Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into setting up OpenVPN on pfSense 2.7. Whether you're a seasoned network admin or just getting your feet wet, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. We’ll cover everything from initial setup to troubleshooting, ensuring you have a secure and reliable VPN connection. So, let's get started!

Understanding OpenVPN and pfSense

Before we jump into the configuration, let's quickly cover what OpenVPN and pfSense are and why they're a powerful combination. OpenVPN is a robust and flexible VPN protocol that creates secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. It uses custom security protocols and SSL/TLS for key exchange, making it a highly secure option for protecting your data. pfSense, on the other hand, is a free and open-source firewall and router software distribution based on FreeBSD. It's packed with features, including VPN services, making it an excellent choice for both home and business networks.

Why use them together? pfSense provides a user-friendly interface and a wealth of configuration options for OpenVPN, allowing you to create a secure tunnel for remote access to your network or for connecting multiple networks securely. This is especially useful for businesses with remote workers or for anyone who wants to protect their internet traffic from prying eyes. Plus, pfSense's advanced firewall capabilities add an extra layer of security to your VPN setup. By integrating OpenVPN with pfSense, you gain granular control over your VPN connections, enhanced security features, and the flexibility to customize your setup to meet your specific needs. Whether you're looking to secure your home network or establish a secure connection for your business, this combination offers a powerful and reliable solution. The beauty of OpenVPN lies in its ability to traverse firewalls and NAT, ensuring seamless connectivity even in complex network environments. Moreover, the open-source nature of both OpenVPN and pfSense means you have access to a vibrant community and continuous updates, keeping your network secure and up-to-date.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• A running instance of pfSense 2.7.
• Administrative access to the pfSense web interface.
• A basic understanding of networking concepts.
• An internet connection.

These prerequisites are essential to ensure a smooth and successful OpenVPN configuration on your pfSense 2.7 firewall. First and foremost, having a functioning instance of pfSense 2.7 is the foundation upon which we'll build our VPN setup. Make sure that your pfSense installation is up-to-date to take advantage of the latest features and security patches. Next, administrative access to the pfSense web interface is crucial, as this is where you'll be configuring all the necessary settings. Without administrative privileges, you won't be able to make the changes required to set up OpenVPN. A basic understanding of networking concepts, such as IP addresses, subnets, and routing, will also be beneficial. While this guide aims to be as detailed as possible, having a grasp of these fundamentals will help you better understand the configuration process and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Lastly, an active internet connection is necessary to download any required packages and to establish the VPN connection once it's configured. Without a stable internet connection, you won't be able to test and verify your OpenVPN setup.

Step-by-Step Configuration

Step 1: Install the OpenVPN Client Export Package

First, we need to install the OpenVPN Client Export package. This package allows you to easily generate client configurations for different devices.

1. Navigate to System > Package Manager > Available Packages.
2. Search for openvpn-client-export.
3. Click Install and confirm the installation.

Installing the OpenVPN Client Export package is a crucial first step in simplifying the client configuration process. This package automates the creation of client-specific configuration files, making it easier to deploy OpenVPN to multiple devices without having to manually create each configuration. To begin, access your pfSense web interface and head to the System menu. From there, select Package Manager and then click on the Available Packages tab. This will display a list of all the packages available for installation on your pfSense firewall. In the search box, type openvpn-client-export to quickly locate the package. Once you've found it, click the Install button. pfSense will then prompt you to confirm the installation. Review the details and click Confirm to proceed. The installation process may take a few moments, depending on your internet connection speed. Once the installation is complete, you'll see a success message indicating that the package has been installed. With the OpenVPN Client Export package installed, you'll be able to generate configuration files for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices, streamlining the deployment of OpenVPN to your users. This package saves time and reduces the potential for errors when setting up client connections.

Step 2: Configure the Certificate Authority (CA)

Next, we need to set up a Certificate Authority (CA). The CA is responsible for issuing and managing the certificates used for authenticating clients.

1. Go to System > Cert Manager.
2. Click Add to create a new CA.
3. Fill in the required information:
   • Descriptive name: Enter a name for your CA (e.g., MyOpenVPNCA).
   • Method: Select Create an internal Certificate Authority.
   • Lifetime: Set the lifetime for the CA 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.
   • Email Address: Enter an email address for the CA.
   • Common Name: Enter a common name for the CA (e.g., myopenvpn.local).
4. Click Save.

Configuring the Certificate Authority (CA) is a critical step in securing your OpenVPN connections. The CA acts as a trusted entity that issues and manages the certificates used to authenticate clients and the server. To begin, navigate to System > Cert Manager in your pfSense web interface. Click the Add button to create a new CA. You'll be presented with a form to fill in the required information. Start by entering a descriptive name for your CA, such as MyOpenVPNCA. This name will help you identify the CA later on. For the Method, select Create an internal Certificate Authority. This option creates a self-signed CA, which is suitable for most OpenVPN setups. Next, set the Lifetime for the CA certificate. A longer lifetime means you won't have to renew the CA certificate as frequently, but it also increases the risk if the CA is compromised. A value of 3650 days (10 years) is a common choice. Fill in the remaining fields with your organization's information, including the Country Code, State or Province, City, Organization, and Email Address. The Common Name should be a unique identifier for your CA, such as myopenvpn.local. Once you've filled in all the required information, click the Save button to create the CA. pfSense will generate the CA certificate and private key, which will be used to sign client and server certificates. With the CA configured, you can now proceed to create the server certificate and configure the OpenVPN server settings.

Step 3: Create the Server Certificate

Now, let's create the server certificate. This certificate will be used by the OpenVPN server to identify itself to clients.

1. In Cert Manager, click Add to create a new certificate.
2. Fill in the required information:
   • Method: Select Create an internal Certificate.
   • Descriptive name: Enter a name for your server certificate (e.g., OpenVPNServerCert).
   • Certificate Authority: Select the CA you created in the previous step.
   • Lifetime: Set the lifetime for the certificate (e.g., 3650 days).
   • Certificate Type: Select Server Certificate.
   • Country Code: Select your country code.
   • State or Province: Enter your state or province.
   • City: Enter your city.
   • Organization: Enter your organization name.
   • Email Address: Enter an email address.
   • Common Name: Enter the hostname or IP address of your pfSense server (e.g., vpn.example.com or your public IP).
3. Click Save.

Creating the server certificate is a crucial step in establishing a secure OpenVPN connection. The server certificate is used by the OpenVPN server to authenticate itself to clients, ensuring that clients are connecting to the correct server and not a malicious impostor. To create the server certificate, navigate to System > Cert Manager in your pfSense web interface. Click the Add button to create a new certificate. In the form, select Create an internal Certificate as the Method. Enter a descriptive name for your server certificate, such as OpenVPNServerCert. This name will help you identify the certificate later on. For the Certificate Authority, select the CA you created in the previous step. This tells pfSense to use your CA to sign the server certificate. Set the Lifetime for the certificate. A longer lifetime means you won't have to renew the certificate as frequently, but it also increases the risk if the certificate is compromised. A value of 3650 days (10 years) is a common choice. For the Certificate Type, select Server Certificate. This tells pfSense that this certificate will be used by the OpenVPN server. Fill in the remaining fields with your organization's information, including the Country Code, State or Province, City, Organization, and Email Address. The Common Name is the most important field. It should be set to the hostname or IP address of your pfSense server. If you have a domain name that resolves to your pfSense server's public IP address, use that (e.g., vpn.example.com). Otherwise, use your pfSense server's public IP address. Once you've filled in all the required information, click the Save button to create the server certificate. pfSense will generate the server certificate and private key, which will be used by the OpenVPN server to authenticate itself to clients.

Step 4: Configure the OpenVPN Server

Now, let's configure the OpenVPN server settings.

1. Go to VPN > OpenVPN > Servers.
2. Click Add to create a new OpenVPN server.
3. Configure the following settings:
   • Disable this server: Leave unchecked.
   • Server mode: Select Remote Access (SSL/TLS).
   • Protocol: Select UDP or TCP (UDP is generally faster).
   • Device mode: Select tun.
   • Interface: Select WAN.
   • Local port: Enter a port number (e.g., 1194).
   • Description: Enter a description for your server (e.g., OpenVPN Server).
   • TLS Configuration:
     • Certificate Authority: Select the CA you created.
     • Server Certificate: Select the server certificate you created.
   • Cryptographic Settings:
     • Encryption algorithm: Select an encryption algorithm (e.g., AES-256-CBC).
     • Hash Algorithm: Select a hash algorithm (e.g., SHA256).
   • Tunnel Settings:
     • IPv4 Tunnel Network: Enter a private IP network for the VPN tunnel (e.g., 10.0.8.0/24).
     • IPv4 Local Network(s): Enter the local network(s) that clients should be able to access (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24).
     • IPv4 Remote Network(s): Leave blank.
   • Client Settings:
     • Override DNS: Check this box to force clients to use the DNS servers specified below.
     • DNS Server 1: Enter a DNS server (e.g., 8.8.8.8).
     • DNS Server 2: Enter a secondary DNS server (e.g., 8.8.4.4).
   • Advanced Configuration:
     • Custom options: Add any custom OpenVPN options (optional).
4. Click Save.

Configuring the OpenVPN server involves setting up the parameters that govern how clients connect to your network securely. Navigate to VPN > OpenVPN > Servers in your pfSense web interface and click Add to create a new OpenVPN server instance. Ensure that the Disable this server option is unchecked to activate the server. For Server mode, choose Remote Access (SSL/TLS) to enable secure remote access. Select either UDP or TCP for the Protocol. UDP is generally faster and preferred, but TCP can be more reliable in certain network conditions. Set the Device mode to tun, which creates a tunnel interface for the VPN connection. For the Interface, select WAN to listen for connections on your public IP address. Specify a Local port for the OpenVPN server to listen on, such as 1194. Provide a descriptive name for your server in the Description field, like OpenVPN Server. In the TLS Configuration section, select the CA and server certificate you created earlier. Choose an Encryption algorithm and Hash Algorithm in the Cryptographic Settings section. AES-256-CBC and SHA256 are commonly used and secure options. In the Tunnel Settings, define an IPv4 Tunnel Network, which is a private IP network for the VPN tunnel (e.g., 10.0.8.0/24). Specify the IPv4 Local Network(s) that clients should be able to access, such as your internal network (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). Leave the IPv4 Remote Network(s) field blank for remote access configurations. In the Client Settings, check the Override DNS box and enter DNS server addresses to force clients to use your specified DNS servers (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Under Advanced Configuration, you can add custom OpenVPN options if needed. Once you've configured all the settings, click Save to create the OpenVPN server.

Step 5: Configure Firewall Rules

Next, we need to configure firewall rules to allow OpenVPN traffic.

1. Go to Firewall > Rules.
2. Select the WAN interface.
3. Click Add to create a new rule.
4. Configure the following settings:
   • Action: Select Pass.
   • Interface: Select WAN.
   • Protocol: Select UDP or TCP (depending on your OpenVPN server configuration).
   • Source: Select Any.
   • Destination: Select WAN address.
   • Destination port range: Select From: OpenVPN, To: OpenVPN.
   • Description: Enter a description for your rule (e.g., Allow OpenVPN).
5. Click Save.
6. Click Apply Changes.
7. Go to Firewall > Rules.
8. Select the OpenVPN interface.
9. Click Add to create a new rule.
10. Configure the following settings:
    • Action: Select Pass.
    • Interface: Select OpenVPN.
    • Protocol: Select Any.
    • Source: Select Any.
    • Destination: Select Any.
    • Description: Enter a description for your rule (e.g., Allow OpenVPN Traffic).
11. Click Save.
12. Click Apply Changes.

Configuring firewall rules is essential for allowing OpenVPN traffic to pass through your pfSense firewall. Without these rules, clients won't be able to connect to the OpenVPN server. First, navigate to Firewall > Rules in your pfSense web interface. Select the WAN interface to create a rule that allows OpenVPN traffic from the internet to reach your pfSense server. Click Add to create a new rule. Set the Action to Pass to allow the traffic. Ensure the Interface is set to WAN. Select UDP or TCP for the Protocol, depending on your OpenVPN server configuration. Set the Source to Any to allow connections from any IP address. For the Destination, select WAN address to specify that the traffic is destined for your pfSense server's public IP address. Set the Destination port range to From: OpenVPN, To: OpenVPN to allow traffic on the OpenVPN port (typically 1194). Provide a description for your rule, such as Allow OpenVPN. Click Save and then Apply Changes to activate the rule. Next, navigate to Firewall > Rules again and select the OpenVPN interface. Click Add to create a new rule. Set the Action to Pass to allow traffic to flow through the VPN tunnel. Ensure the Interface is set to OpenVPN. Set the Protocol to Any to allow all types of traffic. Set the Source and Destination to Any to allow traffic from any source to any destination within the VPN tunnel. Provide a description for your rule, such as Allow OpenVPN Traffic. Click Save and then Apply Changes to activate the rule. These firewall rules ensure that OpenVPN traffic is allowed to enter your network and that clients can communicate with each other and with resources on your local network through the VPN tunnel.

Step 6: Export Client Configuration

Finally, let's export the client configuration so that your clients can connect to the OpenVPN server.

1. Go to VPN > OpenVPN > Client Export.
2. Configure the following settings:
   • Remote host(s): Enter the hostname or IP address of your pfSense server.
   • Username/Password Authentication: Check this box if you want to use username/password authentication.
3. Scroll down to the Client Settings section.
4. Select the appropriate client type (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).
5. Click the corresponding download link to download the client configuration file.
6. Distribute the configuration file to your clients.

Exporting the client configuration is the final step in enabling clients to connect to your OpenVPN server. This process generates a configuration file that contains all the necessary settings for clients to establish a secure connection. Navigate to VPN > OpenVPN > Client Export in your pfSense web interface. In the Remote host(s) field, enter the hostname or IP address of your pfSense server. This tells the client where to connect to the OpenVPN server. If you want to use username/password authentication, check the Username/Password Authentication box. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring clients to authenticate with a username and password. Scroll down to the Client Settings section and select the appropriate client type for each device (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS). Each client type has a corresponding download link. Click the download link to download the client configuration file. The file will typically have a .ovpn extension. Distribute the configuration file to your clients through a secure method, such as email or a file sharing service. Clients will need to install an OpenVPN client application on their devices and import the configuration file to establish a connection to the OpenVPN server. Once the client imports the configuration file, they will be able to connect to the OpenVPN server and access resources on your local network securely. By exporting and distributing client configurations, you can easily deploy OpenVPN to multiple devices and ensure that all clients are using the correct settings.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've successfully configured OpenVPN on pfSense 2.7. Your network is now more secure and accessible from anywhere. Remember to always keep your software up to date and monitor your VPN connection for any issues. Happy networking!