FTTC Router - ISP router or opnsense ?

[zMaliz]

Hello.

I'm currently on a UK 80/20 FTTC using a small microPC running opnsense.
This is working well, but I can now get FTTP upto 1600 Mbps so I'm looking at my options.

I'm planning on a 900 Mbps connection and am wondering if I should use the ISP router which is a TP Link EX820V, or upgrade my opnsense server to support 1 - 2 Gbps.

Anyone any thoughts or suggestions on this ?
If opnsense is the better option, does anyone have any advise on a suitable server that will run these speeds via PPPOE ?

Thanks

 

[Tech9]

If the new service comes with VoIP - you may have to use the ISP provided gateway. EX820V is a modem/router/VoIP device.

 

[zMaliz]

Thanks for the reply.
They are quoting with Voice, but I'm trying to find out if they can provide it with out.
I run a SIP phone from home to an online server, and I have a local test PBX that I need to work.

 

[zMaliz]

Any one any advice on this ? Thanks

 

[sfx2000]

Any one any advice on this ? Thanks

Use their GW...

For WiFi coverage you can always look at access points...

 

[Tech9]

Any one any advice on this ?

There is no right advice. It's all your personal choices based on specific needs, level of knowledge and responsibility. Majority of people just use the ISP provided gateway, mesh, VoIP, TV box, etc. and call the ISP when something quits working. The ISP fixes it for them the best way they can. Others prefer own equipment, invest extra money and take support responsibility. One thing for sure - chasing ISP speed will own equipment will cost you. If you are going to follow this path - set a budget and have some realistic expectations.

 

[sfx2000]

Majority of people just use the ISP provided gateway, mesh, VoIP, TV box, etc. and call the ISP when something quits working. The ISP fixes it for them the best way they can.

I agree - running with the ISP provided gateway/router - they are on the hook to provide a level of service that is contracted between the carrier and the customer - and that limits the level of support they will do for 3rd party gear...

Without sounding callous - you broke it, you fix it - you're on your own on third party gear...

 

[tgl]

The points above are valid --- but if the OP is already choosing a DIY router with opnsense over ISP-provided gear, he probably wants a level of control and configurability that he can't get with ISP-provided gear. The speed of the connection doesn't factor into that at all.

It's not hard to find gear that will run opnsense or pfsense at fiber speeds. I'm currently running pfsense on a Netgate 4200, and it's pretty much just loafing with my 1Gbps FiOS line. (I bought the 4200 with the expectation that Verizon would soon offer 2Gbps in my neighborhood, but that has yet to materialize ) In terms of doing what I want and not what I don't want, the pfsense setup is head-and-shoulders above Verizon's FiOS router.

 

[zMaliz]

Thanks for the replies.

I've been running opnsense and before that pfsense for quite a few years, so I'm happy with how they work.
I am looking to simplify things, so using the ISP router may be the better bet.

Thanks

 

[zMaliz]

Currently I have an IPsec VPN to the office and a wireguard VPN to a 3rd party provider.
Only my PC can access the IPsec VPN, and all wireless devices use the wireguard as there default gateway.

After speaking to TP Link the EX820V isn't going to give me the configuration of VPN's I want.
They've advised it only supports one active VPN at a time.

I'm happy to stay with opnSense.. but I need some advise on a good server to run it on to get 1-2 Gbps speeds via PPPOE.

Thanks

 

[Tech9]

You need an appliance with minimum 2x 2.5GbE ports, 4GB RAM and N100 CPU or better. I don't know what is available in the UK, from popular Protectli Vault I see single model with Celeron and Gigabit ports on Amazon UK. There are some Hunsn, GMKtec, Beelink, etc. Chinese brands, but no experience with any of those.