The summary of ‘Netgate SG-2100 pfsense Firewall Hardware Review’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:11:23

The video features Tom from Orange Systems reviewing the new Netgate SG-2100 device, designed to run pfSense. He provides detailed insights into its features, hardware enhancements, and performance based on personal usage. Comparisons with other Netgate devices, such as the SG-1100 and SG-3100, are made to highlight improvements, including advanced configurations, VLAN options, ease of mounting, and effective heat dissipation. Updates on the device's documentation and pfSense's performance improvements, including future functional crypto chips, are discussed. The importance of memory for running larger packages and the increasing use of SFP ports for fiber connections are noted. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to engage with additional content and support options.

00:00:00

In this part of the video, Tom from Orange Systems reveals the new Netgate SG-2100 device, designed to run pfSense. Having used and tested it at home for a while, Tom provides an overview of its features and hardware details. He mentions receiving the unit early from Netgate under the condition of not discussing it until its official release. He shows enthusiasm about the product and outlines its performance based on his home usage. Additionally, Tom compares it to other Netgate devices, like the SG-1100 and SG-3100, detailing the pricing, configurations, and port availability of these models to highlight the improvements and differences in the SG-2100.

00:03:00

In this segment, the presenter discusses two Netgate devices, focusing on the differences and features. The SG-1100, priced at $299, is highlighted for home users and small offices with limited device needs. It includes switch ports for convenience but has only one logical LAN port, though it can be configured for advanced uses. The SG-1100’s SFP port allows direct fiber connections, avoiding the need for conversion to RJ45. The presenter prefers the SG-1100’s mount lacking screw holes and recommends potential mounting solutions like 3D printing or zip ties. Additionally, the device is praised for its ability to dissipate heat and features a stable power connector. The memory bump to 8 GB is noted, allowing the device to handle additional plugins without issues.

00:06:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses Netgate devices with built-in switch ports, specifically focusing on VLAN configuration and advanced options to create logical ports for various purposes. They mention that as of September 8, 2020, documentation for the SG-2100 is incomplete, but is expected to be updated soon. The speaker compares the SG-2100 configuration to the SG-3100 and XG-7100, highlighting that similar steps can be followed. Additionally, they touch on updates and performance improvements in PFsense versions, including the inactive crypto chip, which will be more functional in future updates. The video also explains different speed metrics using synthetic benchmarks like iperf and real-world traffic benchmarks like IMIX traffic, showing performance differences between models like the SG-1100 and SG-3100. The segment concludes by emphasizing considerations for VPN speed, especially for remote work or site-to-site setups.

00:09:00

In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the benefits of having more memory in a device, especially for running larger packages like Seracota. They emphasize that for those needing additional speed, consulting a comparison chart may help to find the appropriate device. Although they haven’t taken the device apart due to no significant demand or interesting serviceable features, they share positive feedback about its performance. The presenter appreciates the device’s balance of features and cost-efficiency, particularly when comparing it to other models. They highlight the increasing prevalence of SFP ports and fiber handoffs, which offer flexibility with both fiber and standard LAN connections. The segment concludes with a reminder to viewers to like, subscribe, and engage with their forum for further discussions and support, with additional options to hire their services or support the channel through affiliate links.