Remote Shack with Expert Remote 

'all-in-one-place' practical setup guide
  • Own Gateway/Router and Firewall (if "complimentary" is not enough).
    Fair warning: There are many options on the market in 2026. The presented below is "just one from many", and it has only few advantages comparing to other options - it was tested and works with Exper Remote, relatively cheap and relatively easy to setup for an unexperienced (in networks and configurations) user.

    For the purpose of this guide, the Mini-PC with loaded OpnSence is used.
    It serves all-in-one: Gateway(Router) + Firewall (with VPN) + network switch (no extra equipment for LAN switch required); and it can be used with wide range of internet providers/options (Ehternet of Wireless Broadband, FTTH/FTTN, and Starlink).

    The suitable hadrware can be anything from 4 Ethernet Mini PC Intel N100/N2830/J1900/J4125/N5105 range with 4GB RAM and 64G storage/SSD (in-built). The tricky part these days is to find cheapest option; because sellers pushing you to buy minimum 8GB+ RAM and 128GB+ storage (note that this will be an overkill). OpnSense for the Remote Shack task will required absolute minimum as displayed at the official Hardware sizing & setup and WiKi.

    Note that for the purpose of Remote Shack, the 4xEtherner-port model is needed: 1 port used for Internet/WAN connection and three ports for LAN, connecting Starter, SDR and one spare (for your laptop when you in Shack for maintenance, or any other hardware); and 2xUSB port model is enough (USB flash and keyboard plug in for the initial setup only). AliExpress is the main source of those devices (100+ sellers), and many suitable models are often on discounts.

    OpnSence or pfSense question
    The answer is - any can be used in conext of Expert Remote, whatever suits you: pfSense is slightly more feature reach (but those features honestly not needed for Expert Remote Shack purposes) and proprietary; OpnSense is open-source, actively community-supported and more straight forward to configure.
    OpnSence is used for this guide purpose, as its user interface and configuration slightly more user friendly.

    What is needed to setup this Mini-PC?
    Device itself, USB wired keyboard, external monitor with cable (note HDMI is on Mini-PC side), 8GB USB flash drive and Windows/Mac/Linux PC (to make USB bootable firmware).

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