This is a all in one build that should handle being a Router w/ WAP, a Stateful packet filter Firewall, and an Anti-Virus with the option to be a Print and File server.
Thoughts?
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor | $49.98 @ Newegg
Motherboard | ASRock AM1H-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard | $50.98 @ Newegg
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $25.99 @ Newegg
Storage | A-Data Premier Pro SP600 64GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $34.99 @ Newegg
Case | Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case | $32.98 @ Newegg
Wired Network Adapter | TP-Link TG-3468 10/100/1000 Mbps PCI-Express x1 Network Adapter | $11.59 @ OutletPC
Wireless Network Adapter | Intel 7260HMW 802.11ac Mini-PCI-Express Wi-Fi Adapter | $38.98 @ Amazon
Other| 19V 4.74A 5.5mm-2.5mm AC Adapter| $16.00
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $273.49
| Mail-in rebates | -$20.00
| Total | $253.49
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-15 04:46 EST-0500 |
Looks good. I'd double check that the wireless card is going to work/do everything you want in whatever OS you're using for this.
it should. after all it is an Intel nic. This build is supposed to compete with one of those high fallootin expensive routers that have tones of antennas on them.
From what I've seen not all wireless NICs work well as APs. I assume you're using linux for this? The intel AC NICs should work on linux, but how well it works is another question.
You won't be able to use PFSense or any FreeBSD based OS if you want wireless AC. FreeBSD still doesn't have a driver as far as know. You would need to use Linux as @Dexter_Kane suggests. I use the same wireless card on my Fedora 23 platform but I had to re-purpose my D-Link DIR-860L router as an AP with my PFSense box.
i dont do pfsense. i do ClearOS usually.
I believe ClearOS is Linux based so it should have a driver for the 7260. It works fine on my Fedora 23 platform. I believe the 7260 is capable of 867 mbps on the 5.0ghz band so it won't be quit as fast as the newer multi-antenna MU-MIMO routers, but should be the about the same as my DIR-860L.
The intel has microcode that practically works on everything at this point he is probably ok