Introduction
I’ve recently made a significant upgrade to my home network by purchasing a 4-port Ethernet card on eBay. This new addition will be a game changer for my Proxmox server setup, allowing me to better manage and optimize my network infrastructure.
Why a 4-Port Ethernet Card?
Adding a 4-port Ethernet card to my Proxmox server provides several benefits:
- Enhanced Network Management: With four Ethernet ports, I can manage multiple network interfaces more effectively.
- VLAN Configuration: This setup allows me to create Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to separate different types of network traffic, improving security and performance.
Integrating with pfSense
I plan to use the 4-port Ethernet card on my pfSense server to control my entire network. Here’s how:
- Network Segmentation: VLANs will be used to segregate various devices and services across the network.
- Dedicated VLANs: For instance, I will have a dedicated VLAN for my IoT devices, ensuring they operate in isolation from other network traffic.
- Server VLAN: Another VLAN will be dedicated to the servers running on my Proxmox server.
DNS Management with Pi-Hole
To enhance network security and performance, I will be using two Pi-holes for DNS:
- Ad Blocking: Pi-hole helps block unwanted ads and trackers at the network level.
- DNS Resolution: It will ensure efficient and reliable DNS resolution for all devices connected to my network.
Rack System and Proxmox Server
I’m also planning to set up a rack system to house my Proxmox server:
- Rack Mounting: Once I acquire a suitable case and power supply for the Proxmox server, I will mount it in the rack.
- Future Proofing: This setup will streamline my server management and provide a more organized and scalable infrastructure.
Conclusion
With the addition of the 4-port Ethernet card, VLAN setup, and the planned rack system, my network will become more robust and efficient. This upgrade is a crucial step in optimizing my home network and ensuring seamless operation of all connected devices.