When it comes to routers, finding the best value for your money is crucial. Having tried routers from various brands like Cisco, D-Link, Netgear, and SonicWALL, I eventually settled on pfSense routers for several compelling reasons:
1. The content filter developed by pfSense is not only affordable but also highly reliable. It effectively helps manage and control website access, ensuring a safe and productive online environment.
2. The VPN (Virtual Private Network) functionality provided by pfSense is exceptionally robust and easy to configure across multiple router brands. This feature allows for secure remote connections, enabling seamless connectivity for users regardless of their location.
3. One notable advantage of pfSense routers lies in their intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI utilizes object-based programming, making the configuration process faster and more responsive. However, for advanced users or specific requirements, pfSense also offers an underlying command line interface (CLI) for further customization, although I have rarely needed to rely on it.
4. Despite their affordability, pfSense routers are incredibly reliable. In my experience spanning five years, I have never encountered a situation where I needed to reboot the router due to a lockup or crash. This stability is a testament to the router's quality and performance.
There was a time when I faced challenges with employees indulging in inappropriate online activities during their spare time, such as visiting adult websites, gambling sites, or engaging in inappropriate chat rooms. It was during this period that pfSense became an obvious choice for me. Not only is it essentially free to use, but it also tackles these issues without a hitch. It truly is an exceptional bargain.
Having used Cisco routers for an extended period, I must admit that they can be overly complex, lacking a user-friendly GUI for configuration. Utilizing Cisco IOS commands feels like a throwback to the 1980s. While powerful, I personally prefer not to go through extensive training just to set up my router/firewall. In contrast, pfSense has proven to be both easy to configure and flexible, perfectly suited for small to medium-sized offices where most of my current work is concentrated. I have even compared pfSense against a similar Cisco router and found it to be faster and considerably more straightforward to configure.
In summary, if you're seeking a router that offers exceptional value for your money, I highly recommend considering pfSense. Its reliability, affordability, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive features make it an ideal choice for both small and large offices alike.
