My list of hardwares for home networking with OPNSense. Any thoughts/recommandat

Started by Eluk, January 30, 2025, 05:10:57 PM

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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
Topton 100 Ali express 2
Topton 100 Ali Express 3
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/

You get reliable gear and support the project at the same time ;-)
Deciso DEC850v2

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!