Remote-access Guide

remote access pfsense

by Adaline Tromp II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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OpenVPN Remote Access Server Settings¶

WAN Address 198.51.100.3
LAN Subnet 10.3.0.0/24
LAN Address 10.3.0.1
Tunnel Net 10.3.201.0/24
Apr 24 2022

Full Answer

How to allow remote management of pfSense on Wan?

By default, all incoming connections to the pfSense interface on WAN are blocked until pass rules are added. To allow the remote management, we’ll need to add a new rule allowing remote access on HTTPS port 443 only. Firewall > Rules, WAN Tab and click ADD button at the bottom of the screen.

What is the default configuration of pfSense by default?

The default configuration of pfSense software allows management access from any machine on the LAN and denies it to anything outside of the local network. There is also an anti-lockout rule enabled by default that prevents firewall rules from being configured in a way that will lock the user out of the web interface.

How to add a domain name to pfSense GUI?

Then type the desired domain name for your pfSense router and press the ‘Add Domain’ button. As you’re planning to allow remote access to pfSense GUI, one of the very first steps is to put it behind a strong password.

Is pfSense and OpenVPN compatible with my Device?

These accesses must be secure and reliable. Good news, pfSense and OpenVPN are the ideal solution for this need! OpenVPN is easy to implement and is compatible with all types of platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, …) This article does not cover site-to-site mode configuration of OpenVPN (shared key or X.509).

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How do I access pfSense from outside?

To enable the service, log into the web interface of the pfSense router.Access the advanced settings page in the system menu.Check the box labeled 'Enable Secure Shell'Change the default port by entering a new port number in the 'SSH Port' box.More items...•

How do I remotely access pfSense SSH?

Enable SSH via GUINavigate to System > Advanced, Admin Access tab.Check Enable Secure Shell.Set SSHd Key Only to Public Key Only to allow only key-based SSH authentication.Enter a port number in SSH Port if the SSH daemon should listen on a non-default port. Leave the field blank for the daemon to use port 22.Click Save.

How do I access my pfSense internet?

To access the pfSense webconfigurator, open a web browser on a computer connected to your firewall and enter https://[your LAN IP address]. By default, it is 192.168. 1.1. Enter your username and password in the login page.

How do I access pfSense GUI?

To reach the GUI, follow this basic procedure:Connect a client computer to the same network as the LAN interface of the firewall. This computer may be directly connected with a network cable or connected to the same switch as the LAN interface of the firewall. ... Enter the default credentials in the login page: username.

How do I access pfSense from command line?

Command PromptNavigate to Diagnostics > Command Prompt.Enter the command into the Command box under Execute Shell command.Click Execute.

Does pfSense have an API?

pfSense API is a fast, safe, REST API package for pfSense firewalls. This works by leveraging the same PHP functions and processes used by pfSense's webConfigurator into API endpoints to create, read, update and delete pfSense configurations.

Is OPNsense better than pfSense?

Comparison Results: OPNsense ultimately won out in this comparison. Our reviewers agree that OPNsense is easy to install and easy to use, while pfSense was less so. One area where pfSense did come out on top was in the free support category. To learn more, read our detailed OPNsense vs.

Can pfSense be a DNS server?

The DNS Resolver in pfSense® software utilizes unbound , which is a validating, recursive, caching DNS resolver that supports DNSSEC, DNS over TLS, and a wide variety of options. It can act in either a DNS resolver or forwarder role.

How do I use pfSense as a router?

4:1545:31your home router SUCKS!! (use pfSense instead) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then plug the other end into your wan port on your pfsense firewall ideally you'll want to putMoreAnd then plug the other end into your wan port on your pfsense firewall ideally you'll want to put your existing home router into bridge. Mode.

Does pfSense support WireGuard?

WireGuard is available as an experimental add-on package on pfSense Plus 21.05, pfSense CE 2.5. 2, and later versions.

How do I find my pfSense IP address?

Type '2' and press enter, to access the section of the pfSense® menu where you can edit the IP address of the LAN interface. You should then see a list of network interfaces, including their current assignments (LAN, WAN , OPT1, etc) and the method used to assign their address (dhcp or static).

What can you do with pfSense?

pfSense is mostly used as a router and firewall software, and typically configured as DHCP server, DNS server, WiFi access point, VPN server, all running on the same hardware device.

What is the default login for pfSense?

The default credentials for a pfSense® software installation are: Username. admin.

What port does SSH use?

port 22By default, the SSH server still runs in port 22.

What port does pfSense use?

Common Ports to ForwardServiceProtocolPort NumberSSH (Secure Shell)TCP22DNS (Domain Name Service)TCP/UDP53HTTP (Web)TCP80HTTPS (Secure HTTP)TCP4433 more rows•Feb 2, 2021

How do I edit a file in pfSense?

Edit an Existing fileEnter the full path of the filename to edit in Save / Load from path or click Browse and locate the file.Click Load.Edit the text.Click Save to store the new content in the file.

Remote access VPN setup on pfSense

pfSense is a great way to secure your network. One of the best things about pfSense is that it also includes OpenVPN for remote access (or site-to-site VPNs but we’re not going to cover that in this article. Setting up a remote access VPN is very simple to do and I’ll explain some of the features.

Setting up a Certificate CA

In order to issue certificates, which OpenVPN needs, we need to be able to generate those. To do that, we need a CA. Setting up a CA in pfSense is really easy. Just go to the System > Cert. Manager menu. Once there, click “New” under the CAs tab. You’ll see a screen similar to this. Just fill it out like this:

Generating a VPN certificate

When you go to the certificates tab you’ll probably see that you already have a certificate for the web interface. This cert won’t work for OpenVPN, so we need to make a new one. Click the New button at the bottom of the page to get started.

Setting up an OpenVPN server

First things first, we need a server configured that we can connect to. Get started by going to the VPN menu and selecting OpenVPN.

How does VPN work?

How it works. The goal is to offer a VPN solution for travelling or teleworking users allowing them to have secure access to the company’s LAN. These users can use a computer or a smartphone to connect. In all cases, they will use an OpenVPN client.

What is the key length of a certificate?

Key length: the length of the certificate encryption key. The longer it is, the more secure it will be (but the impact on the CPU load will be higher too…). We keep the default value: 2048.

How to add a certificate to a symlink?

Go in the “Certificates” tab, then click on the “+ Add/Sign” button at the bottom right of the list of existing certificates.

What is the default port for a local port?

Local port: we keep the default value (1194).

How to add a group to OpenVPN?

Go on “Groups” tab, then click on the “+ Add” button at the bottom right. Give the name you want to the group. In our case we choose “OpenVPN-users”. Then click on the “Save” button. Once done, come back on the “Users” tab, then click on the “+ Add” button. The fields to be filled in are the following:

How long is a certificate life?

Lifetime: the lifetime of the Certificate. We keep the default value (3650 days, i.e. 10 years).

Where is the add button in CAs?

In the “CAs” tab (the default tab), click on the “+ Add” button at the bottom right of the list of existing CAs.

How to remotely access a SOHO?

One solution to access these remotely is to open a number of firewall ports. An alternative and more secure method used is to open a single port and enable access through an OpenVPN connection. This guide will build upon the pfSense baseline guide and illustrate how to configure pfSense and an iOS device to enable secure remote access.

What port is OpenVPN on?

This section will configure a secure OpenVPN server running on port 443 rather than the default OpenVPN port of 1194. This reduces the likelihood of a remote network preventing access to your local infrastructure because port 1194 is not permitted or open.

How to install OpenVPN client export?

Navigate to System > Packages > Available packages and click Install next to the OpenVPN-client-export to install the utility.

How to provide secure access to OpenVPN?

To provide secure access through OpenVPN we need to provision a Certificate Authority (CA) and generate a suitable certificate. The CA issues and validates the certificates that will secure the VPN.

What is the hostname of NGUVU?

Hostname: access.nguvu.org (replace with your domain)

What is the local subnet alias?

The LOCAL_SUBNETS alias is used to identify internal and external networks. Verify the RW_VPN address range ( 192.168.200.0/24) is included in the alias so policy routing continues to function correctly. If you followed a later revision of my baseline guide, you may instead have a 192.168.0.0/16 entry, if so this already includes the `192.168.200.0/24 subnet.

How long is a server certificate valid?

Lifetime (Days): 398 (Server certificates should not have a lifetime over 398 days or some platforms may consider the certificate invalid)

What is the IP subnet in OpenVPN?

An IP subnet must be chosen for use by the OpenVPN clients themselves. This is the subnet filled in under Tunnel Network in the server configuration. Connected clients will receive an IP address within this subnet, and the server end of the connection also receives an IP address used by the client as its gateway for networks on the server side.

What is OpenVPN wizard?

The OpenVPN wizard is a convenient way to setup a remote access VPN for mobile clients. It configures all of the necessary prerequisites for an OpenVPN Remote Access Server:

How to revoke a compromised certificate?

Compromised certificates can be revoked by creating a Certificate Revocation List (CRL) in System > Cert Manager on the Certificate Revocation tab, adding the certificate to it, and then selecting that CRL on the OpenVPN server settings.

What happens if no LDAP server exists?

If no LDAP servers exist or Add new LDAP server is chosen a screen will be presented with the options needed to add a new server. Many of these options will depend on the specific LDAP directory configuration and structure. If there is any uncertainty about the settings, consult the LDAP server administrator, software vendor, or documentation.

What is the backend type of OpenVPN?

The choices available for Authentication Backend Type are Local User Access, LDAP, and RADIUS.

What port is used for authentication?

Port used by the RADIUS server for accepting Authentication requests, typically 1812.

What is the default port for LDAP?

The port on which the LDAP server may be contacted. The default port is 389 for standard TCP connections, and 636 for SSL.

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