Setting up OpenVPN on pfSense can seem daunting, but trust me, it's totally achievable! This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create a secure and reliable VPN connection. Whether you're aiming to access your home network remotely, safeguard your online activities, or connect multiple networks securely, OpenVPN on pfSense is a robust solution. So, let's dive in and get your VPN up and running!

Why Choose OpenVPN with pfSense?

Before we jump into the configuration, let's quickly cover why combining OpenVPN with pfSense is a smart move. pfSense is a powerful, open-source firewall and routing platform that offers a ton of flexibility and advanced features. OpenVPN is a well-regarded, open-source VPN protocol known for its security and reliability. Together, they provide a formidable VPN solution that's both secure and highly customizable.

• Security: OpenVPN uses strong encryption to protect your data, keeping your online activities private and secure.
• Flexibility: pfSense allows for granular control over your VPN settings, so you can tailor the configuration to your specific needs.
• Reliability: Both pfSense and OpenVPN are known for their stability, ensuring a consistent and dependable VPN connection.
• Cost-Effective: As open-source solutions, pfSense and OpenVPN are free to use, saving you money on expensive VPN appliances or services.

Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

Okay, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to configure OpenVPN on pfSense. Follow along, and you'll have your VPN up and running in no time!

Step 1: Install the OpenVPN Client Export Package

First things first, you need to install the OpenVPN Client Export package on your pfSense firewall. This package simplifies the process of creating client configuration files, making it easier for users to connect to your VPN.

1. Log in to your pfSense web interface.
2. Navigate to System > Package Manager > Available Packages.
3. Search for OpenVPN Client Export.
4. Click the Install button next to the package.
5. Confirm the installation by clicking Confirm.

With the package installed, you're ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Create a Certificate Authority (CA)

A Certificate Authority (CA) is essential for issuing and managing certificates for your OpenVPN server and clients. Let's create one now.

1. Go to System > Cert Manager.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Choose Create an internal Certificate Authority.
4. Fill in the required information:
   • Descriptive name: Give your CA a meaningful name (e.g., MyOpenVPNCert).
   • Method: Select "Create an internal Certificate Authority".
   • Key length: Choose a strong key length (e.g., 2048 bits).
   • Lifetime: Set a reasonable lifetime for the certificate (e.g., 3650 days).
   • Country Code: Select your country code.
   • State or Province: Enter your state or province.
   • City: Enter your city.
   • Organization: Enter your organization name (or your name if it's for personal use).
   • Email Address: Enter your email address.
   • Common Name: This is the name of your CA (e.g., MyOpenVPNCert).
5. Click Save.

Step 3: Create a Server Certificate

Next, you'll need to create a server certificate that your OpenVPN server will use to identify itself.

1. In the Cert Manager, click the Add button again.
2. Choose Create an internal Certificate.
3. Fill in the required information:
   • Descriptive name: Give your server certificate a meaningful name (e.g., OpenVPNServerCert).
   • Method: Select "Create an internal Certificate".
   • Certificate authority: Choose the CA you created in the previous step.
   • Key length: Choose a strong key length (e.g., 2048 bits).
   • Lifetime: Set a reasonable lifetime for the certificate (e.g., 3650 days).
   • Country Code: Select your country code.
   • State or Province: Enter your state or province.
   • City: Enter your city.
   • Organization: Enter your organization name (or your name if it's for personal use).
   • Email Address: Enter your email address.
   • Common Name: This should be the hostname or IP address of your pfSense firewall.
4. Click Save.

Step 4: Configure the OpenVPN Server

Now it's time to configure the OpenVPN server itself. This is where you define the VPN's settings, such as the protocol, port, and encryption settings.

1. Navigate to VPN > OpenVPN > Servers.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Configure the settings as follows:
   • Server mode: Select Remote Access (SSL/TLS).
   • Protocol: Choose UDP or TCP (UDP is generally faster, but TCP may be more reliable in some networks).
   • Device mode: Select tun.
   • Interface: Choose WAN or the interface your public IP address is assigned to.
   • Port: Choose a port for your VPN server (the default is 1194, but you can use another port if you prefer).
   • Description: Give your server a descriptive name (e.g., MyOpenVPNServer).
   • Certificate Authority: Select the CA you created earlier.
   • Server certificate: Select the server certificate you created earlier.
   • Encryption algorithm: Choose a strong encryption algorithm (e.g., AES-256-CBC).
   • Hash algorithm: Choose a strong hash algorithm (e.g., SHA256).
   • IPv4 Tunnel Network: Specify a private IP address range for the VPN tunnel (e.g., 10.0.8.0/24). This network should not overlap with any other networks in your infrastructure.
   • IPv4 Local Network(s): Specify the local networks that clients should be able to access through the VPN (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). This is typically your LAN network.
   • Concurrent connections: Set the maximum number of concurrent VPN connections.
   • Compression: Choose a compression method (e.g., LZO compression).
4. Scroll down and configure the Client Settings section:
   • DNS Default Domain: Enter your local domain name (if you have one).
   • DNS Server(s): Specify DNS servers for VPN clients to use (you can use your pfSense firewall's IP address or public DNS servers like 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
   • NetBIOS Options: Configure NetBIOS options if needed.
5. Scroll down and configure the Advanced Configuration section:
   • Custom options: Add any custom OpenVPN options you need.
6. Click Save.

Step 5: Configure Firewall Rules

To allow VPN traffic to pass through your firewall, you need to create firewall rules.

1. Navigate to Firewall > Rules.
2. Select the OpenVPN tab.
3. Click the Add button to create a new rule.
4. Configure the rule as follows:
   • Action: Select Pass.
   • Interface: Select OpenVPN.
   • Protocol: Select UDP or TCP, depending on the protocol you chose for your OpenVPN server.
   • Source: Select OpenVPN net.
   • Destination: Select any.
   • Description: Give the rule a descriptive name (e.g., Allow OpenVPN traffic).
5. Click Save.
6. Click Apply Changes.

Next, you need to create a rule on the WAN interface to allow incoming VPN traffic.

1. Select the WAN tab.
2. Click the Add button to create a new rule.
3. Configure the rule as follows:
   • Action: Select Pass.
   • Interface: Select WAN.
   • Protocol: Select UDP or TCP, depending on the protocol you chose for your OpenVPN server.
   • Destination: Select WAN address.
   • Destination port range: Select the port you chose for your OpenVPN server.
   • Description: Give the rule a descriptive name (e.g., Allow OpenVPN traffic).
4. Click Save.
5. Click Apply Changes.

Step 6: Create User Accounts

For users to connect to the VPN, you need to create user accounts on your pfSense firewall.

1. Navigate to System > User Manager.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Fill in the required information:
   • Username: Enter a username for the user.
   • Password: Enter a strong password for the user.
   • Confirm password: Confirm the password.
   • Full name: Enter the user's full name.
   • Certificate: Create a user certificate
4. Click Save.

Step 7: Export Client Configuration

Now that you have the OpenVPN server configured and user accounts created, you can export the client configuration files. This is where the OpenVPN Client Export package comes in handy.

1. Navigate to VPN > OpenVPN > Client Export.
2. Configure the settings as follows:
   • Remote host(s): Enter the public IP address or hostname of your pfSense firewall.
   • User Authentication: Select Local Database.
3. Scroll down to the Client Configuration Export section.
4. Choose the appropriate export options for your clients (e.g., inline configurations for OpenVPN Connect).
5. Download the client configuration files for each user.

Step 8: Connect with the OpenVPN Client

Finally, it's time to connect to your OpenVPN server using an OpenVPN client. There are many OpenVPN clients available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

1. Install an OpenVPN client on your device.
2. Import the client configuration file you downloaded in the previous step.
3. Enter your username and password when prompted.
4. Connect to the VPN.
5. Verify that you are connected to the VPN and that you can access resources on your local network.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the OpenVPN setup process, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Check the pfSense system logs: The system logs can provide valuable information about errors or warnings.
• Verify firewall rules: Make sure your firewall rules are configured correctly to allow VPN traffic.
• Check DNS settings: Ensure that your DNS settings are configured correctly on both the server and the clients.
• Test connectivity: Use ping or traceroute to test connectivity between the client and the server.
• Consult the pfSense documentation: The pfSense documentation is a valuable resource for troubleshooting issues.

Conclusion

Alright, guys, that's it! You've successfully configured OpenVPN on pfSense. It might seem like a lot of steps, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a secure and reliable VPN connection. Now you can enjoy secure remote access to your network, protect your online privacy, and connect multiple networks securely. Happy VPNing!