Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway

87%

Performance

Ease of Setup

Build Quality

Customer Support

Software Experience

Value for Money

Network Flexibility

Quiet Operation

Documentation

Warranty Coverage

Power Efficiency

VPN Speed

Firewall Protection

Overview

The Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway is a compact and powerful solution for managing network security at both home and business levels. This device comes pre-loaded with pfSense+ software, ensuring a quick and easy setup for users of all technical backgrounds. It packs impressive features into a small form factor, making it ideal for those who need reliable performance in a space-saving design. Whether you're looking to secure a home network or manage multiple devices in a small office, this network security gateway is designed to provide robust protection and flexibility.

Features & Benefits

The dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor in this pfSense+ appliance ensures efficient routing and excellent firewall performance. With three 1 GbE ports, users can configure their network in a variety of ways, whether connecting to a single device or managing multiple network segments. In addition to offering seamless VPN support, it delivers silent operation and low power consumption, making it ideal for continuous, unobtrusive operation. The inclusion of lifetime technical support and a one-year hardware warranty gives peace of mind to buyers looking for long-term reliability.

Best For

This network security gateway is best suited for small businesses and home offices that need to maintain a secure and efficient network. It excels in situations where a reliable VPN, firewall, and router are required in a single, compact device. Tech enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their security setups will also find value in its flexibility. If you're looking for a device that offers high throughput, low power usage, and solid performance with minimal maintenance, this pfSense+ appliance is a great fit for your networking needs.

User Feedback

Users generally praise the Netgate 1100 for its ease of use and reliable performance, particularly when it comes to handling VPN and firewall tasks. Many report strong speeds and stability, making it a great choice for securing networks. However, some users have encountered challenges during setup, especially if they are unfamiliar with pfSense+ software. There are also occasional complaints about limited documentation, which can make troubleshooting more difficult for beginners. Despite these minor issues, the device's solid overall performance and lifetime support make it a popular choice among its users.

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Pros

Easy setup with pre-loaded pfSense+ software, ideal for users with limited technical experience.
The dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor ensures smooth routing and performance for small networks.
Silent operation and low power consumption make it perfect for home offices or smaller businesses.
Three 1 GbE ports offer flexibility for various network configurations and expansion.
Lifetime technical support and a one-year hardware warranty add significant value for peace of mind.
Well-suited for tech enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their network security setups.

Cons

The learning curve of pfSense+ software can be steep for beginners or those without networking experience.
Some users report that the documentation is limited, leading to setup challenges.
Firewall throughput is good, but it may struggle with high-demand enterprise-level tasks.
Limited VPN throughput may not meet the needs of users with high VPN traffic or large-scale setups.
May not be powerful enough for larger businesses with more complex networking demands.
Some users mention the device occasionally overheats during heavy use.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple countries, languages, and platforms, the ratings for this product reflect a balanced view of both strengths and areas for improvement. Spam, bot-generated, and off-topic reviews were excluded to ensure the highest quality insights. The feedback emphasizes the device's ease of setup, its reliable performance, and some occasional setup challenges, providing a comprehensive view of how the product performs in real-world conditions.

Performance

88%

Users are generally impressed with the smooth and reliable performance of this device. The dual-core processor and pfSense+ software handle routing, firewall, and VPN tasks effectively, making it suitable for both home and business use. Many buyers appreciate its ability to manage high throughput with minimal lag or drops during everyday use.

Some users report occasional slowdowns when handling large amounts of simultaneous connections, especially with VPN tasks. A few mention that the firewall throughput could be higher for very high-demand network environments, leading to some frustration in more complex setups.

Ease of Setup

92%

The pre-loaded pfSense+ software makes installation a breeze for most users, even those with limited networking experience. Many buyers note that the setup process is straightforward, and the user-friendly interface helps get the device up and running quickly, saving time and effort in configuring their network.

Not everyone agrees on the ease of setup, with some users mentioning the initial configuration could be confusing without sufficient documentation. A few found the lack of detailed setup guides challenging, especially when troubleshooting advanced features like VPN or firewall rules.

Build Quality

85%

The compact design and solid build quality are praised by most buyers, especially considering the device’s power and capability. Its durable exterior feels sturdy, and it remains stable during long operation periods, contributing to its longevity.

A small number of users have reported concerns about the lack of ventilation, which could potentially lead to heat buildup during extended use. Some also noted that the plastic casing, while functional, may feel less premium compared to other higher-end security devices.

Customer Support

93%

The lifetime technical support and one-year hardware warranty are standout features that buyers appreciate. Several users mention that the customer service team is responsive and helpful, providing clear solutions and guidance for any setup or troubleshooting issues.

While most users had positive experiences, a few report delays in response times during peak periods. Some also felt that certain troubleshooting steps could be more comprehensive, especially for more advanced technical queries.

Software Experience

80%

20%

pfSense+ software offers a high level of customization, which tech enthusiasts and network professionals enjoy. The flexibility to tailor security, VPN, and firewall configurations is seen as a major plus, providing robust control over the network.

However, some users feel the software can be overwhelming for those new to networking or pfSense. The learning curve can be steep, and the interface is not always as intuitive as some might expect, leading to frustration among beginners.

Value for Money

89%

For its price, the device offers excellent value, especially considering the combination of performance, software flexibility, and technical support. Users often mention that it’s a great investment for both home and small business networking, especially when compared to other security gateways in the same price range.

Some users argue that while it offers good value, additional features such as higher throughput or more advanced hardware could justify a higher price point. A few users believe that certain advanced networking setups might require additional investments in more powerful equipment.

Network Flexibility

87%

The three 1 GbE ports allow for a range of networking setups, providing ample flexibility for different configurations. Buyers appreciate how easy it is to expand or change network settings with minimal hassle, allowing the device to suit a variety of use cases.

While the network flexibility is generally well-received, a few users wish for more ports or faster connections, especially when dealing with larger networks or more demanding use cases. Some also pointed out the need for better management options for advanced network setups.

Quiet Operation

94%

The silent operation of this device is another highly praised feature. Users value how it operates quietly in the background, making it ideal for home offices or small businesses where noise could be an issue. Its low power consumption also means it’s energy-efficient.

There are no significant complaints about the noise level, but a few users mentioned that while the device is quiet, the lack of active cooling could lead to heat concerns in more intensive setups or extended use, potentially affecting long-term performance.

Documentation

65%

35%

While some users find the available documentation useful for basic setups, others appreciate the community-driven resources that can help in more complex configurations.

The biggest complaint is the lack of thorough, official documentation for troubleshooting and advanced setup. Many users felt that the online guides and manuals could have been more detailed, particularly when it comes to configuring advanced features such as VPN tunnels or firewall rules.

Warranty Coverage

90%

The one-year hardware warranty and lifetime technical support provide peace of mind to many users. The warranty is seen as a valuable benefit that ensures the device remains functional over time without additional costs for support.

Some users wish for longer warranty coverage or a more extensive service plan for businesses relying on the gateway for critical network operations. However, the majority are satisfied with the standard offering given the price point.

Power Efficiency

91%

The low power consumption is frequently highlighted as a key benefit, especially for businesses or users looking to reduce their energy costs. It’s a feature that users mention frequently as being especially useful in always-on devices like this one.

There were a few comments from users indicating that while power efficiency is great, a more robust power management system for high-demand scenarios would be beneficial, especially for larger networks that require additional throughput or processing.

VPN Speed

83%

Many users find the VPN speeds acceptable for typical use cases, such as remote work or private browsing. The device is seen as a reliable option for securing network traffic without significant slowdowns.

However, some users have mentioned that VPN speeds can suffer during peak traffic times, and certain configurations might lead to noticeable lag. For users requiring ultra-fast VPN speeds, this might be a limitation.

Firewall Protection

89%

The device provides solid firewall protection, which most users find sufficient for securing their networks. Many mention how it’s easy to configure custom rules for a high level of security without sacrificing speed or ease of use.

A few users have indicated that while the firewall is reliable, it could be more intuitive when handling complex setups or providing more granular control for advanced users. Some advanced security features might require additional configurations not immediately obvious to novice users.

Suitable for:

The Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway is an excellent choice for small businesses or home offices that need a reliable and cost-effective solution for securing their networks. Its easy setup, thanks to the pre-loaded pfSense+ software, makes it particularly appealing to users who are looking for simplicity without sacrificing control over their network configurations. Tech enthusiasts who want to customize their security setup will appreciate the flexibility of the device, as its powerful processor and robust feature set allow for advanced configurations. Additionally, its silent operation and low power consumption make it ideal for environments where space and energy efficiency are important, such as home offices or small-scale businesses.

Not suitable for:

This device may not be the best fit for users who require extremely high performance, such as those managing large-scale networks with heavy traffic loads or high VPN demands. Some users have noted that while it performs well for typical small-business or home-office setups, it may struggle with demanding tasks that require faster firewall throughput or more VPN capacity. Additionally, the steep learning curve associated with the pfSense+ software can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with networking. Therefore, users seeking a plug-and-play solution or those with little technical experience may find this device more complicated than expected, especially when troubleshooting advanced configurations or handling complex network setups.

Specifications

Processor: Dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.2 GHz processor for efficient routing and performance.
Memory: 1 GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking and handling of network operations.
Storage: 10.6 GB eMMC storage for system and configuration files.
Ports: Three 1 GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) ports for WAN, LAN, and optional network configurations.
Firewall Throughput: Up to 656 Mbps firewall throughput, providing strong network protection without performance bottlenecks.
L3 Forwarding: Supports up to 880 Mbps Layer 3 forwarding for efficient data routing.
VPN Throughput: IPsec VPN throughput of 74.2 Mbps for secure, high-speed remote connections.
Encryption: AES-CBC-128 + SHA1 encryption for secure data transfer and VPN operations.
Power Consumption: Low power consumption with silent operation, making it ideal for continuous use in small office or home environments.
Software: Pre-loaded with pfSense+ software, providing a user-friendly interface for configuration and management.
Warranty: Comes with a 1-year hardware warranty and lifetime technical support (TAC Lite).
Dimensions: Compact form factor for easy placement in various environments (dimensions not specified).
Operating System: Runs on pfSense+, a powerful open-source firewall/router software with robust features and customization options.
Network Configuration: Offers flexibility with three configurable network ports (WAN/LAN/OPT) for different network setups.
Build Quality: Sturdy build designed for reliable performance in both home and small business settings.
Security Features: Includes advanced security features like firewalls, VPN support, and network segmentation.

FAQ

This device is a compact network security gateway that integrates a firewall, VPN, and router all in one, making it ideal for securing small to medium-sized networks in home or business environments.

Setup is quite straightforward due to the pre-loaded pfSense+ software. Users can quickly configure the device with minimal technical knowledge, though some familiarity with network settings can be helpful for advanced customization.

Yes, it includes lifetime technical support and a one-year hardware warranty, which offers peace of mind in case of hardware issues or troubleshooting needs.

Absolutely. The Netgate 1100 provides solid VPN support with a throughput of up to 74.2 Mbps for IPsec VPN, making it a reliable choice for securing remote connections or private networks.

The Netgate 1100 can handle small to medium-sized networks. With its three 1 GbE ports, it's ideal for businesses or home offices with a moderate number of connected devices.

The firewall throughput is up to 656 Mbps, which is suitable for most small to mid-sized networks. It ensures reliable security without slowing down everyday internet usage or business activities.

Yes, the Netgate 1100 is compatible with a wide range of networking equipment, as it supports standard Ethernet and can be easily integrated into most network environments.

One of the key benefits of this appliance is its silent operation. It's designed for environments where noise is a concern, such as home offices or small businesses, operating with minimal sound.

Some users have reported challenges with the setup process, especially those unfamiliar with pfSense+ software. Additionally, while it's suitable for smaller networks, it may not meet the needs of larger, enterprise-level setups.

Yes, the Netgate 1100 is designed for tech enthusiasts who want to customize their network security settings. The pfSense+ software provides a high level of flexibility, allowing users to configure firewalls, VPNs, and routing to fit their specific needs.