Follow-up: OpenBSD routers on AliExpress mini PCs
I got lots of replies to the last post showing the little OpenBSD internet gateway setup (super interesting; thanks!). Here’s more info and pictures:
https://www.srcbeat.com/2024/02/aliexpress-openbsd-router/
Something I’ve been meaning to share for years now.
I’m sorry if I seem obtuse but isn’t it easier to just set up OPNsense, which is a fully configured router/firewall on top of BSD?
It is easier, but it can be considered as feature-bloat if you don’t really need the breadth of capabilities that it offers. Aside from that, OpenBSD has made specific choices to make it more secure than FreeBSD by default, though the configuration will depend upon the user.
It’s also more fun to DIY it and you no longer need to rely on a specialist version of BSD. You are closer to the source, so to speak.
Some reasons might just be philosophical, others can be technical if you have specific configuration that you’d want to achieve.