Step-by-step OPNsense tutorials, plugin guides, and hardware recommendations for homelab networking. Covers installation, VLANs, IDS/IPS with Suricata, HA/CARP, and more.https://opnsenselab.com/enhttps://opnsenselab.com/posts/opnsense-initial-setup-guide/https://opnsenselab.com/posts/opnsense-initial-setup-guide/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.Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTopnsenseinstallationsetupbeginnerprotectliOPNsenseLab Editorialhttps://opnsenselab.com/posts/opnsense-vlan-configuration/https://opnsenselab.com/posts/opnsense-vlan-configuration/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.Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTopnsensevlannetwork-segmentationiotfirewall-rulesOPNsenseLab Editorialhttps://opnsenselab.com/posts/opnsense-suricata-ids-ips-setup/https://opnsenselab.com/posts/opnsense-suricata-ids-ips-setup/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.Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTopnsensesuricataidsipssecurityintrusion-detectionOPNsenseLab Editorialhttps://opnsenselab.com/posts/best-hardware-for-opnsense-2026/https://opnsenselab.com/posts/best-hardware-for-opnsense-2026/Tested hardware recommendations for running OPNsense: fanless Protectli vaults, refurbished mini-PCs, and purpose-built appliances — with throughput data and price tiers.Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTopnsensehardwareprotectlimini-pcappliancebuying-guideOPNsenseLab Editorialhttps://opnsenselab.com/posts/opnsense-ha-carp-failover/https://opnsenselab.com/posts/opnsense-ha-carp-failover/Configure OPNsense HA using CARP virtual IPs and pfsync state synchronization for sub-second firewall failover — step-by-step for a two-node homelab or small office setup.Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTopnsensehacarpfailoverhigh-availabilitypfsyncOPNsenseLab Editorial