I have wanted to build a firewall appliance for awhile now. After reading various threads about consumer routers not having firmware updates available I moved forward with the project.
My hardware consists of a Dell Optiplex 790 small form factor computer from Goodwill online, less than $50.
HP pci-e dual port network card came from Ebay, $14.
I used a 240GB SSD from an old laptop I no longer use.
I updated the BIOS on the Dell before I installed Opnsense.
I chose Opnsense as the software. I debated between Opnsense and Pfsense.
The install went well. I did run into an issue where the software seemed to change my ethernet ports. After the install, when I shut down to move the box to its permanent location it came back up with wan and lan ports swapped. I did no figure out why that happened. I reconfigured my install to keep the ports in their "new" locations and I've had no more problems.
The options available are staggering at first glance. Following instructions found online I got Openvpn setup and working. I am only using a fraction of the capabilities this Opnsense has. The box has been up and running for several days and had been rock solid. I changed my TP-Link router to access mode to avoid double NAT and keep wireless connections.
I have a novice understanding of the protocols involved in this project, if anyone cares to weigh in on security measures to be aware of or configuration settings please respond. I would like to know I haven't opened myself to intrusion. I feel like I have configured everything correctly, but like I said, I'm a novice.
My hardware consists of a Dell Optiplex 790 small form factor computer from Goodwill online, less than $50.
HP pci-e dual port network card came from Ebay, $14.
I used a 240GB SSD from an old laptop I no longer use.
I updated the BIOS on the Dell before I installed Opnsense.
I chose Opnsense as the software. I debated between Opnsense and Pfsense.
The install went well. I did run into an issue where the software seemed to change my ethernet ports. After the install, when I shut down to move the box to its permanent location it came back up with wan and lan ports swapped. I did no figure out why that happened. I reconfigured my install to keep the ports in their "new" locations and I've had no more problems.
The options available are staggering at first glance. Following instructions found online I got Openvpn setup and working. I am only using a fraction of the capabilities this Opnsense has. The box has been up and running for several days and had been rock solid. I changed my TP-Link router to access mode to avoid double NAT and keep wireless connections.
I have a novice understanding of the protocols involved in this project, if anyone cares to weigh in on security measures to be aware of or configuration settings please respond. I would like to know I haven't opened myself to intrusion. I feel like I have configured everything correctly, but like I said, I'm a novice.
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