Using FreeNAS as network switch?

[Market Guru]

Not sure if this is in developement.

I wonder once you build a decently powered FreeNAS box is it possible to use it has a network switch since we can invest on 10gbE NIC with multiple ports?


Send from Note 3

 

[DrKK]

*pops popcorn*

 

[Ericloewe]

*pops popcorn*

I'll bite. *cough*


WHY??? Why would you want a full computer acting as a switch?

Routing is one thing, but again, FreeNAS is most definitely not what you're looking for - pfSense might be though.

Switching is something done in hardware. The last thing you'd want is to waste a general purpose CPU just sending packets from A to B according to simple rules, when a switch chip will do the same job, aided by a much more modest CPU (if required).

 

[DrKK]

Generally speaking, "best practice", as Eric says, is to have your networking switch/router/whatever be one purpose-driven appliance. A lot of the guys here, including Cyberjock, run a pfSense box (which is another FreeBSD appliance, just like FreeNAS) on special small motherboards that have strong Intel nics on them.

Having a system that does a bunch of stuff, and oh by the way, handles your routing/switching/gateway, is not considered a wise move. But people can, and do, build small boxes (out of the RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PURPOSE!!! NOT SOME RANDOM ASS MOBO) with pfSense to do what you say.

 

[Market Guru]

Thank you for the guide line. I should know better but I dont know about pfSense or what it does.

I thought about that because I thought about using ownCloud and with FreeNAS also as a switch or router.

Anyway thanks let me re think

Send from Note 3