Deploying Pimeleon

This section covers hardware selection, image downloads, and physical deployment of Pimeleon router.

Deploying Pimeleon

This section covers hardware selection, image downloads, and physical deployment of Pimeleon router.

Quick Deployment

  1. Download Image - Get the latest Pimeleon router image
  2. Choose Hardware - Select the right Raspberry Pi model (coming soon)
  3. Flash SD Card - Write image to SD card (coming soon)
  4. Physical Setup - Connect cables and boot (coming soon)
  5. Network Integration - Add to existing network (coming soon)

Deployment Scenarios

Home Network (Most Common)

  • Raspberry Pi 4 (2GB or 4GB)
  • Behind existing router or replacing it
  • Wired + WiFi support
  • Home Deployment Guide (coming soon)

Small Office

  • Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB or 8GB)
  • Multiple VLANs
  • Higher throughput requirements
  • Small Office Guide (coming soon)

Edge/Remote Location

  • Raspberry Pi 3B+ or 4
  • Minimal power consumption
  • Remote management required
  • Edge Deployment Guide (coming soon)

Development/Testing

Hardware Requirements

Minimum (Basic Functionality)

  • Raspberry Pi 3B+
  • 16GB Class 10 SD card
  • 2.5A power supply
  • Single Ethernet connection
  • Raspberry Pi 4 (2GB+ RAM)
  • 32GB UHS-I SD card
  • Official Pi 4 power supply (3A)
  • Dual Ethernet (USB adapter)
  • Active cooling

Professional (Maximum Performance)

  • Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB+ RAM)
  • 64GB+ UHS-I or UHS-II SD card
  • PoE HAT or official power supply
  • Dual Gigabit Ethernet
  • Heatsink + fan
  • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

See Hardware Selection for detailed comparisons (coming soon).

Download Options

Beta Release

Development Build

Deployment Checklist

Before deploying Pimeleon router:

  • Hardware selected and purchased
  • Network topology planned
  • IP addressing scheme designed
  • Existing router configuration documented
  • Backup plan prepared
  • SD card imaged and verified
  • Power supply tested
  • Network cables prepared
  • Access to physical location for troubleshooting

Network Integration Methods

Method 1: Secondary Router (Safest)

Keep existing router, add Pimeleon router for specific devices:

  • Connect Pimeleon router WAN to existing router LAN
  • Devices connect to Pimeleon router for filtering
  • Easy rollback if issues occur
  • Best for: First-time users, testing

Method 2: Primary Router Replacement

Replace existing router with Pimeleon router:

  • Connect Pimeleon router WAN directly to modem
  • All devices connect to Pimeleon router
  • Full control over network
  • Best for: Experienced users, maximum control

Method 3: Transparent Bridge

Pimeleon router sits between modem and existing router:

  • Filtering without changing network layout
  • Existing router handles WiFi/DHCP
  • Pimeleon router provides security layers
  • Best for: Minimal disruption, existing router has features you want to keep

See Network Integration Guide for detailed instructions (coming soon).

Post-Deployment

After Pimeleon router is running:

  1. Verify functionality:
    • Internet access working
    • DNS filtering active
    • All devices connected
    • Performance acceptable
  2. Configure services:
    • Customize DNS blocklists
    • Set up DHCP reservations
    • Configure port forwarding if needed
    • Enable additional filtering layers
  3. Monitor and maintain:
    • Check dashboard regularly
    • Review blocked queries
    • Keep system updated
    • Monitor performance
  4. Document your deployment:
    • IP address assignments
    • Custom configurations
    • Port forwards
    • Special settings

Troubleshooting Deployment

Common deployment issues:

No Internet Access After Deployment

  1. Check WAN connection (cable, link light)
  2. Verify upstream router/modem working
  3. Check Pimeleon router WAN IP assignment
  4. Test DNS resolution

Devices Can't Connect

  1. Verify DHCP server running
  2. Check LAN cable connections
  3. Confirm WiFi enabled (if using)
  4. Review firewall rules

Slow Performance

  1. Check CPU/RAM usage on Pimeleon router
  2. Verify network cable quality (Cat5e or better)
  3. Test with filtering disabled to isolate issue
  4. Consider hardware upgrade

See Deployment Troubleshooting for more solutions (coming soon).

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ON THIS PAGE
Quick Deployment
Deployment Scenarios
Hardware Requirements
Download Options
Deployment Checklist
Network Integration Methods
Post-Deployment
Troubleshooting Deployment
Related Documentation