I've been using the Fanless N100 Mini PC as my home firewall and router for a few weeks now, and it's been a game-changer. The compact size is perfect for my small apartment - I've mounted it behind my monitor using the included VESA bracket, saving precious desk space.
The fanless design is absolutely silent, which I love since it runs 24/7 in my bedroom. Even after hours of continuous use as a Pfsense router, the aluminum case stays surprisingly cool to the touch. The four 2.5Gbe ports handle all my network traffic effortlessly, though I did notice the interface order in Pfsense was a bit confusing at first.
Performance-wise, it's handled everything I've thrown at it - from VPN connections to running multiple Docker containers. The pre-installed Windows 11 Pro made setup a breeze, though I eventually switched to Debian Linux which runs like a dream. The ability to power it via PoE (when working properly) is incredibly convenient for network closet installations.
My only gripe? Finding compatible WiFi modules was tricky - I ended up going with a NETELY Wireless-AC 8260NGW which worked perfectly with the included antennas. For anyone looking for an energy-efficient, compact networking solution that doesn't compromise on performance, this little powerhouse is definitely worth considering.