Hi all,
First time I jump on this forum, hey!
It's been a few weeks I'm thinking about a little project for my home network. I recently came across a super blog post that covers 85-90% of what I want to do. Here it is : https://homenetworkguy.com/how-to/set-up-a-fully-functioning-home-network-using-opnsense/
I would like to know your opinion on the hardwares I chose, especially :
- On a power consumption level
- On the quality of the hardwares
And of course, if these fit the needs. I guess so, because I spent a lot of time to find them, but I'm not an expert!
I have a 500mb/s ISP connection, a few (10-12) connected devices, I don't need SPF port. I'm not sure whether to go with IDS/IPS ; that's not my priority.
Router
For the router, I thought to go with an Topton N100 with no RAM and no SSD. I would buy a dedicated 8GM RAM (Crucial DDR5) and 128GB SSD (Patriot P320 128GB - NVMe PCIe Gen 3x4 - M.2 2280 - P320P128GM28) and that's all. That would cost me around 210€. That would be the first time I buy something on Aliexpress so I don't know what to expect. Is it nice? Also, I'm not sure to get the difference between these 3... If someone can help!
Topton 100 Ali express 1 (https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005007199191153.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2vnm)
Topton 100 Ali express 2 (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005006427348753.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.pcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller.1.2b0aTp19Tp19Dl&gps-id=pcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.40050.354490.0&scm_id=1007.40050.354490.0&scm-url=1007.40050.354490.0&pvid=132b583e-2167-4eb6-bfc3-5123410e482d&_t=gps-id%3ApcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller%2Cscm-url%3A1007.40050.354490.0%2Cpvid%3A132b583e-2167-4eb6-bfc3-5123410e482d%2Ctpp_buckets%3A668%232846%238115%232000&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21188.73%21101.96%21%21%21188.73%21101.96%21%402101c67a17303130365122531e6c61%2112000038882385458%21rec%21US%21%21ABX&utparam-url=scene%3ApcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller%7Cquery_from%3A&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt#nav-specification)
Topton 100 Ali Express 3 (https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005005397523761.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.23.e6f63349XjOgQK&algo_pvid=014bd2c5-3874-4dc6-9e4d-5741edc3c6cd&algo_exp_id=014bd2c5-3874-4dc6-9e4d-5741edc3c6cd-11&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21USD%21327.49%21216.14%21%21%21%21%21%40211bf3f816879638793645144d07dd%2112000032899367746%21sea%21US%212678938111&curPageLogUid=3ByJ2f7ng7lS&aff_fcid=40e279dc56d04c20b6dc1a83ff133072-1738235523600-04800-_Dlozl5J&tt=CPS_NORMAL&aff_fsk=_Dlozl5J&aff_platform=portals-tool&sk=_Dlozl5J&aff_trace_key=40e279dc56d04c20b6dc1a83ff133072-1738235523600-04800-_Dlozl5J&terminal_id=b5269d5e426d4379b9c9a561f9ac5dfa&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt#nav-specification)
Otherwise I was thinking about the Protectli vault FW2B – 2 Port Intel® J3060 with 8 GB because I don't need more than 2 ports, and it will cost me around 230€ with SSD. So almost the same, and I get it sooner. But from what I understood, maybe it's bit expensive for what it delivers.
I saw that maybe the Topton has sometimes issues with HDMI output, hot temperatures...
Switch :
I need of course a manageable switch. I thought this was a good idea, however I don't see it often recommended, so I'd like your point of view :
Netgear GS108Ev4
https://www.netgear.com/business/wired/switches/plus/gs108e/
I often see TP-Link TL-SG2008 but it's 3 times more €€ than the Netgear !
Wifi AP :
The well known TP-Link Omada EAP610 or Ubiquity Unifi 6 Lite
What do you think about it?
Thanks!
If your budget allows it, you could take a look at the awesome hardware from "the makers of OPNsense",
e.g. https://shop.opnsense.com/product/dec697-opnsense-desktop-security-appliance/ (https://shop.opnsense.com/product/dec697-opnsense-desktop-security-appliance/)
You get reliable gear and support the project at the same time ;-)
Hi RamSense,
Of course I took a look at these! Unfortunately, budget will not allow... I'm trying not to go over 300/350€ ; I've just finished my studies.
But I won't hesitate to donate as soon as my home network will be deployed!