Upgrading Home Networks: Building a Custom OPNsense Firewall
The transition from Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) has transformed home internet usage, particularly for those requiring robust bandwidth. With speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps from a selected Internet Service Provider (ISP), users can now enjoy substantial download speeds around 80-90 MB/s. While this upgrade significantly enhanced connectivity, the most impactful improvement for one home user came from replacing a standard router with a custom-built OPNsense firewall.
The shift from a consumer-grade Netgear router to a dedicated OPNsense-powered firewall marks a pivotal moment in modern home networking. This powerful solution not only meets current demands but is also designed to accommodate future needs. The custom firewall, built using a fanless mini PC equipped with an Intel N3700 processor and four 2.5 Gb Ethernet ports, offers advanced capabilities that standard routers cannot match.
Building a Reliable Home Network
Creating a personalized firewall allows users to move away from reliance on consumer hardware or ISP-provided devices. OPNsense, a free and open-source software, is highly recommended for its versatility and performance. It can run on various hardware configurations, from enterprise servers to single-board computers, provided they feature at least two Network Interface Cards (NICs) for WAN and LAN gateways.
The setup process for the firewall was completed in under 30 minutes, demonstrating that significant upgrades can be achieved quickly and efficiently. This user has successfully maintained the system for almost a year, emphasizing its reliability. While not everyone may require a custom firewall, it becomes essential for those running home labs or hosting services, especially when integrating smart home technologies.
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) are a critical feature for enhancing security in home networks. This user employs VLANs to segment devices, ensuring that only authorized connections occur. The ability to create isolated networks for guests, servers, and other infrastructure reduces the risk of network breaches, particularly with lesser-known smart devices.
Enhanced Security and Control
Prioritizing security over sheer speed is a key aspect of this home networking upgrade. By developing a custom firewall, the user has not only improved bandwidth through 2.5 Gb ports but has also implemented robust security measures to protect the home network. OPNsense offers extensive control over firewall settings and system updates, which are often limited in branded routers.
The freedom to manage updates and configurations ensures that the firewall remains current with the latest security patches and features. Unlike conventional routers, which may become obsolete after their end-of-life (EOL) period, OPNsense continues to evolve, supported by an active development community.
Advanced features available with OPNsense, such as Quality of Service (QoS), link aggregation, and traffic shaping, allow for further optimization of network performance. Although these enhancements may not immediately boost speeds, they enable users to fine-tune traffic management, leading to improved efficiency across the network.
As home labs gain popularity, the movement towards self-hosting and personalized network setups continues to grow. Users are increasingly drawn to the educational aspects of building their own systems, which not only enhance their technical skills but also provide a more secure and adaptable home networking environment.
In summary, upgrading to a custom OPNsense firewall represents a significant advancement in home networking. While the transition to 1 Gbps broadband was substantial, the establishment of a dedicated firewall has proven to be the most beneficial upgrade, offering enhanced security, control, and future-proofing for evolving digital needs.
