Question Will a minipc with 4 ports need a switch or not? (pfsense)

[cornerstonefoundation]

I will just need to plug in 2-3 computers and I don't need them 'talking' to each other, they can be isolated from each other, but need internet ... Can I configure the 3 available ports on my minipc with no issues or is it still recommended with a switch of some sort?
Thanks

 

[kanewolf]

I will just need to plug in 2-3 computers and I don't need them 'talking' to each other, they can be isolated from each other, but need internet ... Can I configure the 3 available ports on my minipc with no issues or is it still recommended with a switch of some sort?
Thanks

If your desire is to isolate, then you can do what you want. Put one port on the WAN and the other ports as unique subnets with a single PC on the port. Then make sure you have firewall rules to prevent each subnet from accessing the other subnets.

 

[cornerstonefoundation]

If your desire is to isolate, then you can do what you want. Put one port on the WAN and the other ports as unique subnets with a single PC on the port. Then make sure you have firewall rules to prevent each subnet from accessing the other subnets.

Great, I don't need a switch then if I understand correctly. Any specific guide to do these 2 things to make a WAN and fix the unique subnets on the other ports?

 

[kanewolf]

Great, I don't need a switch then if I understand correctly. Any specific guide to do these 2 things to make a WAN and fix the unique subnets on the other ports?

Not a clue. I don't use pFsense.

 

[nigelivey]

Enable the interfaces. IP the interfaces with desired subnets. Start DHCP server if required. Create firewall rules. By default, LAN1 wil be "allow any traffic to all", any further LANs with be blocked by default so you will need an "allow any to all" rule to get internet access, then create new rules at the top the firewall rules on each interface to block what you need. Rules are read by the sytem from the top down. You will need to clear your states table after adding rules.