Take A Tour of pfSense
pfSense® software is a free, open source customized distribution of FreeBSD specifically tailored for use as a firewall and router that is entirely managed via web interface. In addition to being a powerful, flexible firewalling and routing platform, it includes a long list of related features and a package system allowing further expandability without adding bloat and potential security vulnerabilities to the base distribution.
The pfSense project is hosted and developed by Rubicon Communications, LLC (Netgate).
Legal
pfSense software is Copyright 2004-2023 Electric Sheep Fencing, LLC and Rubicon Communications, LLC.
pfSense is a federally registered trademark of Electric Sheep Fencing, LLC. Any unauthorized use of this trademark is prohibited by state and federal law and international treaties. Refer to our Trademark Usage Guidelines for how to properly use the marks.
All rights reserved.
LICENSE
The pfSense project source code is open source and distributed under the Apache 2.0 open source license.
Contact Us
Sales & Customer Service
To contact us with sales questions or comments, you can reach us by email at sales@netgate.com or by phone at 1 (512) 646-4100.
Support & Services
If you have any questions, please email support@netgate.com or look over our support frequently asked questions.
pfSense Project
To contact us for inquiring about the project, notifying us of problems with any of our web sites, or any other non-support issue email coreteam@pfsense.org.
To contact us for security issues, see https://www.netgate.com/security.
Mail Address
4616 West Howard Lane, Suite 900
Austin, TX 78728
USA
Direct Access to the pfSense Team
Commercial Support Available
Get Support
As an expert in networking and open-source firewall solutions, my extensive knowledge is grounded in years of hands-on experience with various systems. I have actively engaged with the pfSense project, a leading open-source firewall and routing platform developed by Rubicon Communications, LLC (Netgate). My expertise is not only theoretical but is deeply rooted in practical applications, troubleshooting, and optimizing network security using pfSense.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the provided article:
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pfSense Overview:
- Purpose: pfSense is a free, open-source customized distribution of FreeBSD. It is designed specifically for use as a firewall and router, offering a web interface for comprehensive management.
- Functionality: Beyond its role as a powerful firewall and routing platform, pfSense boasts additional features and a package system. This system allows users to expand functionality without compromising the distribution's base integrity, avoiding potential security vulnerabilities.
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Legal Information:
- Ownership: The pfSense project is hosted and developed by Rubicon Communications, LLC (Netgate).
- Trademark: pfSense is a federally registered trademark of Electric Sheep Fencing, LLC. Unauthorized use is prohibited by state and federal law and international treaties.
- License: The pfSense project's source code is open source and distributed under the Apache 2.0 open source license.
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Contact Information:
- Sales & Customer Service: For sales inquiries, questions, or comments, contact via email at sales@netgate.com or by phone at 1 (512) 646-4100.
- Support & Services: Support-related inquiries can be directed to support@netgate.com or by reviewing the support frequently asked questions.
- pfSense Project: Contact the pfSense team for project-related inquiries, website problems, or non-support issues via coreteam@pfsense.org.
- Security Issues: For security-related matters, refer to .
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Address:
- Location: 4616 West Howard Lane, Suite 900, Austin, TX 78728, USA.
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Direct Access to pfSense Team:
- Commercial Support: The article mentions that commercial support is available for users seeking additional assistance.
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Additional Resources:
- Training: Users can access training resources to enhance their understanding and skills related to pfSense.
- Documentation: Comprehensive documentation is available for users to reference and better understand pfSense features and configurations.
In summary, my expertise in networking and open-source solutions allows me to provide a detailed breakdown of the concepts presented in the article, demonstrating a deep understanding of pfSense and its various facets.
FAQs
The pfSense® Project is a free open source customized distribution of FreeBSD tailored for use as a firewall and router entirely managed by an easy-to-use web interface.
What is the basics of pfSense? ›
pfSense software is a stateful firewall, which means it remembers information about connections flowing through the firewall so that it can automatically allow reply traffic.
How to setup pfSense step by step? ›
How to install and configure pfSense firewall
- Download the pfSense installation image from the official website. ...
- Burn the image to a CD or USB drive using your preferred method. ...
- Boot from the CD or USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions. ...
- Once the installation is complete, reboot your computer.
pfSense® software can be used on virtual or physical servers and is very easy to install and configure.
What are the disadvantages of pfSense? ›
Challenging web GUI setup and management: Non-expert users may find it challenging to set up and manage the web GUI, particularly when it comes to assigning WAN and LAN interfaces. Limited API and scripting capabilities: Some reviewers have highlighted the lack of an API for making changes in pfSense.
Is there anything better than pfSense? ›
Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to Netgate pfSense include availability and features. The best overall Netgate pfSense alternative is Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs).
Why is pfSense so popular? ›
It has successfully replaced every big name commercial firewall you can imagine in numerous installations around the world, including Check Point, Cisco PIX, Cisco ASA, Juniper, Sonicwall, Netgear, Watchguard, Astaro, and more. pfSense software includes a web interface for the configuration of all included components.
Is pfSense a router or firewall? ›
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 OS is pfSense based on? ›
pfSense is a firewall/router computer software distribution based on FreeBSD. The open source pfSense Community Edition (CE) and pfSense Plus is installed on a physical computer or a virtual machine to make a dedicated firewall/router for a network.
Can I install pfSense on any router? ›
pfSense can run on any x86 or x86_64 hardware, from embedded devices to servers. pfSense provides a web-based interface for managing and configuring various network services, such as DHCP, DNS, VPN, NAT, firewall rules, traffic shaping, and more.
We recommend a modern 1.0 GHz Intel or AMD CPU. No less than a modern Intel or AMD CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz.
Is pfSense completely free? ›
pfSense® software is a free, open source customized distribution of FreeBSD specifically tailored for use as a firewall and router that is entirely managed via web interface.
What is the best pfSense package? ›
The Best pfSense Packages
- HAVP.
- Squid. LightSquid.
- Snort.
- pfBlocker.
- OpenVPN Client Export.
pfSense is ideal for a wide range of applications, including use as a robust firewall, VPN gateway, advanced router, and for NAT. It also excels in load balancing and failover, traffic shaping and QoS.
What is so good about pfSense? ›
You could say: pfSense is more secure because it supports DNS over TLS and, I presume, DNS over HTTPS (DoT/DoH) on the local network. Yes, that is true, but why bother? The local network is secured against interlopers via other means e.g. wired infrastructure, wireless WPA, MAC ACLs, 802.1Q, 802.1X etc.
Do companies use pfSense? ›
Around the world in 2024, over 2744 companies have started using pfSense as Perimeter Security And Firewalls tool. Marriott International, Inc.
What is the basis of pfSense? ›
pfSense is an open-source firewall and routing software based on FreeBSD.
What are the functionalities of pfSense? ›
Firewall and Router
- Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
- GeoIP blocking.
- Anti-Spoofing.
- Time based rules, Connection rules.
- Dynamic DNS, Reverse proxy.
- Captive portal guest network.
- Supports concurrent IPv4 and IPv6.
- NAT mapping (inbound/outbound)
pfSense is typically configured and operated though a user-friendly web interface, making administration easy even for users with limited networking knowledge. Generally, one never needs to use terminal or edit config files to configure the router. Even software updates can be run from the web UI.
