I am looking into running pfsense in a virtual machine (VM).
Some background
For some months I have been writing a check list for building a new file/backup server for my home network. The server will be available 24/7.
I use a Linksys WRT54GL 1.1 router with DD-WRT. Been stable for more than a decade. I use static IP addresses in my LAN, but I have the router configured with DHCP for testing and a wireless connection. For guests I added a separate wireless subnet that is not bridged to my LAN.
I want to install a VPN into my home network. While DD-WRT nominally supports that, I want to have a more flexible firewall/router system. The WRT54GL lacks expansion and storage abilities. I have a fringe need to use a Windows box in my LAN and I want that system isolated on its own VLAN.
While I have used Linux systems for more than 13 years and have no BSD background, I am leaning toward pfsense because of the features, large community support, professional/enterprise influence, and web browser interface. The web browser interface mostly shields a user from needing deep knowledge of BSD.
Thus I would have two devices that need to be available 24/7 or at least available concurrently. Is running pfsense in a VM palatable? Sensible? Kill two birds with one stone?
Other thoughts
I have used VirtualBox since the early 1.x days. I have not used kvm/libvirt although I want to learn more. I have not yet decided on the server OS.
I am connected to an excellent WISP, yet I am unlikely ever to see Mbps connection speeds beyond low double digits. Any wireless support I use in my home network will always exceed ISP speeds, but I want as fast as possible since my wired side is all 1 Gbps.
To support wireless devices I need to add a wireless NIC in the new server but I have not researched how to tie/bridge that into a pfsense VM. I want a quality wireless NIC for a server AP and not just a client wireless card.
I am not against using a separate pfsense appliance, which likely would be more straightforward to configure and maintain. I am just looking for conversation here. I appreciate comments, suggestions, ideas, advantages, disadvantages, etc.
Thanks.