Firewall pfSense: What It Is, Benefits, and How to Install

If you are interested in security on Linux or any other operating system, you have undoubtedly already heard about the pfSense Firewall.

But, what is this pfSense Firewall, really, and how does it work in practice? Also, what reasons do you have to use it in your daily life?

All these questions will be answered in today's article from Linux Certification! Thinking about helping you, we have selected the most important points to share with you. Just keep reading. Check it out!

What is pfSense?

pfSense is free and open-source software that is based on the FreeBSD open-source operating system.

This system is perfect for working as a linux firewall or even as a network router, and it also works on Linux systems.

Since its first version in 2004, it has been widely used because it is a system that can be installed on various types of hardware.

Additionally, it meets the needs of different businesses by having the capacity for expansion through the use of countless packages that can shape network usage.

What is it used for? Most common pfSense applications

The most common pfSense applications include:

• routing functionality;
• configuration as a server, which can vary between DHCP and DNS;
• WiFi access points;
• transparent Squid proxy server;
• port forwarding / NAT;
• and the possibility of a VPN server.

All of this is available on the same device, which has countless functions when combined with pfSense.

Not only that, with all the software configurations it is possible to install other programs, from third parties, to administer the network more completely.

Why use pfSense? See 7 advantages of the software

In addition to all the possible uses mentioned above, there are still many other advantages of using the pfSense Firewall software. Simply put, they can be classified into 7 main advantages, as you can see below.

1. Flexibility

This software is one of the most flexible in the open source universe, as it allows you to integrate and add various extra resources as ways to make all interactions even more complete and versatile.

So much so that, even though it is considered a basic firewall, it can be totally robust with the right integrations and builds.

If you want to detect hackers, for example, you just need to integrate IPS/IDS, with the possibility of triggering mass blocks, if needed.

2. Open source

By being open-source software, in addition to being free, it is possible to investigate and modify its structure, making everything even more personalized according to your needs.

3. User-friendly interface

pfSense is simple to use because instead of lines of code, as usually happens with other open source software, pfSense provides a simple web interface that can be configured by the user themselves.

4. Hardware freedom

pfSense allows installation on different types of hardware.

This only happens because it is not sold together with specific equipment as happens with commercial firewall systems.

As help during the installation process, pfSense.org offers a complete guide of recommended hardware for the needs of each business, specifically.

5. Expansion packages

Since it works on open source, the pfSense firewall presents an immense variety of packages that already allow system expansion.

There are several types of access allowed, in addition to detailed reports of data input and output, ways to export configurations, and various other functionalities.

6. State table with more control

This state table allows many to be able to check the traffic and configurations of the networks used.

Although traditional Firewalls already allow this access, pfSense achieves much greater control over it thanks to the OpenBSD Packet Filtering.

7. Usage reports

In addition to the state table, it is possible to monitor all statistics such as:

• the current firewall state;
• total and individual performance of the entire system;
• firewall response times;
• CPU utilization;
• and packets sent and received.

Main features of pfSense Software

Like some other Firewalls, pfSense also offers certain features such as monitoring and blocking of certain accesses.

But, unlike the others, it is not limited, since it does not present rigid and closed code.

On the contrary, its code is open and can undergo constant improvements, whenever needed.

Another positive point is its ability to go through easy installation and configuration processes, straightforward even for novice users. 

Additionally, the firewall offers extra features, such as the possibility to configure VPN, RSA keys and their functions and much more.

Step by step to install and configure pfSense

If you followed the step by step installation and configuration of pfSense, this is the moment to learn in practice! You will see that it is not at all difficult when there is a solid foundation to learn from. 

In the future, if you need other tutorials to work with the software, keep in mind that there are several online resources available, due to its open source system and community collaboration. 

1. Installation prerequisites

To install pfSense, you will need to first install VirtualBox software. 

This step is quite simple, just choose the most recent version of VirtualBox and make sure the installation mode is through the ISO installer. 

2. Installing pfSense

After installing VirtualBox, just follow these steps:

• configure the virtual machine for pfSense® software;
• configure the memory properties of the software;
• perform all hard disk configurations;
• make all network configurations;
• attach the software ISO image;
• start the pfSense® virtual machine;
• start the installation;
• remove the disk image from attachment;
• validate the configuration;
• access the web version of pfSense® software on VirtualBox;
• complete the initial configuration wizard;
• start connectivity tests with the end user machine;
• proceed to DHCP lease initialization.
• done!

How to learn and deepen your knowledge in pfSense?

To learn in depth about pfSense, you need to enroll in a good course that teaches you from basic to advanced. 

The pfSense Firewall course from Certificação Linux is the best place to learn about the topic, as it covers the following topics:

• interface configuration on pfSense;
• RSA key generation;
• DHCP configuration;
• DNS server;
• NAT rule implementation;
• Firewall rules;
• OpenVPN service, Proxy Squid and much more. 

You will also learn how to enable Captive Portal and configure multi-wan load balancing, in addition to understanding how traffic monitoring works.

Check out the pfSense Firewall course from Certificação Linux right now!