Putting the router inside one mini server adds real risk
The current setup is simple. An i5-12400 mini PC runs Debian, with handling services such as Immich, Jellyfin, Pi-hole, WireGuard, and . A separate consumer router handles the home network, and the whole setup already works well.
The proposed change is to replace the Wi-Fi M.2 card with a 2.5GbE wired , giving the mini PC two . Proxmox would run on the mini PC, with an acting as the main router and firewall. A VM and an Ubuntu VM would also run on the same machine, with the existing Docker services moved into Ubuntu.
A 2.5G switch would be added for the home network side. The main concern is whether this makes a working setup too complex, and whether an M.2 2.5GbE adapter is reliable enough for always-on router use.
Key points
- The current Debian and setup already works well.
- The new plan would run Proxmox with separate for routing, smart home, and Docker services.
- The Wi-Fi M.2 slot would be replaced with a 2.5GbE wired .
- The mini PC would replace the consumer router as the main router and firewall.
- The biggest practical concern is 24/7 reliability and recovery if the all-in-one server fails.