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The pfSense software is anopen-source firewalland router solution based on the FreeBSD operating system.
It also supports other third-party solutions such as Squid, Snort, and others to increase its capabilities further.
Virtual deployment eliminates the need for an extra computer on your connection.
To do this, you need a machine that supports virtualization.
We will begin by creating the virtual machine in which we will then install pfSense.
you might use VirtualBox, VM Ware, KVM, or any other compatible virtualization software.
In this guide, we will work withVirtualBox.
The download page offers various options, and the particular file depends on the computer hardware and installation process.
Note the download location since you will need this file after setting up the virtual computer.
ClickNextto use the recommended memory.
In this guide, we will use the recommended 1GB, out of our servers 4GB RAM.
The recommended is 16 GB but you’ve got the option to change it depending on your resources.
SelectCreate a virtual disk now, and clickCreate.
On theHard disk file typescreen, selectVMDK (Virtual Machine Disk)and clickNext.
Select theDynamically allocated storageoption and clickNextto proceed.
Provide a name for the virtual disk file and adjust the size or use the default as necessary.
Use the slider, key in the number in the box to adjust the size.
This will create the pfSense VM and then take you back to the VirtualBox main page.
We will first create a data pipe within the VirtualBox environment.
Step 3: Create and Configure VirtualBox networks
On theVirtualBox Manager, click onFileand thenpreferences.
choose the green+button on the right-hand side.
This will add a NAT connection with the nameNatNetwork.
Ensure that the connection is active.
Use the button at the bottom to change the web link properties.
In our case, we will leave it at the default.
ClickOKto save the parameters and continue.
We will now add a host data pipe.
To do this, go toFile, and clickHost connection Manager.
Ensure that theDHCP Serveris enabled and that it has the correct configuration.
The WAN adapter connects through the NAT internet while the LAN will connect to thevboxnet0network.
Ensure thatAdapter 1is enabled and using the drop-down arrow onAttached to: field, selectNat online grid.
OurNatNetworkappears by default at the Name field.
Adapter 1 will work as the WAN interface card.
After this, you will configure a second adapter for the LAN.
Click onAdapter 2, tick the checkbox toEnable connection Adapter.
In theattached to: drop-down box, selectHost-only adapter,and host networkNameasvboxnet0.
You will configure the pfSense virtual machine to start from the installer ISO disk image.
Go toSettings, and openStorage
press theEmptyCD icon.
On the right-hand side, tap the small arrow next to the CD icon.
choose theChoose Virtual Optical Disk Fileoption.
Navigate to the location where you saved the downloaded pfSense ISO installer file.
In our case, it is in theDownloadsfolder.
snag the pfSense ISO installer file and clickopen.
This CD part will change fromEmptyto the name of the pfsense iso file.
With the pfSense VM (pfsvm) highlighted, clickstart.
The VM starts from the pfSense bootable ISO virtual CD and begins the installation process.
For this guide, we will use the default values.
you’re able to always change these after the setup is complete.
To accept the distribution notice terms.
EnterOKto continue with the defaultInstall pfSenseoption.
choose the keyboard map you prefer.
Press Enter to continue with the default US keymap configs.
Choose how you want to partition your disk.
Use the recommendedAuto (UFS)guided installation option.
The installation will begin.
Wait until it completes.
Once the installation is complete, you will be asked whether you want to make changes or not.
For now, choose the defaultNounless you want to modify some options.
The installation is now complete, and it’s crucial that you restart the system.
To eject the disk, navigate toDevices,Optical Drives, and choose theRemove disk from virtual drive.
With the disk ejected, selectRebootand pressEnterto restart the pfSense firewall virtual machine.
it’s possible for you to now customize the firewall.
Step 8: Access pfSense using web GUI
The web GUI provides an easier method and options.
To enter the pfSense through a web web app, you need a machine on the same internet.
launch the web web app and jot down the LAN IP address.
Once complete, clickFinish.
This includes the Interfaces, Firewall, VPN, and other features.
Whats next?
Learn here.
