Hi Everyone,

 

First i apologies if this is in the wrong topic or area - this topic is not related to unraid but as so many here have pfSense set ups and recommend using a separate machine i wanted to ask for views on my proposed built

 

Current Setup

First off let me give you an overhead of my current set up so give you an idea of how low end things are. My current router is a D-Link DIR-850L Model A router (here)

 

This router served well but now we have more and more network traffic and mobile devices we are seeing issues with the router locking up and needing reboots and being unable to load webpages via wifi even with wifi signal, we are also suffering some dead spots even with a fairly small vitorian brick house. This device connects to a modem using PPPoE

 

Proposed pfSense Build

 

CPU/Mobo: ASRock C2750D4I Avoton C2750 8 Core (here)

Memory: 16GB Crucial ECC Unbuffered DDR3 8 GB 1600 MHz UDIMM (here)

Storage: 120GB SSD

Case: 1U Server Case (here)

PSU: 320W 1U Flex ATX (here)

 

I am fairly sure i can install pfSense on the SSD and use the SSD for cache if needed but please correct me if i am wrong

 

This router will need to handle the following:

• ipSec Site-to-Site
  
• OpenVPN - potentially
  
• Squid - potentially but not needed
  
• DarkStat
  
• Snort
  
• Country Block
  

 

This router will need to bridge this site to another so i can access CCTV cameras for remote recording - up to 8mbps through the vpn is all i expect to see constantly. I will also have my unraid server behind this router to allow remote access to important documents and offsite backup for the other property (not huge files - 20mbps maximum throughput due to current internet limitations but wish to cater for up to 1gbps)

 

Power usage is important on this system and i would prefer it to be as quiet as possible - i watercooled my current 4u server so it was silent!

 

Access Point

I have been recommended Trendnet access points by work however work have not tested wireless AC models enough to be sure - i do need wireless ac as one machine will be losing its wired connection for a wireless ac connection

 

I have been reading a lot of good reviews for the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO (here) which has wireless AC and i can use the unraid ubiquiti docker for management

 

Any recommendations on which of these to go for would be great - the wireless is streaming multiple 1080p videos and youtube constantly

 

Connections

I have an 8 port POE switch already which is soon to be upgraded so everything will be connecting as follows

• modem to pfsense - logged in using PPPoE
  
• pfsense to switch
  
• switch to everything else
  

 

Finishing Up

So i don't know what sort of benefits to expect on my current line (60 down, 20 up) but i'm hoping this will be plenty to cater for future line upgrades

 

IPMI on the motherboard is great so i can run it headless from my server rack

I don't want to put lower end hardware in the router just in case and this cpu/mobo is not that expensive at all

 

As i have never moved away from commercial routers until now and am going to a completely custom and separated solution that i have never used i wanted to see if anyone here has anything to point out, things to consider and potential pitfalls to my solution above

 

As always any comment is highly appreciated and i look forward to seeing what you all have to say

 

Jamie

 

Edit:

So i guess i had better mention some budgets - my budget for router and access point is: £670

 

Right now my pricing is:

• CPU/Mobo - £347.48
  
• PSU - £29.96
  
• Case - £35.99
  
• Memory - £81.98
  
• SSD - £39.49
  

Total: £534.9

 

Access Point - £131.48

 

Intended Users

5 Hardwired systems

10 Wireless devices

8 IP CCTV Cams (4mp) - 2 being accessed using the IPSec vpn

 

I'm going for a 1u system to go into my rack without filling up too much space (using 8 of my 15u for servers, and have switches, ups's etc. to add) - my current proposed system should fit in a 1u rack without issues but if it doesn't please let me know

I have been reading a lot of good reviews for the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO (here) which has wireless AC and i can use the unraid ubiquiti docker for management

Here's a vote for Ubiquiti. I'm managing several at different locations and love them.