The rest of the story (what is everyone using for routers, switches, firewalls, etc?)

[hugovsky]

pfsense firewall with fiber and 3g for backup, tp-link TL-SG3216 as core switch, video vlan, mfi vlan, guest and wireless vlans, 2x cisco slm 2008, toughSwitch for cameras and ap. cat 6 all over the place. APC ups.

 

[danb35]

Doubt it will be that interesting, but since I haven't seen this configuration mentioned yet... My router/firewall is a Linux server running SME Server 9.0, which I've been using in one version or another for the last 15 years or so. It provides public-facing web and mail services, as well as routing and firewall services to the LAN. It also provides network shares, but I mostly use FreeNAS for that. It's running similar hardware to my FreeNAS box, but using an i3 instead of a Xeon, less RAM, and a lot less storage space. I've considered pfSense, but I don't see that it would add a lot to what's already going on.

Network gear is a 16-port D-Link GbE switch, a Netgear wireless router (used as an access point), and a UniFi access point. I shouldn't need two access points within 25', but WiFi is garbage in this apartment.

 

[Rilo Ravestein]

My internet comes in via an Ubee EVW 3200 (ISP standard). Simple firewall, etc. on that modem/router. Planning to buy some hardware to build a pfsense box. Behind that is a TP-Link TL-SG3216 16 port managed gigabit switch. Some appliances are connected directly to that switch (including the FreeNAS box of course, game console, ...). There is a Cisco/Linksys EA6500 WiFi AP in the living room cable connected to that switch (which one day i might update to DD-WRT firmware instead of the crappy Linksys stuff), cable connecting the TV, Pi2 & HD TV recorder and wireless connecting some mobile devices. Upstairs is an Apple Airport AP (got it for free, yolo), also cable connected to the switch, connecting some other devices wireless. Another simple Netgear 5-port Gb switch is connected in the master bedroom, for the smart TV and Pi.
All verified & tested Cat5e and Cat6 cables. Everything works fine, downloading, streaming tv, streaming plex to 2 devices, gaming, all at the same time without hickups so far :)

 

[Adrastos]

I have several Mikrotik routers and netgear switches. Absolutely flawless. The mikrotik can be simple to get up and running. It does come with a ton of capability and services, and more advanced configuration takes a bit of study. Overall though, great.

 

[cyberjock]

I've got a Mikrotik with me for a firewall right now (not at home). Not overly impressed compared to pfsense. I've been unable to get VPN to work properly for site-to-site. There's many guides out there, but they aren't for the current versions and I can't get a grasp of where the missing settings and such are.

My home setup uses a pfsense box, and I love that thing. :)

My home is connected via a Dell 5524 switch.

 

[fracai]

Motorola Surfboard SB6120 -> Asus RT-N66U (with Tomato / Shibby firmware) -> TrendNet GREENnet 8-Port Switch

 

[Black Ninja]

I've got a Mikrotik with me for a firewall right now (not at home). Not overly impressed compared to pfsense. I've been unable to get VPN to work properly for site-to-site. There's many guides out there, but they aren't for the current versions and I can't get a grasp of where the missing settings and such are.

My home setup uses a pfsense box, and I love that thing. :)

My home is connected via a Dell 5524 switch.

If you have to buy a switch now , what is the next step after Dell 5524 if you have a budget up to $1000 ? In my case it has to have 48 ports , what should I get when reliability most important of all ?

 

[PenalunWil]

This is my next purchase. Not a 48 port but suites my home needs so i've been informed. Also the reviews state that it has a lot of bang for your buck.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833310326

 

[Black Ninja]

This is my next purchase. Not a 48 port but suites my home needs so i've been informed. Also the reviews state that it has a lot of bang for your buck.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833310326

Thanks for sharing. After seeing HP consumer grade Laptops and Desktops I just won't be able to forgive myself if I buy their product. I could be wrong of course but can't get rid of the bad aftertaste for another decade perhaps.

 

[TXAG26]

This is my next purchase. Not a 48 port but suites my home needs so i've been informed. Also the reviews state that it has a lot of bang for your buck.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833310326

I have a couple of 1810-24G v2 gigabit switches deployed and have been pleased with them. HP hasn't updated the firmware since 2013 though, so I guess they've been replaced with a newer model. Still an outstanding switch though.

 

[j_r0dd]

I just purchased one of these http://routerboard.com/CRS226-24G-2SplusRM to replace my Cisco switch. Pretty decent for $300. Although it does have some layer 3 functionality, the cpu will choke all over itself if used. For just switching it will provide wire speed and gave me 2 10G SFP+ ports. The only downfall of this thing right now is the software only supports LACP through the CPU and not the switch chip. Not a deal breaker since I'm adding 10G to my server anyways.

 

[HolyK]

RouterBoard (Mikrotik) RB450G , and planning to buy some HP switch since i'm runnig out of ports :/

 

[Gonzalo]

I have a custom router with pfSense + AirPort Extreme as AP + Linksys Switch (LGS308P) and this combination works perfectly for my needs.

 

[jgreco]

I've got a Mikrotik with me for a firewall right now (not at home). Not overly impressed compared to pfsense. I've been unable to get VPN to work properly for site-to-site. There's many guides out there, but they aren't for the current versions and I can't get a grasp of where the missing settings and such are.

My home setup uses a pfsense box, and I love that thing. :)

My home is connected via a Dell 5524 switch.

Ubiquiti has made the EdgeRouter-X which might be a viable replacement for that Mikrotik. It isn't 1Mpps performance like the EdgeRouter Lite but it is *tiiiiiny*.

The EdgeRouter Lite is still a category-defining device, though.

 

[MtK]

Has anyone a 1GbE switch (doesn't matter how many ports), but with two 10 GbE ports?
I'm trying to plan a future expansion on my network...

 

[Rilo Ravestein]

Check the hw sticky, there are some recommendations

 

[jgreco]

The 10G networking primer sticky that is. The Dell 5524 is probably the least expensive and most flexible option for a small number of 10G ports on a home network.

 

[Rilo Ravestein]

The 10G networking primer sticky that is. The Dell 5524 is probably the least expensive and most flexible option for a small number of 10G ports on a home network.

Sorry, you are correct. That's what I meant to say

 

[MtK]

thanks!

 

[j_r0dd]

Has anyone a 1GbE switch (doesn't matter how many ports), but with two 10 GbE ports?
I'm trying to plan a future expansion on my network...

I'm using this one http://routerboard.com/CRS226-24G-2SplusRM. Only ran me $300. As long as you use it for switching only it is great. As soon as you add layer 3 functionality traffic gets processed through the less than stellar cpu and you won't be happy.