pfSense and OPNsense: rules, aliases, NAT, backups and updates

Skills you'll practise

• Predict which rule handles a packet from the processing order, interface direction and first match
• Place block and pass rules on the correct interface tab and in the correct order
• Use aliases and restrict port forward sources, and explain what the associated filter rule does
• Take, protect and restore configuration backups, including from configuration history
• Prepare a firewall for an update, including the steps each project's documentation recommends

Course outline

1. 1.pfSense and OPNsense: rules, backups and updatesVideo · 2 min
2. 2.How rules are processedLesson · 17 min
3. 3.Aliases, port forwards and packagesLesson · 16 min
4. 4.Backups, configuration history and updatesLesson · 17 min
5. 5.pfSense and OPNsense: rules, aliases, NAT, backups and updates: knowledge checkKnowledge check · 18 questions
6. 6.Final exam9 questions · passing it completes the course, so people who already know the material can test out

Sources it draws on

The lessons and questions are written from these references, so learners can go back to the original.

• pfSense documentation: Rule Methodology
• pfSense documentation: Firewall Fundamentals
• pfSense documentation: Firewall Rule Best Practices
• pfSense documentation: Aliases
• pfSense documentation: Port Forwards
• pfSense documentation: Packages
• pfSense documentation: Backup and Recovery
• pfSense documentation: Making Backups in the GUI
• pfSense documentation: Restoring from Backups
• pfSense documentation: Automatic Configuration Backup Service
• pfSense documentation: Preparing for Upgrade
• OPNsense documentation: Rules (firewall)
• OPNsense documentation: Aliases
• OPNsense documentation: Backups
• OPNsense documentation: Updates