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)

Summary

In this chapter, we considered two fundamental networking concepts—routing and bridging—and the role they play in our networks. Static and dynamic routing may not be something you make much use of in a small network, but if your network starts to grow, odds are that you will employ either static or dynamic routing or both. We discussed some of the dynamic routing protocols available. We covered how to set up a static route in pfSense and how to configure dynamic routing protocols using some of the third-party packages available. Although you may never have an occasion to bridge interfaces, we outlined the process, as well as some of the issues involved with bridges. Finally, we covered how to troubleshoot routing and bridging.

In the next chapter, we will cover diagnostics and troubleshooting in greater depth, including the procedure to follow troubleshooting...