Unlocking the Power of DIY Routers

Building your own router can be a game-changer. Not only do DIY routers often boast advanced features and enhanced security compared to ISP-provided models, but they also allow you to tailor your network to your specific needs. After successfully initiating a Raspberry Pi-based OpenWRT router, I took the plunge last year, transforming a mini-PC into an OPNsense router. Recently, OPNsense released a major update that I was eager to test, but I didn’t want to risk my primary setup. Instead, I decided to revive an old PC for this exciting project.

The Setup: A Journey of Trials and Triumphs

I jumped right into the installation process, expecting it to be a breeze. After downloading the OPNsense image and preparing a bootable flash drive, I tried to power the installation with an old PCIe Ethernet card. Here’s the kicker: OPNsense requires two Ethernet interfaces — a WAN port for connecting to the internet and a LAN port for your devices. My old PC’s built-in 1GbE port was ready, but my plan to use a spare TP-Link TX401 Ethernet card as the LAN port hit a snag.

Compatibility Conundrums with the TX401

Despite my experience with various platforms where the TX401 worked flawlessly, OPNsense had other plans. It failed to recognize my network card, leaving me with no viable options to configure everything through the usual methods. I could have muddled through using command line scripts, but who has time for that? Just when I thought all hope was lost, I remembered an old USB-to-Ethernet adapter stashed away.

A Game-Changer: The USB Adapter

With my old PCIe card temporarily sidelined, I plugged in the USB-to-Ethernet adapter, and to my surprise, OPNsense accepted it without hesitation. I quickly set up both the WAN and LAN connections and proceeded with the installation wizard.

Troubleshooting the TX401: A Frustrating Experience

Once the installation concluded, I eagerly accessed the OPNsense web interface, ready to troubleshoot. I wanted to install drivers for the TX401. Unfortunately, I encountered a dead end with broken links to the necessary packages. Switching gears, I sourced the required driver from the GhostBSD repository but still faced hurdles trying to get it to work.

Success with the USB Adapter!

In the end, with patience and a bit of improvisation, I got my makeshift router up and running using the USB adapter. I configured firewall rules, set up an IPv4 gateway, and took advantage of the built-in Intrusion Prevention System (IPS). While I plan to eventually invest in a dedicated PCIe NIC for improved performance, the USB-to-Ethernet setup has proven reliable and effective.

Final Thoughts: The Rewards of DIY Networking

Turning an old PC into a router is not just a practical solution; it’s also an opportunity to learn. If you're considering building your own router, don’t hesitate! With a bit of tech-savvy and the right components, you can enhance your home network dramatically.