How to install and configure pfSense firewall

If you're looking for a reliable and feature-rich firewall for your home lab or business, pfSense is a great option. In this post, we'll show you how to install and configure pfSense (follow along with our video) so that it can provide robust protection for your network. We'll also cover some of the most important features that make pfSense such a powerful tool. So whether you're new to firewalls or just looking for a good one to add to your home lab, read on!

Download the pfSense installation image from the official website

Downloading the pfSense installation image from the official website is an incredibly simple and straightforward process. All you need to do is select your hardware platform, and then download the corresponding image for your system. From there, you can use any CD/DVD burning utility to create an install disk. Once complete, all that's left is to insert the disk into your computer, configure as necessary and begin using pfSense - thanks to its user friendly interface, this powerful open source firewall solution can be deployed in moments.

Burn the image to a CD or USB drive using your preferred method

There are many different methods for burning an image to a CD or USB drive, however some of the most popular methods include Balena Etcher and Rufus. Balena Etcher is known for its simplicity, allowing users to quickly flash OS images onto any type of storage media. Rufus offers a range of options such as ISO files, drives, and partitions which makes it popular amongst techs who need a more customised solution. Either way, it's easy to create your bootable USB media from the downloaded image with either Balena Etcher or Rufus.

Boot from the CD or USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions

Installing pfSense can be daunting, but it doesn't need to be. All you need to do is boot from the CD or USB drive and follow along the on-screen  instructions to get started. With detailed walkthrough in our video below, plenty of help is provided, any user can successfully install pfSense in a matter of minutes.

Once the installation is complete, reboot your computer

Once the software has installed, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Once your computer is rebooted, you'll need to setup the interfaces from the console before logging into the web interface.

Configure your network settings according to your needs

When customising your network settings, it's important to keep in mind what your needs are and how to get the most out of your own systems. To make this task easier, the System & Settings feature provides an array of user-friendly options that can be easily configured. By taking some time to familiarise yourself with the available options, you will have the ability to create a system that is tailored specifically to your own needs with just a few clicks or touches. Furthermore, any changes you make in this section will have an immediate effect on both speed and connectivity, allowing you to hit the ground running.

Add any desired packages

Adding packages to your system can be a great way to extend and customise its capabilities. Whether you are looking for ad blockers, VPN, or monitoring tools, the system & Packages option offers a convenient way to install additional features for your system. With the click of a button, you can choose from thousands of options available in the expanding repository of packages and widgets that can enhance your user experience. In just minutes you can enjoy the latest features such as WireGuard or OpenVPN, and add more utility to your system.

Let us know how you got on

Congratulations, you have now installed pfSense on your computer! With just a few clicks you can get started configuring your network according to your needs. If you run into any issues during the installation or configuration process, we're available for hire for any pfSense related consulting from installations to project design and planning. Click on the hire us button at the top of this page if you would like to hire us.

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The video guide to installing and setting up pfSense