PfSense Hardware Configuration

Hardware Hub Networking
1

Just finished watching the PfSense Video, and am excited to try it out but have some questions about hardware.

Currently, I have a Coax cable running into a modem my ISP gave me, which has Ethernet running to a router, which broadcasts WiFi and acts as a switch.

From what I understand, I would keep the same setup but replace the router with the PfSense machine, and for WiFi I could use the old router as a WiFi antennae?

Am I understanding this correctly?
Do I need to buy a NIC if I only have 1 ethernet port on the PfSense machine?
Is there a way to replace the modem by allowing the PfSense box to accept a Coax connection?

Thanks

2

If you only have one Ethernet port on your pfsense box how does it connect to the rest of your home network?

(Yes you'll need another port to connect to the WiFi box unless all your machines are WiFi and your pfsense box has WiFi)

3

Yes, the pfsense box will replace the router in your setup.

Yes, you should be able to use your old router as a AP and switch.

Getting two physical NICs would be easiest and cheapest.

I've looked for cable modem replacements like what you're asking for too but have never been able to find one.