Introduction
Product Overview
Welcome to our review of the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance Celeron N5105 4xIntel I226 Nic Firewall Router PC! This professional firewall router PC brings you a secured and encrypted network environment. With its multi-functional support, such as AES-NI, ESXI, Watchdog, Auto power on, RTC, PXE boot, and Wake-on-LAN, you can have peace of mind knowing that your network is protected.
Key Features
The MOGINSOK PFsense Firewall Mini PC- MGCN51N is equipped with a quad-core Intel Celeron 5105 processor and four Intel i226 network cards, providing you with fast and professional network usage. It also supports AES-NI for enhanced security. The device comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. Additionally, it features HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and Type C ports that support 3x4K@60Hz displays.
Specifications
The MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance Celeron N5105 4xIntel I226 Nic Firewall Router PC is packed with impressive specifications. It runs on a quad-core Intel Celeron 5105 processor with a base frequency of 2.0GHz and a maximum frequency of 2.9GHz. The device supports AES-NI, ensuring robust encryption for your network. It has 8GB DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 32GB, and a 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD for fast storage. The device also features four Intel i226 network cards, providing maximum network speeds of up to 2.5GbE. With its versatile connectivity options and professional-grade features, this firewall router PC is a reliable and powerful choice for network security.
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from customers who have used the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance Celeron N5105 4xIntel I226 Nic Firewall Router PC:
- One customer mentioned that installing and configuring the device was hassle-free, and they were able to assign VLANs immediately.
- Another customer praised the fast shipping and accurate hardware specifications of the device. They also mentioned that it runs great with OPNsense.
- A customer shared their experience of initially encountering high temperature readings but was able to resolve it by replacing the thermal paste, improving the device’s performance.
- Another customer highlighted the expandability and versatility of the device, noting that it works flawlessly as a firewall and can handle multiple active networks and advanced functions.
- One customer appreciated the stability and performance of the device, achieving fast internet speeds and running various applications without any issues.
customers express satisfaction with the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance Celeron N5105 4xIntel I226 Nic Firewall Router PC’s performance, expandability, and ease of use.
Hardware Performance and Stability
Uptime and Stability
At first glance, the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance appears to excel in terms of uptime and stability. Users have reported consistent performance and reliable operation, even under heavy load. Many customers have expressed satisfaction with the device’s reliability, noting its ability to handle multiple networks and extensive firewall rules without experiencing failures.
One user mentioned using the device as a firewall for a home lab for several months without encountering any issues. They praised its ability to handle complex network traffic and various network services, such as reverse proxy, DNS, DHCP, unbound, openvpn, and suricata, while only utilizing a small percentage of its CPU and RAM resources.
Temperature and Thermal Management
The MOGINSOK Firewall Mini PC also impresses with its thermal management capabilities. While initial concerns were raised about high temperature readings, one user was able to address this by replacing the thermal paste, resulting in significantly improved temperatures. The device now runs at a stable and cool temperature, even under load.
Furthermore, users have commented on the low power draw of the device, which contributes to its overall efficiency and reliability. With its well-designed heat sink, the appliance remains only slightly warm to the touch, reflecting the efficient thermal management system employed by the device.
the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance demonstrates strong hardware performance and stability, with commendable uptime, reliable operation, and efficient thermal management. Users can rely on this firewall router PC for seamless network connectivity and secure data transmission.
Network Performance
Wired Network Speed
The MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance offers exceptional wired network speed, thanks to its powerful hardware configuration. Equipped with four Intel i226 network cards, each with a maximum speed of 2.5GbE, this firewall router PC ensures a fast and reliable network connection. With the support of other compatible devices such as routers and cables, users can experience enhanced network performance and seamless data transmission.
Wireless Network Speed
While the focus of the MOGINSOK Firewall Micro Appliance is on wired network speed, its capabilities extend to wireless network connectivity as well. By setting up the device in access point mode and following proper network configuration, users can achieve efficient wireless connectivity. The appliance is designed to support the future transition to 2.5Gb network speeds, making it a reliable choice for both wired and wireless networking needs.
Gaming Performance
The MOGINSOK Firewall Micro Appliance is also suitable for gaming purposes. With its deep packet inspection capabilities and the Intel 5105 CPU, users can enjoy smooth and uninterrupted gaming sessions. The powerful hardware ensures that network traffic is efficiently managed, minimizing latency and providing a fast and stable gaming experience.
the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance delivers impressive network performance, whether for wired or wireless connections, making it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses alike.
Installation and Setup
Network Configuration
Setting up the MOGINSOK Linux Firewall Micro Appliance is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design. We found the network configuration process to be straightforward and intuitive. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, you’ll have no trouble getting the device up and running in no time.
DHCP and NAT Setup
Configuring DHCP and NAT on the MOGINSOK Firewall Router PC is seamless, allowing for a hassle-free network setup. With the device’s built-in DHCP server, you can easily assign IP addresses to connected devices on your network. Additionally, the NAT setup ensures smooth communication between devices within your network and the internet.
Modem Connection
Connecting the MOGINSOK Firewall Micro Appliance to your modem is a simple process. We recommend powering down both the modem and the firewall before making the connection. Once connected, power on the modem first, followed by the firewall. By following this sequence, the firewall can receive a new DHCP lease from the modem, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
The MOGINSOK Firewall Micro Appliance offers a range of features and capabilities that make it an ideal choice for securing and encrypting your network. With its AES-NI support, ESXI compatibility, and advanced network card options, this device provides a professional firewall and router solution for both personal and business use.
We understand that setting up a firewall and router can be daunting for some users. That’s why we’re here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance during the installation and setup process, feel free to contact us. Our dedicated team is available to provide prompt and helpful support.
the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance is a reliable and high-performing device that offers a secure and encrypted network environment. With its easy installation and setup, you can have peace of mind knowing that your network is well-protected. Don’t hesitate to invest in this powerful firewall and router solution for your home or business needs.
Expandability and Use Cases
M.2 and SATA Drive Support
The MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance offers excellent expandability options, making it highly versatile for a range of use cases. With two M.2 ports and the ability to add a SATA drive, users have the flexibility to customize their storage setup according to their needs. Whether you require high-speed storage through an M.2 NVMe SSD or prefer the convenience of a 2.5-inch SATA SSD or HDD, this micro appliance can accommodate it all. The M.2 and SATA drive support ensures that you have ample space to store your data, applications, and configurations.
Memory Expansion
In addition to storage expansion, the MOGINSOK Firewall Micro Appliance allows for easy memory expansion. It comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM as a standard configuration, which is more than sufficient for most firewall and routing tasks. However, for those who require more memory for resource-intensive applications or multitasking, the micro appliance supports memory expansion up to a maximum of 64GB. This enables you to scale up your system’s performance and handle even more complex networking tasks smoothly.
Multiple Network Configurations
The MOGINSOK Firewall Micro Appliance is designed to accommodate various network configurations, offering exceptional flexibility. With its four Intel i226 network cards, each capable of speeds up to 2.5GbE, you can easily set up multiple LANs or VLANs to segregate and manage your network traffic effectively. Whether you need to create separate networks for different departments, guest networks, or a combination of various network setups, this micro appliance can handle it all. Its high-speed network connections ensure optimal performance and faster data transfer rates.
the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance with its expandability options and versatile use cases is a reliable and powerful solution for securing your network and managing your traffic efficiently. Whether you choose to use it as a firewall, router, or even a compact server, its exceptional performance, connectivity options, and low power draw make it an ideal choice for both home and professional environments.
Software and Firmware
Pre-installed OS
The MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance comes pre-installed with PFsense, a powerful open-source firewall software. However, our customers have mentioned that the default language setting was Chinese, which may not be suitable for everyone. We understand the importance of having a user-friendly interface, and while this was not a major issue, it required a quick adjustment with the help of Google Translate.
Customizable Options
The great thing about this firewall micro appliance is its versatility. Customers have mentioned that they were able to easily install other operating systems, such as OPNsense, to suit their specific needs. This flexibility allows users to customize the device according to their preferences and requirements.
Supported Operating Systems
The MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance is compatible with various operating systems, including pfSense plus 23.01 or CE 2.5.0, OPNsense 22.1, OpenWrt, ROS7, ESXI, Proxmox, and CentOS. It is important to note that some system suppliers may not have released compatible drivers yet, so we recommend installing the newest versions of the supported operating systems for optimal performance.
Our customers have reported successful installation and smooth operation of OPNsense without any major issues. However, there have been instances where users needed to explore the BIOS settings to ensure the correct configuration of NIC cards. While this may seem overwhelming for those unfamiliar with BIOS settings, it did not pose significant challenges for our customers.
the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance offers a range of software and firmware options, allowing users to tailor their firewall router PC to their specific requirements. We are continuously working to improve the user experience and provide any necessary support to our customers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
When it comes to the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance Celeron N5105 4xIntel I226 Nic Firewall Router PC, there are several standout features that make it a reliable and efficient option for users seeking a secure network environment.
First and foremost, the hardware of the firewall micro appliance is exactly as indicated, and it ships with pfSense installed, making setup quick and straightforward. Additionally, the included instructions, although specifying the admin port as 192.168.1.1, did not pose a major issue as the discrepancy was easily resolved using Google Translate.
Furthermore, the MOGINSOK firewall PC offers excellent expandability and functionality. With the ability to support AES-NI, ESXI, Watchdog, and Auto power on, users can benefit from enhanced security and convenience. The device is equipped with a Jasper Lake 11th Gen Intel Celeron 5105 quad-core processor, ensuring reliable and efficient performance.
Another advantage of the MOGINSOK firewall router is its connectivity options. With 4 Intel i226 network cards supporting a maximum speed of 2.5GbE, users can enjoy faster and more professional network usage. The device also includes HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and Type C ports, allowing for versatile display and data capabilities.
Cons
While the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance offers numerous benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users have reported that the device gets a little warm during operation, although this doesn’t seem to affect its overall functionality. Additionally, there have been instances where the admin port was set to a different IP address than specified in the instructions.
It’s worth noting that certain system suppliers may not have released compatible drivers to match the MOGINSOK firewall PC yet. Therefore, it is recommended to install the newest version of compatible systems, such as pfSense plus 23.01 or CE 2.5.0, OPNsense 22.1, OpenWrt, ROS7, ESXI, Proxmox, and CentOS.
the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance Celeron N5105 4xIntel I226 Nic Firewall Router PC offers a reliable and secure solution for users in need of a professional firewall and router. With its impressive hardware, expandability, and connectivity options, it provides a solid foundation for a secure and encrypted network environment.
Conclusion
After thoroughly reviewing the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance Celeron N5105 4xIntel I226 Nic Firewall Router PC 8GB DDR4 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD AES-NI, we have found it to be a reliable and efficient device for creating a secured and encrypted network environment. With its professional features like AES-NI support, ESXI, Watchdog, Auto power on, RTC, PXE boot, and Wake-on-LAN, this firewall router PC offers advanced functionalities.
The MOGINSOK Micro PFsense Firewall Appliance MGCN51N is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Celeron 5105 processor and features 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD. It also has 4 Intel i226 network cards that support a maximum speed of 2.5GbE, ensuring faster and more professional network usage.
We appreciate the professional OS installed on this firewall router, which is compatible with various popular systems like pfSense plus 23.01 or CE 2.5.0, OPNsense 22.1, OpenWrt, ROS7, ESXI, Proxmox, and CentOS.
While some minor issues were reported by users, such as the unit always coming on when power is restored, the boot device menu not appearing, and difficulties with recognizing USB boot devices on an external USB 3 hub, overall, the MOGINSOK firewall mini PC MGCN51N offers a great user experience.
Additionally, users have reported successful installations of operating systems like FreeBSD and Fedora, as well as the smooth performance of the Intel I225-V network interfaces.
Overall, we are impressed with the MOGINSOK 2.5GbE Linux Firewall Micro Appliance Celeron N5105 4xIntel I226 Nic Firewall Router PC 8GB DDR4 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD AES-NI. It is a solid and reliable device that provides a secure and efficient network environment.
