Add Mac mini OPNsense implementation summary and roadmap
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MAC_MINI_SETUP_SUMMARY.md
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MAC_MINI_SETUP_SUMMARY.md
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# 🚀 Mac Mini 2014 OPNsense Router - Implementation Guide
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**Transform your Mac mini into an enterprise-grade router with ZERO hardware cost!**
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---
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## 💻 Your Hardware (PERFECT for this!)
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### Mac Mini 2014 Specifications:
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- **CPU:** Intel Core i5 (4th gen) ✅
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- **RAM:** 8GB ✅
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- **Storage:** 500GB SSD ✅
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- **Network:** 3x Gigabit Ethernet (1 onboard + 2 Thunderbolt) ✅
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**This hardware is MORE capable than a $400 Protectli!**
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### Performance Expectations:
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- ✅ 1 Gbps routing with Deep Packet Inspection
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- ✅ Suricata IDS/IPS + Zenarmor simultaneously
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- ✅ Handles 50+ devices (you have 22)
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- ✅ VPN server capability
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- ✅ Years of detailed logs
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---
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## 🎯 Network Configuration
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### IP Addressing:
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- **Router:** 10.0.0.254
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- **DHCP Range:** 10.0.0.1 - 10.0.0.200
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- **Gateway:** 10.0.0.254
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- **DNS:** 10.0.0.55 (Home Assistant with AdGuard)
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### Static Reservations:
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- 10.0.0.55 - Home Assistant
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- 10.0.0.2 - Archer AX72 Pro (AP mode)
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- Custom exclusions as needed
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---
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## 📅 4-Phase Implementation Plan
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### **Phase 1: Basic Router Setup** (Day 1, 2-3 hours)
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**Goal:** Get internet working through Mac mini
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Steps:
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1. Download OPNsense ISO
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2. Create bootable USB
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3. Install on Mac mini (erases macOS!)
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4. Configure WAN/LAN interfaces
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5. Setup DHCP (10.0.0.1-200)
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6. Point DNS to AdGuard (10.0.0.55)
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7. Set Archer AX72 Pro to AP mode
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8. Test connectivity
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**Result:** Mac mini routing all traffic, WiFi working via Archer AP
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---
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### **Phase 2: Advanced Features** (Day 2-3, 3-4 hours)
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**Goal:** Add monitoring, security, optimization
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Steps:
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1. Install ntopng (network traffic analysis)
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2. Configure Suricata IDS/IPS (intrusion detection)
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3. Setup device identification:
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- IP tracking
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- MAC tracking
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- NetBIOS/mDNS detection
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- Periodic nmap scanning
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4. Configure traffic shaping (QoS)
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5. Enable comprehensive logging
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6. Security hardening
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**Result:** Enterprise-grade monitoring and security
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---
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### **Phase 3: Zenarmor Parental Controls** (Day 4-5, 4-6 hours)
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**Goal:** Application-level controls for each child
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Steps:
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1. Install Zenarmor (os-sensei)
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2. Run setup wizard
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3. Create policies:
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- **Bella (14yo):** Strict controls
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- **Xander (15yo):** Moderate controls
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- **William (17yo):** Relaxed controls
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4. Configure application blocking:
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- Block TikTok, adult content
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- Limit YouTube, gaming
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- Allow educational sites
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5. Setup time-based rules:
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- School hours: Educational only
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- After school: Limited social/gaming
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- Bedtime: Block everything
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6. Enable Safe Search enforcement
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7. Configure daily email reports
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**Result:** Application-level parental controls (way better than MAC blocking!)
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---
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### **Phase 4: Home Assistant Integration** (Day 6-7, 2-3 hours)
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**Goal:** Full automation and dashboard control
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Steps:
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1. Enable OPNsense API
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2. Install HACS integration in HA
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3. Configure device trackers
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4. Create firewall rules for HA control
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5. Build automations:
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- Bedtime blocking
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- School hours restrictions
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- Bandwidth alerts
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6. Create dashboard
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7. Setup Zenarmor API sensors
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8. Configure notifications
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**Result:** Complete control via Home Assistant dashboard
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---
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## 🎁 What You Get
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### Compared to OpenWRT on Archer:
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| Feature | OpenWRT | OPNsense on Mac mini |
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|---------|---------|----------------------|
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| **Hardware** | Archer (limited) | Mac mini (powerful) |
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| **CPU** | 880 MHz MIPS | i5 @ 2+ GHz |
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| **RAM** | 512MB | 8GB |
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| **Storage** | 128MB flash | 500GB SSD |
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| **Application Control** | ❌ | ✅ Full DPI |
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| **See What Apps** | ❌ | ✅ YouTube, TikTok, etc. |
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| **Time Quotas** | ❌ | ✅ 2 hours/day per app |
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| **Content Filtering** | ❌ DNS only | ✅ DPI + DNS |
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| **Reporting** | ❌ Manual | ✅ Automated daily |
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| **Cost** | $0 | $0 hardware, $59/year Zenarmor |
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**Verdict:** OPNsense on Mac mini is VASTLY superior!
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---
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## 💰 Cost Comparison
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### What You're Saving:
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**Hardware Options:**
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- Protectli VP2420: $400-450
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- Qotom J4125: $250
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- **Your Mac mini: $0** ✅
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**Software:**
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- OPNsense: FREE
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- Zenarmor Home: $59/year
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- **Total: $59/year** (vs $400+ for new hardware)
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**Comparable Commercial Solutions:**
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- Firewalla Gold: $500
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- Qustodio Premium: $138/year (no router!)
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- Circle Home Plus: $130 + $10/month
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**You're getting enterprise-grade for consumer prices!**
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---
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## 📋 Full Implementation Guide
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Due to the comprehensive nature of the guide (1,959 lines), the **complete step-by-step guide** is available in:
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**Location:** `/mnt/user-data/outputs/MAC_MINI_OPNSENSE_GUIDE.md`
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The full guide includes:
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- ✅ Detailed installation instructions
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- ✅ Every configuration step with screenshots
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- ✅ Troubleshooting for each phase
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- ✅ Example configurations
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- ✅ Dashboard YAML code
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- ✅ Automation examples
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- ✅ Security hardening steps
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- ✅ Maintenance procedures
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- ✅ Emergency recovery procedures
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---
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## 🚦 Quick Start Checklist
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### Before You Begin:
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- [ ] Mac mini ready (will erase macOS!)
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- [ ] 8GB+ USB drive for installer
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- [ ] HDMI monitor + USB keyboard
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- [ ] 3x Ethernet cables
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- [ ] 2-3 hours uninterrupted time
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- [ ] Backup any important Mac mini data
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- [ ] Note all current MAC addresses for devices
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### Phase 1 (Day 1):
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- [ ] Download OPNsense ISO
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- [ ] Create bootable USB (Rufus on Windows / dd on Mac)
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- [ ] Install OPNsense on Mac mini
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- [ ] Configure WAN (em1) - to modem
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- [ ] Configure LAN (em0) - to network @ 10.0.0.254
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- [ ] Setup DHCP (10.0.0.1-200, DNS 10.0.0.55)
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- [ ] Set static IP for Home Assistant (10.0.0.55)
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- [ ] Configure Archer as AP @ 10.0.0.2
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- [ ] Test internet connectivity
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- [ ] **STOP and test for 24 hours!**
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### Phase 2 (Day 2-3):
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- [ ] Install ntopng for monitoring
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- [ ] Install Suricata IDS/IPS
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- [ ] Configure device tracking (IP/MAC/NetBIOS)
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- [ ] Setup traffic shaping
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- [ ] Enable comprehensive logging
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- [ ] **STOP and test for 24 hours!**
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### Phase 3 (Day 4-5):
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- [ ] Install Zenarmor (os-sensei)
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- [ ] Run setup wizard
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- [ ] Create policy for Bella (14yo)
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- [ ] Create policy for Xander (15yo)
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- [ ] Create policy for William (17yo)
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- [ ] Configure application blocks/limits
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- [ ] Setup time-based rules
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- [ ] Enable Safe Search
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- [ ] Configure email reports
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- [ ] **STOP and test for 2-3 days!**
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### Phase 4 (Day 6-7):
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- [ ] Generate OPNsense API keys
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- [ ] Install HACS OPNsense integration
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- [ ] Configure device trackers
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- [ ] Create firewall rules for HA
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- [ ] Build bedtime automations
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- [ ] Build school hours automations
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- [ ] Create dashboard
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- [ ] Setup Zenarmor API sensors
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- [ ] Test all automations
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- [ ] **DONE!**
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---
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## ⚠️ Important Notes
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### About Erasing macOS:
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- **OPNsense will COMPLETELY ERASE macOS**
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- Backup any important files first
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- Mac mini will become a dedicated router
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- Cannot dual-boot (must choose: macOS OR router)
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- Recommended: Keep it as dedicated router (it's perfect for this!)
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### Network Interfaces:
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- **em0:** Onboard Ethernet → LAN (your network)
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- **em1:** Thunderbolt adapter 1 → WAN (to modem)
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- **em2:** Thunderbolt adapter 2 → Spare (future guest network/DMZ)
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### DHCP Exclusions:
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OPNsense will avoid assigning these automatically if you set static mappings:
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- 10.0.0.55 - Home Assistant (MUST be static)
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- 10.0.0.2 - Archer AX72 Pro AP
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- 10.0.0.1-10 - Infrastructure devices
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### Testing Between Phases:
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**CRITICAL:** Test each phase for 24-48 hours before proceeding!
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- Phase 1 must be rock-solid before Phase 2
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- Phase 2 must be stable before Phase 3
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- Phase 3 must work perfectly before Phase 4
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This prevents cascading issues and makes troubleshooting easier.
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---
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## 🎯 Why Mac Mini is Perfect
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### Advantages Over Dedicated Hardware:
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**vs Protectli VP2420 ($400):**
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- ✅ Same CPU generation (4th gen Intel)
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- ✅ Same RAM (8GB)
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- ✅ MORE storage (500GB vs 256GB)
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- ✅ Built-in power supply (no adapter)
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- ✅ Thunderbolt expandability
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- ✅ **$0 cost!**
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**vs OpenWRT on Archer:**
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- ✅ 4x more CPU power
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- ✅ 16x more RAM
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- ✅ 4000x more storage
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- ✅ Can run Zenarmor (Archer can't)
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- ✅ Can run Suricata effectively
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- ✅ Can store months of logs
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- ✅ Room for unlimited features
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**Only Disadvantage:**
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- ❌ Slightly higher power consumption (~20W vs 6-10W)
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- **Offset by:** $400 hardware savings = 6+ years of extra electricity cost
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---
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## 📊 Example Results
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### What You'll See in Zenarmor:
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**Bella's Daily Report:**
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```
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Date: December 21, 2025
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Total Usage: 2.1 GB
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Applications:
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1. YouTube - 1.2 GB (Educational: 700MB, Entertainment: 500MB)
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2. Discord - 400 MB
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3. Khan Academy - 300 MB
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4. TikTok - BLOCKED (5 attempts)
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Policy Violations: 3
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- 2:32 PM: Attempted adult site (BLOCKED)
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- 4:15 PM: Tried to bypass SafeSearch (BLOCKED)
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- 5:43 PM: Exceeded TikTok quota (BLOCKED)
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Time Online: 4.5 hours
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Bandwidth Quota: 68% used (1433 MB / 2048 MB daily limit)
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Alerts: Bella tried to access "proxy-site.com" (bypassing attempt detected)
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```
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**Parent Dashboard in Home Assistant:**
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```
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┌─ Router Status ────────────────┐
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│ Uptime: 7 days, 3 hours │
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│ CPU: 12% │
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│ Memory: 34% │
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│ Temp: 52°C │
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└────────────────────────────────┘
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┌─ Bella (14yo) ─────────────────┐
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│ iPhone: 🟢 Connected │
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│ Desktop: 🔴 Offline │
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│ Status: ✅ Internet Allowed │
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│ Today: 1.2 GB / 2 GB │
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│ Violations: 3 │
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│ [Block Now] [View Report] │
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└────────────────────────────────┘
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┌─ Network Activity ─────────────┐
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│ [Bandwidth Graph - Last 24h] │
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│ Download: ▁▂▃▅▇█▇▅▃▂▁ │
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│ Upload: ▁▁▂▂▃▃▂▂▁▁ │
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└────────────────────────────────┘
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```
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---
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## 🆘 Quick Troubleshooting
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||||||
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### Internet Not Working:
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1. Check WAN interface (em1) has IP from modem
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2. Test: `ping 8.8.8.8` from OPNsense console
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3. Verify firewall rules allow LAN → WAN
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4. Check DNS is set to 10.0.0.55
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### Can't Access OPNsense Web Interface:
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1. Verify laptop is on 10.0.0.x network
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2. Try: https://10.0.0.254
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3. Accept self-signed certificate warning
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4. Check firewall isn't blocking port 443
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||||||
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### DHCP Not Working:
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1. Services > DHCPv4 > LAN - verify enabled
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2. Check range (10.0.0.1-200)
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3. Verify no IP conflicts
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4. Review DHCP logs
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||||||
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||||||
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### Zenarmor Blocking Too Much:
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||||||
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1. Services > Zenarmor > Policies
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2. Review categories (adjust as needed)
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3. Add specific sites to whitelist
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4. Check "Educational" category is allowed
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||||||
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||||||
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### Kids Bypassing Controls:
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||||||
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1. Check for VPN usage (Zenarmor detects)
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2. Verify MAC addresses correct
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3. Enable TLS inspection (Phase 3)
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||||||
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4. Review Zenarmor logs
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||||||
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||||||
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---
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||||||
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||||||
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## 📞 Support Resources
|
||||||
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|
||||||
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### Documentation:
|
||||||
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- **Full Guide:** `/mnt/user-data/outputs/MAC_MINI_OPNSENSE_GUIDE.md`
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||||||
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- **OPNsense Docs:** https://docs.opnsense.org/
|
||||||
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- **Zenarmor Docs:** https://www.zenarmor.com/docs/
|
||||||
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- **Home Assistant:** https://www.home-assistant.io/
|
||||||
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|
||||||
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### Community:
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||||||
|
- **OPNsense Forum:** https://forum.opnsense.org/
|
||||||
|
- **Reddit:** r/OPNsenseFirewall
|
||||||
|
- **Zenarmor Forum:** https://forum.opnsense.org/index.php?board=76.0
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
### This Repository:
|
||||||
|
- Issue tracker for questions
|
||||||
|
- Example configs
|
||||||
|
- Troubleshooting tips
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
---
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
## ✅ Ready to Begin?
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
1. **Read:** `/mnt/user-data/outputs/MAC_MINI_OPNSENSE_GUIDE.md` (full detailed guide)
|
||||||
|
2. **Prepare:** Gather hardware, backup data, clear schedule
|
||||||
|
3. **Start:** Phase 1 (2-3 hours)
|
||||||
|
4. **Test:** 24 hours stability
|
||||||
|
5. **Continue:** Phases 2, 3, 4 over next week
|
||||||
|
6. **Enjoy:** Enterprise-grade network!
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
---
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
**This is the BEST use of your Mac mini 2014 - transform it into a router more powerful than $500 commercial solutions!** 🚀
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
---
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
*Last Updated: December 21, 2025*
|
||||||
|
*Hardware: Mac mini 2014, i5, 8GB RAM, 500GB SSD, 3x GbE*
|
||||||
|
*Software: OPNsense 25.1 + Zenarmor + Home Assistant*
|
||||||
|
*Total Cost: $0 hardware (reusing Mac mini) + $59/year Zenarmor*
|
||||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user