My current internet setup is like this (which is common for most people).
fiber line from ISP <-> ISP fiber modem <-> Personal wifi router <-> switch
This is working fine with no issues. But I need to power two devices. I want to reduce this to a single device.
fiber line from ISP <-> Modem+Firewall PC <-> Switch <-> AP1,AP2...
From my initial research, what I need is an SFP module which can be attached to a PC which supports SFP. OPNsense should be able to handle most SFP modules.
What is the community’s take on this? Is this worth the effort? Can I find a mini-PC which supports SFP? Will it be cost effective?
Follow the guides at https://pon.wiki/ for replacing your ISP modem with a sfp module running custom firmware. The sfp module will require some sort of active cooling, I bought a 3D printed bracket and fan from their discord server. You can also get a sfp to Ethernet media converter if your firewall does not have sfp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0FCFWGWHT
These work great as a firewall: https://www.ebay.com/itm/358186631570 8 cores with the n355. I split up the cores to run multiple VMs and docker containers. I passed through all the network interfaces to the opnsense VM. It also has 2 m.2 slots(pcie 1x) I use for mirroring 2 64GB intel optane ssds in a zpool.
Most fiber services register the sfp/sfp+ module. it is much cheaper, easier and usually not against the terms of service to just use the isp-provided sfp in your own routing device instead of messing with OLT settingw and custom firmware on a $160 WAS.