VyOS vs pfsense – which is the better all-round solution

Both pfsense and VyOS are good firewall and routing software solutions, but which of the two is the better all-around solution for all your security and routing needs?

VyOS is primarily a routing software while pfsense is primarily a firewall. However, their functions overlap in various areas within routing and security, making them almost equally useful for both, depending on your specific needs and requirements when searching of an Operation System. The difference in their functionality is brought about by their differed approaches in solving system problems, which is a result of their different primary functions as well as parent projects. An example of their differed approaches to give the same result is that; VyOS is a VPN server in itself which allows the administrator remote access to the network while pfsense allows the user to install an open VPN which does the same.

What are the differences between VyOS and pfsense?

Feature	VyOS	Pfsense
Interface	Command Line Interface	Graphic User Interface
Parent project	Linux	FreeBSD
Router function	Edge router	Access Router
Boot time	30 seconds	35 seconds
Download speed ( WAN)	877.90 Mbps	874.12 Mbps
Upload speed ( WAN )	918.00 Mbps	896.50 Mbps
Performance on InterVLAN	30 Gbps	8 Gbps
	Download here	Download here

VyOS vs pfsense- How do they compare?

• User interface

VyOS uses a Command Line interface (CLI) while Pfsense uses Graphic User Interface (GUI). An operating system is set up to be the middleman between the user and the hardware components of any networking system, and can either be run by a CLI, GUI, or a combination of both. The major difference between the two is that a GUI works by allowing the user to use graphical elements like menus and icons to interact with the system while a CLI limits the user to interacting with the system purely through straight line commands. The implication of this is that GUI is more visually appealing and user friendly while a CLI has a higher execution speed.

• Router functions

Pfsense is functions as an access router while VyOS works as an edge router. An access router is similar to a core router which  forwards information packets to computer hosts within a given computer network while an edge router routes information packets between devices in the independent self-contained network and devices and devices in outside networks along an established network backbone line.

• Download and upload speeds

VyOS has higher upload and download speeds which make it a faster Wi-Fi network than pfsense. However, the difference is not quite significance so this could be an arguably negligent difference, unless dealing with a large and very specific network system. They also have similar boot times, which would be expected since they essentially perform all the same functions meaning that their memories have fairly equal speed.

VyOS vs pfsense – A comparison review

VyOS

VyOS is a fast and reliable, Linux based, open source network operating system that was created when the developing company stopped providing open source and free versions of vyatta, which would be the parent programme for the development of VyOS. It is suited to provide software based firewall, network routing and VPN functionality. It has a concept of different and independent networks and firewall zones which does a great job of separating the implementation of rules in the zones. This allows the administrator to focus on the purpose and effectiveness of the rules in a particular zone at a time.

Another unique feature is that it can configure Quagga which is also Zebra. Quagga is a routing stack that gives routing protocols which are useful in giving the routers information on which sites they can use if their VPNs seem unreliable at a given time. This approach is different from a conventional firewall which either blocks or allows information packets to pass through into the network.

Pros

• Free to download and use
• Works as a great and secure edgerouter
• Its command Line Interface has a high execution speed
• It scales rather well to a larger network

Cons

• Its Command Line Interface makes it non-user friendly

Pfsense

Pfsense is an open source software that was originally designed and released in 2006 to be used as a firewall as well as to enable users to build routers from scratch and set up their own router network. It has a multiple configuration feature which allows the administrator of the network to set up as well as monitor the information packets that flow to different subnets set up in the system. This is not only essential for security purposes but also in regulating who has access to what. This is aided by an intrusion detection and prevention protocol which enhances its information reporting.

Pros

• Free to download and use
• It allows you to build your router from scratch
• Its Graphic User Interface makes it visually appealing and easy to use
• Comes with a large number of additional applications

Cons

• It is problematic with certain network cards

Conclusion

Both pfsense and VyOS are decent routing and security software. However VyOS was designed to be a router software and happens to have a firewall capacity while pfsense is the opposite in that its features make it primarily a firewall operating system that also happens to havea routing capacty. This means that VyOS is a faster and more efficient router, while pfsense is a faster and more efficient firewall.

Verdict – So, which one is better VyOS or pfsense?

Of the two options, it seems that although they both have great utility both in routing and security, pfsense has a higher built in functionality as well as performance capability.

FAQs

What are the hardware requirements for VyOS?

These requirements depend on the purpose for the installation of the appliance in use. For use in smaller branch offices an Atom/C3 Central Processing Unit with260-390M RAM would be enough as well as at least 2GB disk space. However, for edge routers, and other higher load appliances, more powerful servers would be required. Additionally, more space is also recommended to enable an upgrade of the installation.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for pfsense?

The minimum hardware requirements to install and run pfsense are a CPU that offers at least 650 MHz, 4 GB of hard disk space as well as 550 MB of RAM. You can also switch out the Hard disk space for a bootable USB, to expand your space. You will also require at least one network interface card which is compatible to the network and system.

Does VyOS lack any functions?

Yes, VyOS does lack certain functions and these would include:

• MPLS,
• Web VPN,
• PPTP client and L2TP client

However, most of the currently lacking features are to be implemented in future releases.