HomeLab Networking: Configuring pfSense for Advanced Firewall Rules

What You’ll Need A dedicated device or virtual machine to install pfSense. A basic understanding of networking concepts. Access to your home network’s router for setup. Step 1: Install pfSense Download pfSense ISO: Visit the official pfSense website and download the ISO. Choose the correct architecture for your hardware (e.g., AMD64). Create a Bootable USB Drive: sudo dd if=/path/to/pfsense.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=1M Replace /path/to/pfsense.iso with the path to the ISO file. Replace /dev/sdX with the correct USB drive identifier. Install pfSense on Your Device: ...

2024-12-04 · 3 min

Securing Your HomeLab: Best Practices for Firewall and VPN Setup

Running a homelab introduces exciting possibilities, but it also opens potential security vulnerabilities. Securing your homelab with a firewall and VPN ensures safe access to your systems and protects your network from unauthorized intrusions. In this guide, we’ll explore best practices for setting up a secure firewall and VPN for your homelab. What You’ll Need A dedicated router or a device to run firewall software (e.g., pfSense, OPNSense). VPN software or hardware (e.g., WireGuard, OpenVPN). Basic networking knowledge for configuring IPs and port forwarding. Step 1: Set Up a Dedicated Firewall Option 1: Install pfSense Download pfSense: Get the latest ISO from the pfSense download page. Create a Bootable USB Drive: Use Rufus or similar tools to flash the ISO onto a USB drive. Install pfSense on Your Firewall Device: Boot from the USB drive and follow the installation wizard. Initial Configuration: Access the pfSense web interface at http://192.168.1.1. Configure the WAN (internet) and LAN (internal network) interfaces. Option 2: Install OPNSense OPNSense is a robust alternative to pfSense. The installation steps are nearly identical. ...

2024-12-04 · 3 min