Book Image

Learn pfSense 2.4

By : David Zientara
Book Image

Learn pfSense 2.4

By: David Zientara

Overview of this book

As computer networks become ubiquitous, it has become increasingly important to both secure and optimize our networks. pfSense, an open-source router/firewall, provides an easy, cost-effective way of achieving this – and this book explains how to install and configure pfSense in such a way that even a networking beginner can successfully deploy and use pfSense. This book begins by covering networking fundamentals, deployment scenarios, and hardware sizing guidelines, as well as how to install pfSense. The book then covers configuration of basic services such as DHCP, DNS, and captive portal and VLAN configuration. Careful consideration is given to the core firewall functionality of pfSense, and how to set up firewall rules and traffic shaping. Finally, the book covers the basics of VPNs, multi-WAN setups, routing and bridging, and how to perform diagnostics and troubleshooting on a network.
Table of Contents (14 chapters)

Initial pfSense configuration

If the installation was successful, you should see a screen similar to the one shown in the following screenshot:

The console menu in pfSense 2.4.3

Some of the initial configuration must be done at the console, while some aspects of the configuration, such as VLAN and DHCP setup, can be done from either the console or the web GUI. Configuration takes place in two phases. Some configuration must be done at the console, including interface configuration and interface IP address assignment. Some configuration steps, such as VLAN and DHCP setup, can be done both at the console and within the web GUI. On initial bootup, pfSense will automatically configure the WAN and LAN interfaces, according to the following parameters:

  • Network interfaces will be assigned to device IDs em0, em1, and so on
  • The WAN interface will be assigned to em0, and the LAN interface...