Step-by-step OPNsense tutorials, plugin guides, and hardware recommendations for homelab networking. Covers installation, VLANs, IDS/IPS with Suricata, HA/CARP, and more.
Step-by-step walkthrough for installing OPNsense on a Protectli vault or mini-PC, covering installer options, interface assignment, WAN/LAN configuration, and first-boot hardening.
How to create and enforce VLANs on OPNsense to isolate IoT devices, guest Wi-Fi, and your trusted LAN — with firewall rules that block inter-VLAN traffic by default.
Set up Suricata as an inline IPS on OPNsense — install the plugin, enable ET Open or ET Pro rulesets, configure alert actions, and tune to reduce false positives.
Tested hardware recommendations for running OPNsense: fanless Protectli vaults, refurbished mini-PCs, and purpose-built appliances — with throughput data and price tiers.