From eedace6940843bb13f8a0518363ceb66840a085b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: jessikitty Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2025 01:14:31 +1100 Subject: [PATCH] Add detailed hardware buying guide with purchasing options --- HARDWARE_BUYING_GUIDE.md | 301 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 301 insertions(+) create mode 100644 HARDWARE_BUYING_GUIDE.md diff --git a/HARDWARE_BUYING_GUIDE.md b/HARDWARE_BUYING_GUIDE.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5830132 --- /dev/null +++ b/HARDWARE_BUYING_GUIDE.md @@ -0,0 +1,301 @@ +# OPNsense Hardware Buying Guide + +## 🛒 Recommended Purchase: Protectli VP2420 + +### Why This Model? +- **Perfect for gigabit internet** with DPI/IDS/IPS +- **Future-proof** with 2.5GbE ports +- **Expandable** RAM (8GB → 32GB) +- **Low power** (6-10W, fanless, silent) +- **Excellent support** from Protectli +- **Coreboot firmware** (extra security) +- **Made for 24/7 operation** + +### Specifications +``` +CPU: Intel Celeron J6412 (4 cores, 2.0 GHz) +RAM: 8GB DDR4 (upgradeable to 32GB) +Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD +Network: 4x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE +Power: 6-10W (passive cooling) +Size: Small, fanless, silent +``` + +### Performance Capabilities +- ✅ 1 Gbps throughput with Zenarmor DPI +- ✅ Suricata IDS/IPS + Zenarmor simultaneously +- ✅ ntopng network monitoring +- ✅ Months of detailed logs +- ✅ VPN server (WireGuard/OpenVPN) +- ✅ Multiple VLANs for network segregation + +### Where to Buy + +#### Option 1: Protectli Direct (Recommended) +**Website:** https://protectli.com/product/vp2420/ +- **Price:** ~$429 (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) +- **Shipping:** Usually 3-5 business days (US) +- **Support:** Excellent US-based support +- **Warranty:** 1-year standard, 3-year available +- **Customization:** Can upgrade RAM/SSD before shipping + +**Configuration Options:** +- 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD: $429 +- 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD: $479 +- 32GB RAM / 512GB SSD: $579 + +**Recommended:** 8GB / 256GB (sufficient for home use) + +#### Option 2: Amazon +**Search:** "Protectli VP2420" +- **Price:** ~$450 (varies) +- **Shipping:** Amazon Prime (2 days) +- **Support:** Through Protectli +- **Returns:** Amazon's easy returns + +**Pros:** Faster delivery, easy returns +**Cons:** Slightly higher price, limited configuration + +### Alternative Hardware Options + +#### Budget Option (~$250): Qotom Q555G6 +**Specs:** +- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores, 2.0-2.7 GHz) +- RAM: 8GB DDR4 +- Storage: 128GB mSATA +- Network: 4x Intel i225-V 2.5GbE +- Performance: 1 Gbps with Zenarmor Free/Home + +**Where:** Amazon, AliExpress +**Price:** $220-280 +**Caveat:** Less support, longer shipping from China + +**Good for:** Tight budgets, tech-savvy users + +#### Premium Option (~$750): Protectli VP4650 +**Specs:** +- CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U (10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz) +- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (up to 64GB) +- Storage: 512GB M.2 NVMe +- Network: 6x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE +- Performance: Multi-gigabit with full Zenarmor Business + +**Good for:** +- Multi-gigabit internet (2.5G+) +- Running many services (Suricata + Zenarmor + VPN + more) +- Future-proofing for 10+ years +- Small business use + +**Overkill for:** Most home networks under 1 Gbps + +## 📦 What's Included + +### In the Box: +- Protectli VP2420 unit +- Power adapter (12V) +- VESA mount kit +- Quick start guide +- WiFi antennas (if configured) + +### NOT Included: +- **Monitor** (only needed for initial setup, then headless) +- **Keyboard** (only for initial setup) +- **Ethernet cables** (use existing) + +### Initial Setup Requirements: +1. Monitor (HDMI) or laptop for console access +2. USB keyboard (for initial config) +3. Ethernet cable to modem/switch +4. ~30 minutes of time + +After initial setup, manage entirely via web interface (no monitor needed). + +## 💳 Total Cost Breakdown + +### Hardware: Protectli VP2420 +- **Device:** $429 (8GB/256GB from Protectli) +- **Shipping:** Free (usually) +- **Tax:** Varies by state +- **Total Hardware:** ~$430-460 + +### Software: Zenarmor +- **OPNsense:** FREE (open source) +- **Zenarmor Free:** $0 (limited features) +- **Zenarmor Home:** $59/year (recommended) +- **Zenarmor Business:** $149/year (overkill for home) + +### First Year Total: +- Hardware: $430 +- Zenarmor Home (Year 1): $59 +- **Total:** $489 first year +- **Then:** $59/year ongoing + +### 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: +- Hardware: $430 (one-time) +- Zenarmor: $59 × 5 = $295 +- **Total:** $725 over 5 years +- **Monthly:** $12.08/month + +## 🆚 Cost Comparison + +### Commercial Parental Control Services: +**Qustodio Premium:** +- $138/year for up to 15 devices +- 5 years: $690 +- **Does NOT include router/firewall** + +**Net Nanny:** +- $90/year for 1 device, $140/year for unlimited +- 5 years: $700 +- **Does NOT include router/firewall** + +**Circle Home Plus:** +- $130 device + $10/month subscription +- 5 years: $730 +- **Basic features compared to Zenarmor** + +### OPNsense + Zenarmor: +- **$725 over 5 years** +- **Includes enterprise firewall** +- **Includes network security (IDS/IPS)** +- **Includes traffic analysis** +- **More features than commercial services** + +**Winner:** OPNsense for same cost, more features! + +## ⚡ Quick Buy Decision Guide + +### Buy VP2420 If: +- ✅ Internet ≤ 1 Gbps (most homes) +- ✅ Want to run Zenarmor + Suricata +- ✅ Planning to use VPN +- ✅ Need reliable 24/7 operation +- ✅ Value excellent support + +### Buy Budget (Qotom) If: +- ✅ Budget is critical ($250 vs $430) +- ✅ Internet ≤ 500 Mbps +- ✅ Okay with less support +- ✅ Comfortable troubleshooting + +### Buy Premium (VP4650) If: +- ✅ Internet > 1 Gbps (2.5G+ fiber) +- ✅ Running many services +- ✅ Small business use +- ✅ Want maximum future-proofing + +### Don't Buy Any If: +- ❌ Happy with basic MAC blocking +- ❌ Don't need application visibility +- ❌ OpenWRT limitations are acceptable +- ❌ $0 budget is absolute requirement + +## 🚚 Delivery Timeline + +### Protectli Direct: +- **Order Processing:** 1-2 business days +- **Shipping:** 3-5 business days (US) +- **International:** 7-14 days +- **Total:** 1 week domestic + +### Amazon: +- **Prime:** 2 days +- **Standard:** 5-7 days +- **Total:** 2 days - 1 week + +### AliExpress (Budget Options): +- **Shipping:** 2-4 weeks +- **Customs:** May add delays +- **Total:** 3-6 weeks + +## 📋 Pre-Purchase Checklist + +Before ordering, ensure you have: +- [ ] Measured available space (device is ~6" × 4" × 1") +- [ ] Confirmed power outlet near router location +- [ ] HDMI monitor for initial setup (or laptop for serial console) +- [ ] USB keyboard for initial setup +- [ ] Ethernet cables (CAT6 recommended for 2.5GbE) +- [ ] Budget approved ($430 + $59/year) +- [ ] Spouse/partner on board with purchase 😊 + +## 🔧 What to Do When It Arrives + +### Day 1: Unboxing & Setup +1. **Connect:** HDMI monitor, keyboard, power, ethernet to modem +2. **Boot:** Install OPNsense (30 minutes) +3. **Configure:** Basic WAN/LAN settings (30 minutes) +4. **Test:** Verify internet works (10 minutes) + +### Day 2: Advanced Config +5. **Install:** Zenarmor plugin (15 minutes) +6. **Setup:** Zenarmor trial (15 days free) (30 minutes) +7. **Configure:** Basic parental policies (2 hours) + +### Day 3: Home Assistant +8. **Install:** OPNsense HA integration via HACS (30 minutes) +9. **Setup:** API keys and entities (1 hour) +10. **Test:** Device tracking and controls (1 hour) + +### Day 4-7: Optimization +11. **Monitor:** Watch usage patterns +12. **Adjust:** Fine-tune policies +13. **Test:** Verify all features working +14. **Deploy:** Set Archer AX72 Pro to AP mode + +## 🎁 Bonus: What Else You Can Do + +Once you have OPNsense running: +- **VPN Server:** Access home network remotely (WireGuard) +- **Guest Network:** Isolated WiFi for visitors +- **IoT VLAN:** Segregate smart home devices +- **Ad Blocking:** Network-wide ad blocking (AdGuard) +- **DNS over HTTPS:** Privacy-enhanced DNS +- **Traffic Shaping:** QoS for video calls +- **Intrusion Detection:** Suricata IDS/IPS +- **Network Monitoring:** ntopng analysis + +**All included FREE with OPNsense!** + +## 📞 Support Resources + +### Protectli Support: +- **Email:** support@protectli.com +- **Phone:** (720) 339-9885 +- **Hours:** Mon-Fri 9 AM - 5 PM MT +- **Response:** Usually < 24 hours + +### OPNsense Community: +- **Forum:** https://forum.opnsense.org/ +- **Documentation:** https://docs.opnsense.org/ +- **Reddit:** r/OPNsenseFirewall + +### Zenarmor Support: +- **Forum:** https://forum.opnsense.org/index.php?board=76.0 +- **Email:** Via Zenconsole portal +- **Documentation:** https://www.zenarmor.com/docs/ + +## ✅ Final Recommendation + +**Buy the Protectli VP2420 for $430** + +It's the sweet spot for: +- ✅ Performance (handles gigabit + DPI) +- ✅ Price ($430 vs $750 premium) +- ✅ Support (excellent from Protectli) +- ✅ Reliability (designed for 24/7) +- ✅ Future-proofing (expandable to 32GB RAM) + +**Order from:** Protectli.com (best support) or Amazon (faster delivery) + +**Add:** Zenarmor Home Edition trial (free for 15 days, then $59/year) + +**Result:** Enterprise-grade parental control system for your 3 kids! + +--- + +**Ready to order? Visit https://protectli.com/product/vp2420/** + +--- + +*This guide is specifically tailored for a household with 3 children (ages 14-17) and 22 devices needing comprehensive parental controls.*