PfSense (PF) is a FreeBSD-based operating system designed to install and configure a firewall that can be easily configured through the web interface and can be installed on any PC.
What is the PfSense Firewall?
PfSense includes an extensive list of packages that allow easy expansion of functionality without sacrificing system security.
It is an enormous solution, which means it is licensed under BSD, meaning it can be freely distributed. Electric Sheep Fencing LLC commercially powers PF.
OpenBSD has been recognized as the world’s safest operating system with packet filtering and its hardware as standard since November 2004.
PF firewall is a system that protects a computer network against intruders from an unauthorized network and allows the filtering of data packets passing through the network.
The firewall can be software or hardware that acts as an intermediary between the local network and one or more external networks.
PfSense History
The PfSense project was developed in September 2004 by Chris Buechler and Ullrich to work on personal computers and servers.
PfSense is a system widely used by home users, large companies, government officials, ministries, and universities.
Configuration
The installation process is almost the same as that of FreeBSD. The only difference is that after copying the files to the hard disk in this system, IP addresses are assigned to the network cards first.
After configuring the settings of the network cards, the system can be accessed from a web browser.
Since the management interface of the system is based on PHP, all configurations and management can be done quickly. Therefore, there is no need for advanced knowledge about the UNIX command line for administration.
PfSense has a package manager to extend its management and configuration functions. When the desired package is selected, the system automatically downloads and installs it.
With the help of the package system, PfSense can provide the same or more functionality as standard commercial firewalls without any limitations.
Community
Because it is open-source software, the developer and user community can provide support and assistance.
Specifications
The main features of this security operating system are;
- Firewall
- State Table
- Network Address Translation (NAT)
- Load Balancing
- VPNs (IPsec, OpenVPN, and PPTP)
- PPPoE Server
- Multi-WAN
- DNS Server
- Captive Portal
- DHCP Server
PfSense System Requirements
The minimum system requirements for installation on a home computer, server, or hardware are as follows;
- CPU/Processor: Pentium II processor
- RAM/Memory: 256 MB
- HDD/Storage: 1 GB
- Two or more network interfaces.
How To Download It?
The latest version of the PfSense system is 2.4.5. You can find the 2.4.5 release notes here.
You can download this security software both as an ISO image file and as a USB memory installer wizard. If you want to use this system on an old PC, you can visit this address.
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