Netgate 2100 Base pfSense+ Security Gateway - Compact Business

In this review of the Netgate 2100 Base pfSense+ Security Gateway, the bottom line is simple: small offices and advanced home networks that need a dedicated, secure edge should consider this appliance because it combines enterprise-grade VPN and firewall features with an easy out-of-box pfSense+ experience. The reviewer found the device straightforward to deploy, praised the included lifetime technical assistance for the appliance, and highlighted the balance of security and performance as the single biggest reason to buy.

Key Features

• Pre-loaded pfSense+: Ships with pfSense+ software so administrators can unbox and begin configuring a secure edge without installing third-party firmware.
• Enterprise VPN support: Includes IPsec, OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols for private remote access without the licensing costs of larger appliances.
• Lifetime TAC Lite support: Free technical assistance, documentation and training for the lifetime of the appliance reduces setup friction and helps with troubleshooting.
• Balanced performance: A 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor delivers measured routing and firewall throughput suitable for small business traffic and secure services.
• Flexible connectivity: Four 1 GbE ports plus a 1 GbE combo RJ45/SFP port allow multiple WAN/LAN configurations and options for fiber uplink.

Who It's For

This appliance is aimed at small businesses, remote office sites, and technically literate home users who want an accessible, support-backed pfSense+ firewall and VPN gateway. It works well where secure perimeter controls, site-to-site VPNs, and predictable throughput matter more than multi-gigabit LAN switching.

Users who need carrier-grade throughput, built-in Wi-Fi, or a large number of ports should look elsewhere; this model is optimized for compact edge use cases and relies on external switches or access points for LAN expansion.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong value: customers report good value for money when comparing features to comparable appliances.
• Easy installation: reviewers found the device simple to set up and get running with pfSense+ pre-installed.
• Security and speed: delivers solid firewall throughput and real-world speed improvements for protected networks.
• Lifetime support: free TAC Lite help, updates and documentation make ongoing maintenance easier.

Cons

• Update cadence: some users report mixed feelings about the frequency of software updates and feature rollouts.
• Limited ports: a compact port count means additional switching hardware may be needed for larger LANs.

Specifications

Appliance model	Netgate 2100 Base
Software	pfSense+ pre-loaded
Processor	1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A53
Throughput	Approximately 2.20 Gbps routing, ~964 Mbps firewall
Ports	4 x 1 GbE + 1 x 1 GbE combo RJ45/SFP
Storage	10.6 GB eMMC
Warranty & support	One year hardware warranty; lifetime TAC Lite support

Our Verdict

The Netgate 2100 Base is a practical, well-supported edge firewall for small businesses and advanced home networks that need enterprise VPN and solid throughput without complexity. With pre-loaded pfSense+, lifetime technical assistance and a focus on security, it represents strong value for purchasers who can accept a compact port count and an appliance-class feature set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this appliance support WireGuard?
Yes, the device supports WireGuard along with IPsec and OpenVPN for private networking.

Is pfSense+ included and ready to use?
Yes, the appliance ships pre-loaded with pfSense+ so it can be configured immediately after unboxing.

What kind of support is available?
Lifetime Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Lite support, documentation and training are included for the lifetime of the appliance, plus a one year hardware warranty.