Best OPNsense Firewalls with SFP+ Support: Utilize High-Speed Fiber Ports for Enterprise Throughput

What We Recommend and Why

A high-speed OPNsense firewall allows you to move beyond standard gigabit limits to achieve true multi-gigabit internal networking and fiber connectivity. This setup ensures your security gateway does not become a bottleneck as your internal network speeds increase.

The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 delivers this performance through its 16 GB of RAM, while the HUNSN Firewall is a better fit for those requiring a 1u rackmount profile. If you need a balance of 2.5GbE speeds and lower costs, the OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M is the preferred choice.

We selected these models after screening 12 network appliances and comparing 10 at Extreme Spec. The options in our comparison range from $444.99 to $1064.99, with a median price of $442.

Consult the buying guide to understand the essential criteria for selecting the right hardware.

Check the setup and warranty notes for technical requirements and official support details.

View the comparison table to see the technical specifications of each device side by side.

Network Appliances Compared Side by Side

Prices are approximate and move frequently – check the current price before deciding. “Not stated” means the manufacturer listing does not give that figure – we do not estimate it.

Among our top picks, the value leader is OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M because it offers the lowest price per unit of RAM capacity.

The Full Review of Each Network Appliance We Picked

The 3 picks below are reviewed in the same order as the cards above.

OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770

The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 made this list because it provides the 10 Gigabit SFP+ connectivity required for high-bandwidth fiber networking. It serves as a high-performance network appliance capable of handling heavy traffic loads that standard 1 Gbps hardware cannot support.

What we like: This model includes 16 GB of RAM, which provides enough memory to run a full IDS/IPS rule set with deep packet inspection. The 4 x 10 Gigabit optical ports allow for high throughput, which determines the maximum data processing the unit can handle.

Keep in mind: The 2u form factor means this unit occupies more vertical space in a rack compared to 1u alternatives. It is best suited for users who prioritize memory capacity for complex security rules over a compact footprint.

HUNSN Firewall

The HUNSN Firewall appears here because it supports 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports, meeting the primary requirement for fiber-compatible OPNsense hardware. It provides a dedicated hardware solution for users moving beyond standard copper ethernet speeds.

What we like: This appliance features 2 x 10 Gigabit Intel 82599es optical ports for high-speed fiber connectivity. It also includes 32 GB of memory storage capacity, providing a large buffer for active data and complex routing tables.

Keep in mind: With only 2 GB of RAM in the deciding specs, this model lacks the memory required to run a full IDS/IPS rule set with deep packet inspection. It is better suited for high-speed routing where intensive packet inspection is not required.

OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M

The OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M is included for its 2.5GbE port support and compact 1u form factor. It serves as a mid-range option for users who need more than standard gigabit speeds but do not require 10 Gigabit SFP+ throughput.

What we like: The 8 GB of RAM allows for the execution of IDS/IPS rules at the easier end of the required memory range. It features 6 x Intel i226-v 2.5GbE LAN ports, which provide a high density of multi-gigabit ports.

Keep in mind: This model does not state AES-NI support, which may affect the speed of encrypted traffic processing. It is a suitable choice for users who prioritize a 1u footprint over the highest possible throughput.

Which model is best for a high-bandwidth power user who needs maximum throughput?

The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 is the best choice for a power user needing maximum throughput due to its 10 Gigabit optical ports and 16 GB of RAM. While the HUNSN Firewall also offers 10 Gigabit ports, the RS13 Z87 provides the higher RAM capacity needed to maintain that throughput while running complex security rules. The OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M is limited to 2.5GbE speeds and is not suitable for 10 Gbps fiber environments. For high-bandwidth needs, ensure your fiber switch supports the 10 Gigabit standard before ordering.

Review the hardware requirements to ensure your network meets the necessary minimum specifications.

See our top picks for a quick overview of the best rated OPNsense appliances.

Find answers to common questions in the FAQ section.

You can view our full RS11-I3 review for a deeper look at these technical specifications.

If these hardware options aren’t right, explore the alternatives to a network appliance.

What to Look For in a Network Appliance

Selecting a network appliance with at least two SFP+ ports

Select a model with at least two SFP+ ports to balance current connectivity with future expansion, as these ports provide the fiber optic interface required for high-speed networking. For a standard home lab, two ports typically suffice to connect a primary fiber uplink and a secondary high-speed link, while a small office may require more to support multiple high-bandwidth segments. The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 provides 4 optical ports to support 10 Gigabit speeds, whereas the HUNSN Firewall offers 2 x 10 Gigabit Intel 82599es ports. The OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M does not state a count for optical ports, and the HUNSN RS11k Intel I7 3520M does not state a count for optical ports. While Netgate Appliances serve as the industry standard for production-grade pfSense hardware, the OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 provides a higher port count for fiber than the HUNSN Firewall.

How higher CPU clock speeds prevent network processing bottlenecks

Prioritize a higher clock speed to ensure the processor can handle complex packet inspection without creating a CPU bottleneck, which occurs when a weak processor causes high latency or dropped packets. The OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I7 3520M leads the group with a 3.60 GHz clock speed, providing the most cycles per second for active data processing. The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 and the HUNSN RS16 both utilize an Intel i7 4770, while the HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M uses a 3rd gen Intel i3 3110m or 3120m. For your setup, identify the maximum number of concurrent users and rules you plan to run; a higher GHz rating helps maintain throughput as your rule set grows.

PCIe expansion capacity for hardware offloading in network appliances

Check your required peripheral count and ensure the form factor allows for necessary expansion cards, as hardware offloading—which impacts performance under load by moving tasks from the CPU to dedicated hardware—often relies on PCIe lanes. The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 uses a 2u form factor, providing more physical space for internal components than the 1u units like the HUNSN Firewall or the OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M. While the OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 and the HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M both state they use original industry network motherboards, the specific number of available PCIe slots is not stated for any of the options. Compare your required expansion cards against the available space in a 1u versus 2u chassis before ordering.

Verifying fiber transceiver compatibility with Intel 82599es optical ports

Verify that your existing SFP+ modules are compatible with the specific optical ports on the appliance to ensure 10Gbps speeds rather than just 1Gbps compatibility. The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 and the HUNSN Firewall both state they use Intel 82599es optical ports, which are standard for 10 Gigabit fiber connectivity. The OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M and the HUNSN RS11k Intel I7 3520M do not state the specific model of their optical ports. Because compatibility can vary by manufacturer, confirm your specific SFP+ module’s brand and specifications match the Intel 82599es standard if you choose one of the high-speed picks.

Dedicated fan cooling to prevent thermal throttling in network appliances

Look for dedicated fan cooling to prevent thermal throttling, where inadequate cooling causes the device to slow down or crash under sustained load. Every model in our comparison, including the OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770, the HUNSN Firewall, and the OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M, states it includes fan cooling. The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 and the HUNSN RS16 both feature a dedicated turbo silent cooling fan to manage the 150w power draw. For a 24/7 appliance, consistent airflow is necessary; determine if your installation environment has adequate clearance for the heat exhausted by the 150w units compared to the 100w OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M.

For those with smaller setups, find the best OPNsense firewall for home office use.

The Jobs Buyers Ask About, Checked Against Each Pick

Each row is a job this page’s buyers ask about, worked out from each pick’s listed RAM capacity and ethernet port speed and a typical need for the job.

The needs are typical figures for each job, not manufacturer claims, and each pick’s result is worked out from its listed specifications. Your own job’s figure is the one that decides.

Who Buys Network Appliances, and What It Really Costs

Explore the detailed reviews for an in-depth look at each individual firewall’s performance.

Understand the limitations of this list in the scope section.

Detailed performance data is available in our RS07-2350M-232 Firewall breakdown.

What It Takes to Run One, and What to Verify

Basic power and surface requirements for OPNsense hardware setup

Each of these network appliances requires a standard power source and a flat surface or rack to operate. You must have these basics ready before you can begin the setup process.

• The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 and HUNSN RS16 both include a power cord, but you must ensure your local power outlet matches the standard plug type.
• The OPNsense HUNSN RS11k Intel I3 3110M is a 1u cabinet that requires a mounting surface, while the RS13 is a 2u form factor.
• You will need to purchase an SFP+ Transceiver (which converts fiber signals to electrical signals) that is compatible with the specific Intel 82599es optical ports found on the RS13 and RS16.
• If you are not using a rack, you may need to purchase a separate Rack Mount Kit to secure the 1u or 2u units into a standard server cabinet.

Verifying your OPNsense order

Warranty coverage and return policies vary by seller and country, so check these details immediately upon receipt.

• Verify that the 10 Gigabit Intel 82599es optical ports on the RS13 and RS16 are free of physical debris or damage, as these high-speed interfaces are sensitive to dust.
• Confirm that the RS11k contains the 6 x Intel i226-v 2.5GbE LAN ports, as these are the primary interfaces for your high-speed network.
• Check that the dedicated turbo silent cooling fans on all three models spin freely, as these fans prevent thermal throttling during heavy traffic.
• Ensure the VGA ports and console ports are intact, as these are your primary methods for out-of-band management if network access fails.

Connect the device to your power source and a basic internet connection to verify that the OPNsense software boots and allows for VLAN Tagging (a method for segmenting your network into different virtual sections) before you finalize the installation.

Network Appliances: The Questions This Choice Raises

Which OPNsense firewall supports 10Gbps SFP+ connectivity?

The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 supports 10 Gigabit speeds through 4 optical ports, which provides the high-speed fiber connectivity required for 10Gbps networking. This model costs $1064.99 and includes the necessary 82599es hardware to handle fiber optic data.

How much does a 10Gbps capable firewall cost compared to a standard Gigabit one?

A 10Gbps capable firewall carries a higher price point because of the specialized hardware required to move data at those speeds. While a standard Gigabit appliance might cost significantly less, the OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 sits at the $1064.99 mark to provide the throughput needed for fiber and high-speed internal links.

Do these devices come with SFP+ ports pre-installed?

The OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 includes 4 optical ports as part of the standard configuration, meaning you do not need to purchase a separate expansion card to reach 10 Gigabit speeds. This allows you to connect fiber optic cables directly to the appliance without additional hardware purchases.

Which model can run a full IDS/IPS rule set with deep packet inspection?

You should choose the OPNsense RS13 Z87 Core I7 4770 for running a full IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection and Prevention System, which monitors and blocks malicious traffic) rule set with deep packet inspection. This model states a 16 GB RAM capacity, which meets the 8 to 16 GB requirement for handling complex security rules without exhausting the system’s memory.

Use the audience checklist to identify which specific model best fits your professional needs.

Who Should Skip These Network Appliances

The HUNSN Firewall provides 2 GB of RAM. This capacity is not enough to run a full IDS/IPS rule set with deep packet inspection, which requires a higher threshold of available memory. It includes 2 x 10 Gigabit Intel 82599es optical ports to support high-speed fiber optic opnsense hardware requirements.

For enterprise-grade requirements or specialized industrial needs, you should look for high-end Netgate appliances or other production-grade hardware.