Thanks for the comment! I’m not sure if the WAN is PPPoE on the pfSense box - is this something I configure or is it set by the ISP?

Oh wait I think I see what you’re saying. My internet is through cable (not ethernet), so I think you are saying to do this:

internet
   │
   ▼
modem
   │
   ▼
managed switch──────────────┐
    │                       │
    ▼                       ▼
arris router           pfSense box

Isn’t this a problem because then the managed switch is on the ISP’s network?

Also, you said that the WAN interfaces of both the arris router and pfsense should be in that managed switch, but then also (last bullet) that the router and pfsense plug their LAN output into the managed switch? Was that just a typo?

I got it on amazon

Thanks for your comment!

I’d look for something you can administer remotely,

Totally agree! I’m not far now but who knows in the future :)

something that can double as a media center might be nice

That’s a great idea, especially because they have a collection of DVDs I could rip and put on there. Any particular considerations that matter when adding the ability to be a media center (besides maybe transcoding)?

Thanks again!