Remote-access Guide

pfsense 2.4 openvpn remote access setup

by Mya Bergstrom Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Part of a video titled Configuring OpenVPN Remote Access in pfSense Software
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First thing we have to do is create our certificate authority. So we just fill in the prompts hereMoreFirst thing we have to do is create our certificate authority. So we just fill in the prompts here our descriptive name of home office key length and lifetime. You can leave as default.

Full Answer

How to setup a proxy server using pfSense?

PFsense - Outbound Proxy Configuration

  • Pfsense 2.4.4-p3 PFSense - Outbound Proxy Configuration Open a browser software, enter the IP address of your Pfsense firewall and access web interface. ...
  • Username: admin
  • Password: pfsense After a successful login, you will be sent to the Pfsense Dashboard. ...
  • Proxy URL - The IP address of the Proxy server.

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How to setup NordVPN on pfSense?

pfSense 2.5 Setup with NordVPN 1. To set up OpenVPN on pfSense 2.5.0, access your pfSense from your browser, then navigate to System > Certificate... 2. For this tutorial, we will configure our pfSense to connect to a server in the Netherlands, but you should connect to... 3. Navigate to VPN > ...

Can I install pfSense on a Linux server?

PfSense can be installed on a dedicated hardware or VM just like any other OS. If you want to protect a Linux Sever behind firewall (PfSense in this case), I suggest you to install PfSense on a dedicated hardware or VM that will be placed in line with Linux server, thereby forcing all traffic to go through this firewall.

How to create and configure VLANs in pfSense?

To configure VLANs in the pfSense web interface:

  • Navigate to Interfaces > Assignments to view the interface list.
  • Click the VLANs tab.
  • Click Add to add a new VLAN
  • Configure the VLAN as shown in Figure Edit VLAN. ...
  • Click Save to return to the VLAN list, which now includes the newly added VLAN 10.
  • Repeat the process to add additional VLANs, such as VLAN 20. ...

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How do I connect to pfSense OpenVPN?

OpenVPN ruleFrom the menus at the top of the screen, select Firewall > Rules.Select the OpenVPN sub-menu.Click the Add button to create a new rule at the top of the list.Set the Address Family to IPv4 + IPv6 if your system is using both IPv4 and IPv6. ... Set the Protocol field to Any.Set the Source to Network.More items...•

How do I use OpenVPN for remote access?

How to Add Remote Users On OpenVPN CloudCreate an OpenVPN Cloud account.Add a new Network in the OpenVPN Cloud Administration portal.Install the connector software from this network on a computer in the business network (shown above)Connect the connector to the business's private OpenVPN Cloud network.More items...

How do I access my pfSense remotely?

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...•

Is OpenVPN on pfSense free?

Secure Remote Network Access Using OpenVPN Since pfSense is open source and available for free this project won't cost you anything to complete.

Can I use OpenVPN for RDP?

With OpenVPN Cloud, you can securely access the RDP computer without making your private network a part of the VPN. All you have to do is configure and connect the RDP computer to OpenVPN Cloud as a host.

Which VPN is best for remote access?

Quick Overview – The Best Remote Access VPN in 2022ExpressVPN – Offers Static IP for Remote Working. Offers 3000+ servers in 94 countries. ... Surfshark – Affordable Remote VPN for SMBs. ... NordVPN – Secure VPN for Working from home. ... PIA – Easy-to-use Remote Access VPN. ... CyberGhost – Compact Remote VPN.

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.

Can you SSH into pfSense?

PFSense - Allow SSH external connections By default, the PFsense firewall does not allow external SSH connections to the WAN interface. In our example we are going to create a firewall rule to allow the SSH communication. Access the Pfsense Firewall menu and select the Rules option.

Does pfSense have an API?

5 days agopfSense 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 WireGuard better than OpenVPN?

WireGuard offers a more reliable connection for mobile users than OpenVPN because it handles network changes better. OpenVPN adds a data overhead of up to 20%, whereas WireGuard uses just 4% more data (compared with not using a VPN). VPN services need to include mitigations to ensure user privacy when using WireGuard.

Does pfSense have a VPN?

pfSense® software offers several VPN options: IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard and L2TP. This section provides an overview of VPN usage, the pros and cons of each type of VPN, and how to decide which is the best fit for a particular environment.

How do I add a VPN to pfSense?

1:5023:01Tutorial: pfsense OpenVPN Configuration For Remote Users 2020YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're gonna walk you through how the wizard works and that's the easiest way to get started withMoreSo we're gonna walk you through how the wizard works and that's the easiest way to get started with Open VPN I've already got some other advanced videos and your to do some really tricky things with

How do I connect remotely to another computer using VPN?

Simply go to Start -> Accessories -> Remote Desktop Connection and enter the IP address of the other Windows computer. desktop software. From HOME Mac to OFFICE Windows: Connect with VPN, then use Remote Desktop Client. From HOME Windows to OFFICE Mac: Connect with VPN, then use VNC client.

How do I connect to a VPN remotely?

When you have a VPN profile, you're ready to connect. In Settings, select Network & internet > VPN. Next to the VPN connection you want to use, select Connect. If you're prompted, enter your username and password or other sign-in info.

How do I connect VPN outside of network?

How does it work?Download your firewall's VPN client software - usually available for free from the vendors website (SonicWall, Checkpoint, WatchGuard, Meraki, etc).Install the software.Enter your organisation's public IP address.Enter your username and password and connect.

How can I access a private network remotely?

The best solution that will allow organizations to access files remotely is to set-up a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN provides a cable-like connection via the Internet between a remote PC and your office's server.

How to create a new certificate in PfSense?

If there is an existing Certificate defined on the pfSense firewall, it may be chosen from the list. To create a new Certificate, choose Add new Certificate. If no Certificates are defined, this step is skipped.

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:

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 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.

Does VPN allow traffic?

As with other parts of the firewall, by default all traffic is blocked from connecting to VPNs or passing over VPN tunnels. This step of the wizard adds firewall rules automatically to allow traffic to connect to the VPN and also so connected clients can pass traffic over the VPN.

1. OpenVPN Server Setup

The easiest way to set up OpenVPN is by using the OpenVPN wizard. It will guide you through most of the process.

2. Client Export Package & User Accounts - How to Set Up OpenVPN on pfSense

Ensure that you install the openvpn-client-export package from the Package Manager ( System > Package Manager > Available Packages ).

3. OpenVPN Client Configuration

Now that the client export tool and user account are created, we can proceed in exporting our configuration file.

4. Conclusion - How to Set Up OpenVPN on pfSense

This tutorial showed how to set up OpenVPN on pfSense. Fortunately, by using the wizard and client-export tools, the process to set up a OpenVPN on pfSense is relatively straight forward. You can now create as many users as you’d like, export their own configuration file and they will be able to connect to your VPN server!

When will PfSense 2.4.5 be released?

This guide written is for a fresh install of pfSense version 2.4.5-RELEASE-p1 (amd64) built on June 02 2020 and will work with any version 2.4+

How to change the OP1 connection to PrivadoVPN?

Click on the newly created OP1 connection, check the "Enable interface" box, change Description to PrivadoVPN and click Save.

Does VPN support IPv6?

NOTE REGARDING IPv6: If all firewall traffic is going to be passed through our VPN then you will need to set the IPv6 Configuration Type to "None" on your WAN interface as our VPN does not currently support IPv6.

What is pfSense package?

pfSense provides a package called openvpn-client-export which creates preconfigured OpenVPN profiles for you to download containing all the VPN settings and the user certificate if one is used. For Windows users it also allows you to download an OpenVPN client installer which will automatically install the OpenVPN client application and configure it with the VPN settings. This step is optional as you could configure the client settings manually but in most cases, doing it will simplify deployment.

How to install OpenVPN client export?

From the pfSense dashboard go to System > Package Manager > Available Packages and search for the openvpn-client-export package. Click the Install button to install it.

How to export OpenVPN client?

The easiest way to configure client settings is to use the openvpn-client-export package we installed earlier. Go to VPN > OpenVPN > Client Export. At the bottom of this there is a section called OpenVPN Clients. In this section you will see a list of available users whose configuration we can export.

What port does OpenVPN use?

The other setting you may wish to change is the listening port. By default OpenVPN listens on port 1194 in either UDP or TCP mode. You can change the port if you wish, either based on personal preference or if you are on a network which blocks VPN traffic or outbound ports.

What branch of OpenVPN is used for Windows 7?

For Windows 7, 8 or 10 and their corresponding server versions you will want to use the 2.4.8 branch of OpenVPN client. For Windows XP or Vista (shown as win6 in this interface) you will need the older 2.3.18 branch (also, upgrade your PC). Download the installer you want and transfer it to the target PC. Download the correct installer and copy it to your target PC. The installer behaves like any standard Windows installer, just run it, click the “install” button and follow the prompts.

How to create a user in OpenVPN?

To do this we will need to create a user. Go to System > User Manager and add a user. You will need to configure a username and password as per the picture below. The other settings can be left as default although if you are only planning to grant the user temporary access you may want to set the account to expire automatically when access is due to be revoked.

How to create a certificate for OpenVPN?

From the pfSense dashboard, go to System > Cert. Manager > CAs and click Add to create a new CA. Enter a descriptive name to help you identify what the CA is called and a common name which will appear on the certificates. The rest of the settings can be adjusted if required but the defaults should provide a reasonable balance between security and performance for most use cases. By default the CA lifetime is set to 3650 days (10 years) which is reasonable for a CA but can be adjusted if desired. If you wish you can also include location and organisation data but this is entirely optional.

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