Introduction to pfSense as a firewall server

What is pfSense, and what is it for?

pfSense Software is a custom distribution of FreeBSD, which is one of the operating systems that has the most reputation in terms of stability, robustness, and security. This distribution was launched in 2006 by Rubicon Communications, LLC (Netgate). It was created to be used as the main operating system of servers or devices that serve as firewalls (Firewall) or Router (Router) in both business and home solutions. This firewall solution is open source (Open Source) and has a good community of developers and users from all over the world. In this article, we will give a brief introduction to pfSense.

You can use pfSense as a solution for:

Router
Firewall
Perimeter Firewall (Gateway Firewall)
Gateway Server
Elementary network services server (NTP, DHCP, Resolver, Forwarder, VPN, etc.) its functions can be expanded through packages (plugins).

Main features of pfSense

Network operating system
Open Source router and firewall solution, also includes paid version (pfSense Plus)
Open source platform
Based on FreeBSD.
In addition, it enables filtering by origin, destination, protocol, source and destination port, among other filters.
Easy and fast administration through web interface and terminal, locally or remotely using SSH or serial port.
Supports multiple languages
Supports dark visual themes in the administration web interface.
Customizable and expandable dashboard with widgets
Soporta Bridges, VLANs, Bonding / CARP (Common Address Redundancy Protocol), QoS, VPNs
Supports high availability (HA) technology and server synchronization in master – slave configurations.
Includes network diagnostic tools (ICMP, ARP, NSLookups, etc.)
Includes link monitor
Real-time traffic graphs
Allows you to define aliases for networks, IP addresses, ports, URLs to facilitate changes to rules and configurations.
Allows you to implement quality of service (QoS)
Allows you to implement queuing systems
Allows you to implement traffic limiters
Allows you to define schedulers for rules, limiters, etc.
Its web administration web interface is developed in PHP
Supports Multi WAN
Allows load balancing between multiple links or internet providers, achieving high availability of communication
Supports (Network Address Translation) NAT, (Port Address Translation) PAT, both input and output.
Support for logs and events of the system, services, firewall, etc.
It has a Captive Portal

Minimum recommended hardware requirements

64-bit processor of at least 500 MHz
512 Megabytes of RAM
2 Gigs of storage (minimum)
1 network card in case of vlans or 2 for work without vlans

Where can I download it?

It is best to download it from its official site https://www.pfsense.org in the download section https://www.pfsense.org/download/

hardware devices

Although pfSense is software, it is also distributed in devices for business, home or test laboratory environments, these devices are known as appliances .

Netgate 6100

Another is Netgate 8200

Netgate 1537

Netgate 1541

If you have reached this point and are eager to try pfSense, you can see our article on how to install pfSense step by step from scratch by clicking on the following link, Installing pfSense 2.6 Firewall Server.

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Eidy EV

Computer Science Engineer with over 10 years of experience in information technology. Has held roles as a Software Architect, Analyst, Senior Software Full stack developer, Network and Systems Administrator (Sysadmin), and Information Security Specialist (Pentester).