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Robust and well implemented network infrastructure security is essential for all businesses’ secure communications and safe operations. Acting as a barrier against malicious activity and other threats, a firewall is essential for maintaining a safe environment.
Designed to protect networks from both internal and external threats, and vulnerabilities like DDoS, unauthorized access and malware, pfSense is an optimal solution for network security concerns. In this article we’ll take a closer look at pfSense and its many benefits.
What is pfSense
First released in 2006, pfSense is a leading firewall and router software based on FreeBSD. The open source software is trusted by millions, and can be used in practically any size and type of network environment. Complete with an intuitive web interface, pfSense is easy to configure and manage for those without any UNIX administration knowledge.
Market Competitors / pfSense® Alternatives
The versatility of the pfSense firewall and routing platform makes it challenging to conduct a direct comparison. Here is a breakdown of some of the best alternatives to pfSense.
OPNsense
OPNsense is one of the comparable alternatives to pfSense on the market. The open source firewall is also based on FreeBSD and includes feature-rich capabilities.
WatchGuard
WatchGuard offers an integrated solution to security, which is easily manageable as well as cost-effective.
SonicWall
SonicWall provides next generation security by delivering enhanced firewall and anti-malware network security technology.
Cisco
Cisco delivers proactive threat defence through a combination of firewall, intrusion prevention, VPN and antivirus capabilities.
Sophos
The advanced all-in-one threat protection, Sophos offers instant detection and security against malicious activity.
pfSense® Features and Functionality
pfSense features advanced capabilities, providing firewall, VPN and router functionality in one comprehensive solution. It is extremely flexible and scalable, with features that include GeoIP blocking, anti-spoofing, dynamic DNS as well as supporting simultaneous IPv4 and IPv6.
Its comprehensive intrusion prevention system features IP blacklist and emerging threats databases, as well as VPN functionality that includes multi-WAN, SSL encryption, OpenVPN and IPv6 support.
6 Advantages of using pfSense®
Strength
One of the biggest benefits of pfSense is its ability to follow both default and custom rules, with heightened accuracy. It also filters traffic separately, whether it’s coming from your internal network or the open internet, whilst offering the capability to set different rules for each.
Flexibility
pfSense is extremely flexible and offers those who wish the option to extend, integrate and optimize features through code.
User-friendly
Although it offers advanced features and functionality, pfSense’s popularity is attributable to its simple and easy to use interface. All basic functionalities are easily applied without complexities, making it easy to set up and understand.
Open-source
The open source nature of pfSense means community members are continually contributing to its code, and ultimately improving the software.
WireGuard Support
Available with the pfSense firewall, WireGuard is a free, open source VPN that can be easily integrated and saves on having to build your own VPN via pfSense, or opting for another commercial VPN provider.
Support
With frequent feature and security updates, tons of official documentation, a large community and support forums, you can find the answer to practically anything pfSense related easily. pfSense also provides a paid support option too.
Deploy pfSense® easily on Cloud VM or Hardware
pfSense works seamlessly on both Virtual and Dedicated Servers. Order now and quickly deploy pfSense with NetShop ISP or check out our tutorial on how to install pfSense on a Virtual or Dedicated Server here.
