Each is a 2.5GbE port, a big upgrade over the previous generation 1GbE models that many of our STH readers use. This palm-sized box (you can see it in my hand in the video) has four ports, ETH0-ETH3. Let us just start with the star of the show. Inexpensive 4x 2.5GbE Fanless Router Firewall Box Hardware Overview

Let us now get to that hardware to see what we got. Also, you will want to ensure you get the same revision of the Intel i225 NICs and likely the Intel Celeron J4125 as we did. We also have a few more of these smaller heatsink units, but our best advice is to look at the USB, VGA, and HDMI side to ensure it is this motherboard. AliExpress Topton 2.5GbE J4125 Screenshot We ordered the less expensive Topton version with a larger heatsink chassis via AliExpress, but that is making a slow journey being dragged across the Pacific Ocean, seemingly via a lobster. The tricky part is that the same motherboard at the heart of this system gets used in many systems with different exteriors. We would only recommend getting that much storage and memory if you have a good reason for a box, but since we wanted to use it with Linux as well until pfSense support arrived, we used the extra capacity. Here is the unit we have on Amazon ( affiliate link) and we will note it was quite pricey for the 8GB/ 256GB configuration. You can find the video here:Īs always, we suggest opening this in its own YouTube tab, window, or app for a better viewing experience. We actually have a little video accompanying this one where we go into the experience, as well as discussing how it compares to an ISP-provided router and WiFi unit. Inexpensive 4x 2.5GbE Fanless Router Firewall Box Review Let us get into the box, and what it offers. It seems like now might be the time it is possible to upgrade to an inexpensive 2.5GbE firewall. OS support as a whole is not overly mature, but we have had Ubuntu running on these as well. There is an inexpensive 4x 2.5GbE Intel i225 (B3) machine out there that now works with pfSense. Over the past few weeks, the new pfSense CE 2.6.0 was released and that has allowed us to more directly use a machine we purchased some time ago. Hunsn 4 Port 2.5GbE I225 Intel J4125 Firewall Box NIC Ports

Pfsense alternative