all supported.

This Protectli router is designed to withstand harsh conditions. It has 6 network interface ports, making it perfect for a Small Office/Home Office arrangement. Protectli provides a good collection of system options to manage the increased number of connections.

The 6-port Protectli Vault, like the 4-port version, allows for customization. Even after you purchase RAM and storage, the barebones version saves you a significant amount of money. Alternatively, a configuration with up to 64GB DDR3 RAM and up to 960GB SSD storage is available.

Figure 3. Protectli Vault 6 Port

The 6-port model is powered by an Intel Quad-Core i5-8250U CPU (4-core, 8-thread, 6MB Cache, and up to 3.6GHz). On its alone, this appears to be a strong PC. Without a question, it is. However, a powerful device built to meet the high needs of a multi-terminal arrangement is required. As a result, the 6-port Protectli Vault is a no-brainer.

You may install pfSense ® software on any mini-PC as long as it has at least two network interface cards. If you require numerous terminals to connect to the network, you'll need to connect a switch.

Some features of Protectli Vault FW4B hardware are listed below:

• Protect your network with a small, fanless, and silent firewall. Includes US-based support and a 30-day money-back guarantee!

• Intel Quad Core Kaby Lake R i5-8250U CPU (64 bit, 1.6GHz, 3.4GHz Turbo, 6MB Smart Cache, Intel AES-NI hardware support)

• 6 Intel Gigabit Ethernet NIC ports, 4 USB 3.0 ports, 1 RJ-45 COM connector, and 1 HDMI port.

• 16GB RAM, 240GB SSD

• No operating system is pre-installed.

4. Qotom Q330G4​

The Qotom Q330G4 has more than 20 different ways to set up the system. It has one of the most I/O ports so you can add more to your setup. So, you can set up the Q220G4 to be almost any kind of network device.

You get a 4th-generation Intel Core i3-4005U processor with 3MB Cache and 1.7GHz speed. You can choose a bare-bones device that you can then customize. Or, you can choose from one of the 20 different types, which range from 2GB DDR3 RAM to 8GB DDR3 RAM. When it comes to storage, the range goes from 16 GB to 64 GB. The Q330G4 has a lot of devices that cover a wide range of prices and uses. So, you have a lot of options to choose the right device.

Figure 4. * Qotom Q330G4*

Some features of Qotom Q330G4 hardware are listed below:

• Main Port: 1 HD Video Port + 1 COM + 2 USB 2.0 + 2 USB 3.0 + 4 LAN.

• CPU: Intel Core i3-4005U SOC Processor (Haswell, Dual Core, 3M Cache, 1.7GHz). Support AES-NI.

• Configuration: 4GB DDR3L RAM, 32GB mSATA SSD, NO 2.5" SATA HDD, NO WiFi, Fanless

• Use Case: Perfect fit for a LAN or WAN router, firewall, proxy, WiFi access point, VPN appliance, DHCP Server, DNS Server, etc.

• Price: $183

5. MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4​

This device from MOGINSOK is a good 4-Port pfSense ® software device that runs well because it has Intel NICs. It is a good choice for people who are new to pfSense ® software because it has a wide range of connections (VGA, HDMI, and 2 USB 3.0 ports).

Figure 5. MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4

Some features of MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4 hardware are as follows:

• Used For: Home / Small Business / Medium-Sized Business

• Processor: Intel Celeron J4125 2.7 GHz 4-Core

• AES-NI: Yes

• RAM: 4GB DDR4 or 8GB DDR4 (Max 16GB)

• Storage: No Storage or 64GB SSD or 128GB SSD

• Ports: 4x Intel l225-V 2.5GbE, 2x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI, 1x VGA

• pfSense ® software Pre-Installed: Yes

• Cooling: Passive

The device from Moginsok has a typical design without a fan. This means that the body has heat sinks that help it get rid of heat. The aluminum body also helps get rid of heat, so you don't have to use any active cooling methods.

The advantages of MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4 hardware are as follows:

• Compatible with networks that use 2.5GbE.

• The configurations can be changed on the barebone model.

• AES-NI provides high-level security.

• Having pfSense ® software already installed makes it easier to set up.

The disadvantages of MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4 hardware are as follows:

• Only a one-year warranty.

• No help for Coreboot or BIOS flashing

• Customer service is only available by email.

6. HUNSN RS34g​

It is the firewall appliance router PC with the best price. The design is small, saves space, doesn't have a fan, makes no noise, uses little power, and saves energy.

The MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4's main rival is the HUNSN RS34g. It has the same specs as the other one, but it costs less. If you need four NICs for your firewall, this might be the most affordable way to get them.

The same thing happens with the MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4. The only thing that is different here is the case. We don't have any data to back this up, but the MOGINSOK seems to be a bit more efficient when it comes to passive cooling lines. No matter which one you choose, the quality and performance should be the same.

Figure 6. HUNSN RS34g

Some features of HUNSN RS34g hardware are as follows:

• Used For: Home / Small Business / Medium-Sized Business

• Processor: Intel Celeron J4125 2.7 GHz 4-Core

• AES-NI: Yes

• RAM: Options from 4GB to 16GB (Or Barebone)

• Storage: Options from 32GB SSD to 512GB SSD (Or Barebone)

• Ports: 4x Intel l225-V 2.5GbE, 2x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI, 1x VGA

• pfSense ® software Pre-Installed: No

• Cooling: Passive

The Intel Celeron J4125 Processor is in the RS34g from Hunsn (4M Cache, up to 2.70 GHz). So, it won't be hard for you to run a pfSense ® software instance. This model has 32GB SSD storage and 4GB DDR4 RAM. But this is just one of eleven pre-set specifications that Hunsn sells. When you want to build your device, you can choose the "barebones" version.

It has the usual design without a fan and uses the heat sink that is part of the outside shell. It's small, about the size of a stack of CDs, and won't take up much room on your desk. The body is made of aluminum, which makes it strong and light. Of course, you don't have to bring this thing with you everywhere. But since it doesn't come with a VESA mount, putting it on your desk could cause it to fall by accident.

The main advantages of HUNSN RS34g hardware are as listed below:

• You have a lot of options to choose from because there are a lot of devices that are already set up.

• The configurations can be changed on the barebone model.

• The lack of a fan helps keep the noise down.

• AES-NI provides high-level security.

• Compatible with networks that use 2.5GbE.

The main disadvantages of HUNSN RS34g hardware are as given below:

• Installation can be hard because you have to start from scratch with everything.

• If you flash the BIOS, the device will no longer work.

7. HUNSN RS03​

The Hunsn RS03 has all of the most important features of a pfSense ® software router. The body has a mounting bracket for installing it on a server rack. So, you can put the device in the server room and easily access it from a distance. So, it's perfect for the typical network infrastructure in an office.

The Intel Celeron J4125 Processor is included (4M Cache, up to 2.70 GHz). This is the bare-bones version, so you will need to add RAM and a storage module. The device can use up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and you can connect an SSD to the mSATA slot. You can choose one of seven pre-configured devices that come with up to 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB of storage space.

Figure 7. HUNSN RS03

Some features of HUNSN RS03 hardware are as follows:

The HUNSN RS03 is the ideal device for businesses with centralized server rooms. The form factor of the device is ideal for rack installation. Additionally, the operation of a device with multiple fans can be loud. Therefore, it is not suitable for quiet workplaces.

The benefits of HUNSN RS03 hardware are as follows:

• The configurations can be changed easily with the barebones version.

• You have a lot of options because there are different types of specifications.

• Its shape makes it perfect for server racks or room setups.

• The security levels of AES-NI are very high.

The drawbacks of HUNSN RS03 hardware are as follows:

• There is no option for 2.5G/10G Ethernet to support high-speed networks.

• Not suitable for quiet environments like offices.

What is the Best pfSense Hardware?​

When purchasing a pfSense Router you should consider the following factors:

• System Particulars: To use a sophisticated network tool like pfSense, your device must meet the minimum system requirements. Consequently, it is vital to meet pfSense's minimal requirements. However, you should provide the suggested set of specs to guarantee that you have no problems when using pfSense. The recommended pfSense specs are as follows:

  • CPU with a speed of 1GHz
  • 1GB RAM and 1GB of storage

• Video Ports: The pfSense routers are independent mini-PCs. Frequently, they run an operating system. And to communicate with the operating system, you must connect a monitor to a video port. You do not need to utilize an operating system, but you must use virtualization tools to personalize your configuration.Except for the Netgate 1100, every router on our list has either an HDMI or VGA connection or both.

• Quantity and variety of network ports: The number of network ports a router provides has a direct bearing on how many devices may be connected to it. Naturally, you have the option to connect a Network Switch for bigger configurations, such as workplaces. This may be accomplished with just one or two ports. To avoid utilizing a Switch, however, home office configurations may easily make due with four to six connections. Regarding the kind, some routers include 2.5GbE ports that are compatible with high-speed networks. Therefore, you must be cautious of the port type if you want to get greater network speed.

Which pfSense Hardware is Best for Home Use?​

No matter which appliance you choose, make sure you know what you need before you buy it. When picking a firewall, there are many things to think about.

You have a lot of options if you want to buy a stand-alone device or an individual NIC that will let you run pfSense ® software as a virtual machine or on old hardware. You can probably turn an old desktop computer into a router if you have one lying around. For LAN and WAN connections, you might need to buy an extra network card, but the rest of the hardware should work fine. This machine will probably use a lot more electricity than the other choices, and it will have to be on all the time.

You can also make a virtual pfSense ® software router with new or old hardware. A virtual router can be helpful in many ways, such as

• Flexibility: Snapshots make it easy to change a setting back if you make a mistake.

• Scalability: Need a router with more power? You don't have to buy new hardware; just give your virtual router more power.

• Portability: A VM is easy to move from one computer to another.

There are a lot of great and cheap options for pfSense hardware. Any of them is probably a good choice. Choose the one that works best for you.

Netgate makes good, solid options, but you can save money by going virtual or building your own hardware. pfSense ® software is a great choice for a home router no matter which way you go.

What is pfSense Software?​

The pfSense ® ssoftware is a FreeBSD-based operating system that can be used to install and set up a firewall. The firewall can be set up easily through the web interface and can be installed on any PC. With all the security features and business-level features that pfSense ® software has, it's hard to believe that it's free and open source.

How is pfSense Software Used?​

By definition, pfSense ® software is software for building a firewall. This software can be put on any computer with at least two network interface cards. This way, you only need one interface card to get signals from your incoming line (typically from your ISP). Next, the pfSense ® software firewall software figures out what the signal means and separates the traffic that is trying to do harm. Once that's done, the second interface acts as a line for valid data signals to go out.

Which Firewall does pfSense ® Software Use?​

pfSense ® software employs the packet-filtering tool, PF. PF (Packet Filter, sometimes spelled pf) is a BSD-licensed stateful packet filter and a key component of firewalling software. It is similar to the programs netfilter (iptables), ipfw, and ipfilter. PF was originally designed for OpenBSD but has now been ported to several other operating systems.

The pfSense ® software is a stateful firewall, meaning it retains information about connections running across the firewall in order to automatically permit reply traffic. This information is stored in the State Table. The connection information in the state table comprises the source, target, protocol, and ports, among other details: Sufficient to uniquely identify a link. Using this approach, just the interface where traffic enters the firewall must be authorized. When a connection meets a pass rule, the firewall populates the state table with an entry. Reply traffic to connections is automatically permitted back across the firewall by matching it against the state database, as opposed to having to verify both directions of rules. This includes any traffic connected to a separate protocol, such as ICMP control messages sent in response to a TCP, UDP, or other connection.

What hardware is recommended for a pfSense firewall?​

How hardware is chosen will vary depending on the market segment and the intended use. Let's group the recommended pfSense firewall hardware based on home, small office/home office (SOHO), and business needs.

The following hardware is recommended for pfSense Home Use:

• Protectli Vault FW4B: Compact form-factor PC with low-power Intel Celeron J3160 CPU, suitable for home firewall needs, and AES-NI support for enhanced security.
• Qotom Q330G4: Versatile setup options with multiple configurations, featuring an Intel Core i3-4005U CPU and support for AES-NI, suitable for home network device setups.
• MOGINSOK MGSRCJ4: 4-port pfSense hardware device with an Intel Celeron J4125 CPU, suitable for home networks with multiple connectivity options including VGA, HDMI, and USB 3.0 ports.

The following hardware is recommended for pfSense Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Use:

• Protectli Vault 6 Port: Compact PC with six Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports, suitable for small office/home office setups, customizable options, and a fanless design for silent operation.
• HUNSN RS34g: Affordable firewall appliance router PC with Intel Celeron J4125 CPU, suitable for small businesses seeking cost-effective firewall solutions with multiple 2.5GbE ports.

The following hardware is recommended for pfSense Business Use:

• Netgate 1100: Security Gateway Equipment with a Dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU, suitable for small businesses, pre-installed with pfSense software for ease of implementation and efficient performance.
• HUNSN RS03: Designed for rack installation in businesses with centralized server rooms, featuring an Intel Celeron J4125 CPU and up to 16GB DDR4 RAM, suitable for medium-sized businesses with specific infrastructure requirements.

These hardware options are tailored to meet the needs of different environments, ranging from home networks to small offices/home offices (SOHO) and medium-sized businesses.

What are the hardware requirements for pfSense?​

The hardware requirements for pfSense are as follows:

• CPU: A 64-bit amd64 (x86-64) compatible CPU is required.
• RAM: A minimum of 512 MB of RAM is needed.
• Storage: At least 8 GB of free hard disk space is required.
• Network Interface: At least one compatible network interface is necessary, although having more than one is practical for most setups.
• Bootable USB Drive: A bootable USB drive with at least 1 GB of space is required for installation.

These are the minimal hardware requirements outlined for running pfSense software. However, the actual hardware needs may vary depending on the specific use case and network requirements.

What is a pfSense hardware appliance?​

A pfSense hardware appliance refers to a dedicated hardware device optimized for running pfSense software. These appliances are purpose-built to provide robust firewall and routing capabilities while ensuring efficient performance and reliability. They typically come pre-installed with pfSense software, making them ready to deploy out of the box. PfSense hardware appliances may vary in specifications and form factors, catering to different network sizes and usage scenarios, ranging from home networks to small businesses and enterprises. Examples of pfSense hardware appliances include the Netgate 1100 and Protectli Vault FW4B, each offering specific features and configurations tailored to meet various network needs.

What is the hardware compatibility for pfSense?​

The hardware compatibility for pfSense includes a wide range of platforms, architectures, and components. PfSense software can run on various platforms, including x86 64 architectures and ARM CPUs. It is recognized for being lightweight and efficient, allowing it to run on hardware that may not be the most powerful. The minimal hardware requirements include a 64-bit amd64 (x86-64) compatible CPU, 512 MB of RAM, 8 GB of free hard disk space, at least one compatible network interface, and a bootable USB drive with at least 1 GB of space for installation. PfSense can be deployed on different devices such as old PCs, thin clients, virtual machines, and dedicated hardware appliances, providing flexibility in hardware choice to accommodate different network setups and usage needs.

How can I install pfSense Plus on my hardware?​

While the general installation process for pfSense Plus and pfSense CE (Community Edition) shares some similarities, there are key differences to be aware of:

• It requires a separate installation image specifically for pfSense Plus, available from the Netgate Store after purchase.
• You can not go to Plus without first installing CE unless you have a Netgate device, which provides images.

Here's a general outline of the installation process for pfSense Plus:

1. Download the pfSense Plus installation image from the Netgate Store.
2. Prepare bootable media: Use a tool like Rufus or Etcher to create a bootable USB drive or prepare a virtual machine image with the downloaded installation file.
3. Boot your system from the prepared media.
4. Choose the installation destination: Select the storage device where you want to install pfSense Plus.
5. Configure network interfaces: Assign IP addresses and network settings to your network interfaces.
6. Configure additional settings (optional): Set a root password, time zone, and other desired configurations.
7. Accept the Netgate license agreement: Agree to the terms and conditions before proceeding.
8. Complete the installation: The installation process will take some time, depending on your hardware.
9. Access the web interface: Open a web browser and navigate to the IP address you assigned to the pfSense Plus web interface (typically https://192.168.1.1).
10. Log in with the default credentials: Username: "admin" and Password: "pfsense" (you should change these immediately).