VNOPNMicro Firewall Appliance in-tel N3700 Quad Core, Fanless Mini PC 4 in-tel 2.5GbE i225 LAN Ports 8GB RAM DDR3 128GB mSATA SSD, Network Gateway Soft Router PC, Support AES NI/WiFi

I purchased this device and it has been running in my home for 8 months now and since I first wrote this review the device has had plenty of time to burn in and be evaluated.While its only in residential use, I have remote working, online gaming, media streaming and education needs that I believed this device could address better than consumer level wifi routers. My experience is that this is so much more powerful and cost effective than any consumer or prosumer level router/firewall hardware.Some of the more advanced features I was looking for for my application were-heavy VPN usage with between two and three VPN connections. This makes good use of the on-board acceleration.-8 Segregated VLANS-Parental controls-Advanced network insights-Advanced firewall rules and routing.Comparing specifications this device was very reasonable for the features. It seems that some models now are shipping with 2.5 gig network cards for the same price. If you can get it with the 2.5 gig network ports that would make it all that much more future proofed and powerful. It also seems that there is more competition in this space offering 2.5ghz solutions.Consider my review is on a unit with 1ghz ports as that was shipping when I purchased it. Here are my observations.I was fearful of some of the reviews on quality and was considering buying one of the more mainstream network appliances to save myself a headache but i did decide to take a chance. This unit had proven itself more robust and a worthy product.Its specs are perfect for high end residential use into moderate sized small business use. Right out of the box its a much more solid build than some branded open source network appliances that are housed in plastic. Other than the wifi that this comes with, this is a step change from consumer based products or all-in-one wifi-routers.It showed up, no lose parts, no issues powering it up and it does come with a preloaded OS for POST testing. That OS is not really usable and you should expect to provide your own operating system for whatever its intended purpose.Installation of the open source firewall on it was a breeze and required no special configuration, I used pfSense for first install. All hardware was fully recognized on the initial install and went seamlessly.It comes packed well, securely and environmentally sustainable in paper based packaging. It comes with an L-bracket to attach to the back of a monitor should you desire to mount it there or use it as a small personal computing device, but you will need to install a different OS than the one that is included for that purpose. It comes with some screws to attach to monitor or for use in a wall mount setting using two recesses on the bottom of the chassis, rubber feet for a desktop install. Also the box contains a very brief user manual, QA certificate a robust power supply and two small wifi antennas.The device is about 5-1/4 inches by 5-1/2 inches but will require more install space for cables and included antennas. The foot print is significantly smaller than most consumer grade products. The case is robust being made from aluminum. Access to the internals is easy and expansion seems straight forward, but it isn't made for frequent access and expansion as some gaming computers may be, but that's to be expected. The motherboard is an American Megatrends and as I looked at it you will be restricted to the one slot of memory.Initial set up you do need a keyboard mouse and direct monitor connection but once configured it can run like any other consumer network device accessed over the network.It runs quietly since there is no fan. It does run warm to the touch but nothing concerning and doesn't raise any safety concerns, however I would not use it on a desktop where it could get covered by something that would restrict natural airflow or allow heat to build up.My first configuration suggestion specific to this hardware should you run PfSense is to customize these two settings right out of the box.Navigate to System->Advanced->Miscellaneous scroll down to the section on Cryptographic & Thermal Hardware and set the following fields.Cryptographic Hardware = AES-NI CPU-based AccelerationThermal Sensors = Intel Core* CPU on-die thermal sensorI've been running many devices (15 to 25 peak) over a full time VPN with about 4 or 5 consistently using moderate bandwidth for remote working, remote education, streaming and hardcore gaming.In 8 months the hardware has only been restarted two maybe three times (once for an upgrade in software, once for a power failure and if I recall once for an ISP outage) so its been running largely uninterrupted for the majority of 8 months flawlessly.I conservatively average 1.2 TB (1.6 TB peak) of download data per month from my ISP. All of that goes over this box so it does get a workout. There is additional workload for uploads and local network traffic. The important thing for me was that under that load the only time i see the CPU get out of single digit utilization numbers ( 4%) is when I run extended speed tests over a VPN.In fact my ISP gates my capacity because I use so much data so I can't really give the device the full level of scrutiny I'd like to. As I hinted, CPU never really gets over 4% utilization, memory hovers around 7% and temp is constant 49 Degrees C. Running a prolonged series of speed tests over a VPN can push CPU to 40%, temp to 51 Degrees C however memory isn't really impacted by these tests.Any concerns I had about this device having sufficient power to meet my needs have been fully dispelled with room to grow. This was a key reason for purchasing this hardware as the CPU fully supports AES-NI for encryption.Full disclosure, I do not expect to use the wifi capabilities on this device since and purchased this knowing full well that I wouldn't. Most of the linux based open source software you may run on this box doesn't support more powerful cards than what this came with.You can replace the wifi card with a 3G/4g LTE cell card but it will also be bandwidth limited. I'd refer you to the following links for education.OpnSensehttps://docs.opnsense.org/manual/how-tos/cellular.htmlPfSensehttps://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/cellular/hardware.htmlI would recommend the path that I took which was to externalize the wifi and install a few wifi 6 access points hanging off a powered switch. This is a bit more expensive but for that expense in addition to increased bandwidth, I can run multiple SSIDS on different vlans/subnets for security, take full advantage of the opensource software as well as get 5ghz and 6ghz wifi in addition to the 2.4ghz coverage in a mesh over a whole house with no dead spots.Like the wifi, if you plan to use Cell service as primary or backup internet connection I'd externalize that as well since a wired network connection will provide better throughput than any cards you can put into this device internally. I'd also suggest that if you are looking at 5G cell you should fully look to get the 2.5Ghz network ports because 5G cell service can support over 4Gbps. In reality if you are planning to play in that space on the leading edge of 5G, you may be a power user and may need different hardware quickly.This device enabled some more advanced use cases that I have. Having an Adolescent gamer in the house I am able to manage traffic and avoid lag and latency and make specific hardware tuning required by certain games. That is partially a function of the open source software but I just couldn't do these things on consumer hardware.We are using this device for parental controls those features are more of a function of the open source software that you install on the device so I will refrain from going into this here. I will say that the features that this hardware provides me to run that software which provides me much more control and sophistication.The hardware offers the capacity capacity to run the additional software packages needed to perform advanced monitoring, diagnostics and control software under a heavy (for personal use) networking workload.If my review is a bit dis-joined, please understand that it is difficult to draw a fair comparison of this device against the consumer based wifi router that I'm using this to replace. This review is intended to be more specific to this hardware. I've attempted to minimize most references to the various opensource firewalls that would run on it. Consumer based wifi routers are a combination of both hardware (the specs of which you may never know) and the home grown (limited) software supported by the manufacturer.None of the hardware in this unit is esoteric or unsupported and I found that the opensource software was able to easily identify it and take full advantage of the capabilities, providing great monitoring.My conclusions are that if you are looking to get into Open Source firewalls and replace a consumer based wifi router, i can fully recommend this hardware. Its an affordable and fully featured device and has all indications of having a robust service life. Its not entry level so you will not run out of capacity unless you are using this in a quickly growing mid sized business, but I more than expect it to take care of a lifetime of residential needs, even with growing network usage.I would say that I wish I had been able to get a model with the 2.5 ghz network connections because that would benefit wifi 6 access points and anything connected. If you are looking to get into this space you are probably looking for advanced network capabilities and may consider ensuring you can get a 2.5 ghz unit one way or another. The fact that 2.5ghz network ports became available for the same price point was something i didn't anticipate.I didn't review this as a PC however it could be used in that way, but as a network appliance its a very robust piece of hardware. As an admonition, If you have simple and straight forward consumer based needs and don't want to learn about more advanced networking this device may not be for you.This machine is purpose built for networking users with advanced needs, moderate workloads and looking to learn/employ more advanced networking topics. The real benefits of this device are that it is so much more cost effective, full featured and robust than equivalent capacity business grade products or branded network appliances. It can fully support home use to small business use. Community support for the hardware and software is pretty solid too.Lastly I would say that there is an advantage in purchasing this on Amazon as you get better customer service, faster delivery and more security than you may obtain by purchasing alternative hardware on other sites.

I recently got my hands on the VNOPN Micro Firewall Mini PC, and I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed by its performance and compact design. This little powerhouse has quickly become an essential part of my setup. I install pfSense on it and it runs really well without any stability issues. It has intel NIC cards which really help with the stability.Design and Build Quality:The first thing that caught my attention was the sleek and modern design of the Mini PC. Its compact form factor is perfect for those who are tight on space or want a clutter-free workstation. The build quality feels solid, with a premium finish that adds a touch of elegance to my desk setup.Performance:Don't let its size fool you – this Mini PC packs a punch in terms of performance. Equipped with a Intel N3700 Quad Core processor and 4GB of RAM, it breezes through multitasking and handles resource-intensive tasks without breaking a sweat. Whether I'm streaming high-definition content, working on complex spreadsheets, or even light gaming, the Mini PC handles it all effortlessly.Connectivity:Despite its small size, the Mini PC offers an impressive array of connectivity options. It features multiple USB ports (including USB-C), HDMI output, an Ethernet port, and even built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This versatility allows me to connect a variety of peripherals and displays without any hassle.Cooling and Noise:I was concerned about heat management given the compact size, but the Mini PC surprised me with its efficient cooling system. Even during extended use, it maintains a reasonable temperature without producing excessive fan noise. This is a big plus, especially if you're using it in a quiet office or living room.Storage:The 64GB SSD provides ample storage for my files, applications, and even some media content. The speedy storage ensures quick boot times and snappy application launches, contributing to an overall smooth user experience.Operating System:Out of the box, the Mini PC came with Windows 11, which is known for its user-friendly interface and stability. Setting up the system was a breeze, and I appreciated that the essential drivers were pre-installed, saving me time and effort.Value for Money:Considering the performance and features packed into this Mini PC, I believe it offers excellent value for money. It's a cost-effective solution for professionals, students, and even casual users who want a compact yet powerful computing device.Final Thoughts:In conclusion, the VNOPN Micro Firewall Mini PC has exceeded my expectations on all fronts. Its combination of performance, compact design, connectivity options, and cooling efficiency make it a remarkable choice for anyone in need of a space-saving computing solution without compromising on power. Whether you're a productivity enthusiast or someone who enjoys multimedia entertainment, this Mini PC is a fantastic investment that delivers beyond its size. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

My review assumes an installation of pfsense version 2.6.0 router software on the Vnopn hardware. Note that the quirks noted here did not seem to affect the Windows operating system that was pre-installed.Pros:- the pre-installed Windows allows for easy burn-in testing- the Vnopn hardware has a nice form factor- four Intel gigabit PCIe network ports are as described- the BIOS is legacy mode so it supports older operating systems (i.e. not UEFI)- the CPU and built-in AES cryptography leave lots of system software expansion (25% CPU max. on basic router)Cons:- the mSATA 128GB drive reported errors on the pfsense kernel (large delay-hang in boot-up)The kernel error was as follows and seems to be related to native command queueing on the drive.kernel: (ada0:ahcich1:0:0:0): SEND_FPDMA_QUEUED DATA SET MANAGEMENT. ACB: 64 01 00 00 00 40 00 00 00 00 00 00kernel: (ada0:ahcich1:0:0:0): CAM status: Command timeoutThe known work-around of limiting command queues to 16 and disabling write cache (kern.cam.ada.write_cache=0) did not seem to work on this hardware. pfsense still functioned but I would want to use a fully functioning mSATA card on a mission critical application. I use it for home routing and it seems to work without too much hickups.

I went comparing, almost bought a NetGate box, but decided to go this route and stick to open source.I didn't trust the pre-installed Windows, but it worked well enough to do a quick burn in test to make sure everything was functional before I blew it away to install what I intended to run, pfSense.Docking a star since it came with OEM bios rather than CoreBoot, and while CoreBoot supposedly is available from some vendors of vnopn with that, it isn't here and doesn't seem to be available as a firmware flash. The second thing that pushes a missing star is the mSATA drive. It is great value to get this size at this price, but it doesn't appear to support trim functions. This causes issues with CAM timeouts on pfSense, OpenSense, and others, but you can get around this by going into your /boot/loader.conf and adding this line to fix it: vfs.zfs.trim.enabled="0"If you expect to do disk intensive actions with this system, you should either replace the included drive or use the internal sata port, as trim becomes increasingly important the more the disk is used or filled.I would've also preferred a more solid power plug than a barrel connector, or a locking barrel, but space is limited, so not docking a star for this as the barrel seems to be of reasonable quality.The unit runs warm, but is fanless, not too hot to touch, and rather powerful. 4 individual network ports and included wireless that works with pfsense is great. It isn't the latest wireless technology, but the latest doesn't work with things like pfsense anyway, and I disabled the wireless for security. If you want more/better wireless, use an external access point (and treat it as unsecure, like all wifi is). The SVGA port lets it work with ancient displays, and the HDMI port lets it work with anything current. AES-NI is a key feature that is included here on this processor, and enables speed ups for various encrypted network actions, which other slightly cheaper boxes didn't have when I compared them.In short, this makes quite the nice all in one tiny package bang for the buck router box.

I bought one of these when the price was under $300. Now the price is over $300. What can you do (except knock off a star in the rating)?The previous device came with an unactivated edition of Windows 10 so that you could turn the device on and see that it was working. I purchased it to use pfSense, as many do. So I had to wipe out Windows 10, create a boot usb with pfSense, boot the device and install pfSense. I had a lot of trouble doing this procedure (NONE of which was the fault of the seller - I just had to learn how to do it and how to change the boot from "Legacy" to "UEFI".) Then I got pfSense installed with no additional problems. The device worked great, and is still working great.But by the time I bought the second device, the seller had changed to device to have pfSense installed already. I thought that was a smart move. And while it was a smart move, the device would not boot properly. Every time it came on, the Linux boot process would stop at the same place. After a couple of boot attempts, I realized that I had seen this behavior before: It was when I was trying to boot pfSense with the CMOS set to "Legacy" instead of "UEFI".So I changed the CMOS to "UEFI" boot, and everything worked great, and is still working great.But shame on the seller for sending out a unit in this state.