pfSense is a powerful and reliable network security appliance primarily used for security purposes such as firewall and VPN or traffic shaping, network management, and web filtering. It is commonly used by small businesses and managed service providers to protect their customers' networks and enable remote access through VPNs.
Some users mention that the community version of the solution is free and the paid version is reasonably priced. The maintenance cost varies depending on the solution implemented. Overall, users find that pfSense doesn't come at a high cost, making it an attractive option. Users appreciate pfSense's open-source nature and consider it a good option for basic requirements, although it lacks after-sales support and some features of commercial solutions. There is the option of obtaining annual paid support.
The cost savings when using pfSense compared to other options, such as FortiGate, were significant. Users have mentioned that FortiGate is 60 to 70 times more expensive. pfSense offers low price points and minimal administrative overhead, allowing for maximum profits.
pfSense is used as a firewall and VPN gateway. It is used for web filtering, building custom firewalls, and network advanced translation (NAT). It is deployed in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and banking.
The product is also used by small businesses and managed service providers to protect networks, enable remote access, and provide firewall integration. It can be used for personal network protection and controls incoming traffic.
pfSense's valuable features include its:
pfSense could improve in several areas, including the configuration process, which could be made easier, particularly when integrating with other solutions such as SD-WAN.
The solution's user-friendliness and graphical interface need improvement to cater to users without an IT background.
More documentation on new features is desired to facilitate understanding.
Some users feel that other solutions offer more scalability, with the ability to support a higher number of VPN users.
There is a need for a better interface with enhanced log analysis capabilities.
A dedicated mobile app for remote access would be beneficial.
The integration with external systems and the management of the solution could be enhanced.
Users express a desire for better security features and performance.
The GUI is perceived as complex and could be more intuitive.
Additional features such as URL filtering, sandboxing, and centralized management are needed and integration with antivirus solutions is also mentioned as something that could be added.
The solution's ability to detect and control internet usage based on site content could be enhanced.
pfSense is generally considered to be easy and straightforward to set up. Users with experience in IT and networking can install and configure pfSense within 15 to 30 minutes while others mention that it depends on the complexity of their network. A few users mention that the setup can be a bit challenging when installing filters or agents.
pfSense is highly regarded in terms of scalability. Users have mentioned that it is quite scalable. It is being used in various settings, ranging from small-scale companies with a few users to enterprises with thousands of people. The solution allows for easy scaling by setting up multiple clusters, deploying in the cloud, or adding more appliances. Users have mentioned that pfSense is scalable in terms of both users and bandwidth.
Users generally find pfSense to be stable and reliable. Users mention that there are no issues with bugs or glitches, and the product doesn't crash or freeze. It is described as a very stable solution that can work continuously for a long period of time. That said, some users mention that the stability could be better, and there is a need for a manual reset after any power outage.
Some users mention that the community version of the solution is free and the paid version is reasonably priced. The maintenance cost varies depending on the solution implemented. Overall, users find that pfSense doesn't come at a high cost, making it an attractive option. Users appreciate pfSense's open-source nature and consider it a good option for basic requirements, although it lacks after-sales support and some features of commercial solutions. There is the option of obtaining annual paid support.
The cost savings when using pfSense compared to other options, such as FortiGate, were significant. Users have mentioned that FortiGate is 60 to 70 times more expensive. pfSense offers low price points and minimal administrative overhead, allowing for maximum profits.
pfSense is used as a firewall and VPN gateway. It is used for web filtering, building custom firewalls, and network advanced translation (NAT). It is deployed in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and banking.
The product is also used by small businesses and managed service providers to protect networks, enable remote access, and provide firewall integration. It can be used for personal network protection and controls incoming traffic.
pfSense's valuable features include its:
pfSense could improve in several areas, including the configuration process, which could be made easier, particularly when integrating with other solutions such as SD-WAN.
The solution's user-friendliness and graphical interface need improvement to cater to users without an IT background.
More documentation on new features is desired to facilitate understanding.
Some users feel that other solutions offer more scalability, with the ability to support a higher number of VPN users.
There is a need for a better interface with enhanced log analysis capabilities.
A dedicated mobile app for remote access would be beneficial.
The integration with external systems and the management of the solution could be enhanced.
Users express a desire for better security features and performance.
The GUI is perceived as complex and could be more intuitive.
Additional features such as URL filtering, sandboxing, and centralized management are needed and integration with antivirus solutions is also mentioned as something that could be added.
The solution's ability to detect and control internet usage based on site content could be enhanced.
pfSense is generally considered to be easy and straightforward to set up. Users with experience in IT and networking can install and configure pfSense within 15 to 30 minutes while others mention that it depends on the complexity of their network. A few users mention that the setup can be a bit challenging when installing filters or agents.
pfSense is highly regarded in terms of scalability. Users have mentioned that it is quite scalable. It is being used in various settings, ranging from small-scale companies with a few users to enterprises with thousands of people. The solution allows for easy scaling by setting up multiple clusters, deploying in the cloud, or adding more appliances. Users have mentioned that pfSense is scalable in terms of both users and bandwidth.
Users generally find pfSense to be stable and reliable. Users mention that there are no issues with bugs or glitches, and the product doesn't crash or freeze. It is described as a very stable solution that can work continuously for a long period of time. That said, some users mention that the stability could be better, and there is a need for a manual reset after any power outage.
The solution is praised for its stability, user-friendly interface, scalability potential, open-source nature, free cost, easy installation, firewall capabilities, security features, flexibility, and simplicity. Overall, pfSense is a cost-effective solution for enterprises that need a VPN for their employees.
pfSense Key Features
pfSense has many key features and capabilities, including:
Reviews from Real Users
Below is some feedback from PeerSpot Users who are currently using the solution.
Bojan O., CEO at In.sist d.o.o., says, “The classic features, such as content inspection, content protection, and the application-level firewall, are the most important."
Another PeerSpot user, a chef at a media company, explains what he finds most valuable about pfSense: "The plugins or add-ons are most valuable. Sometimes, they are free of charge, and sometimes, you have to pay for them, but you can purchase or download very valuable plugins or add-ons to perform internal testing of your network and simulate a denial-of-service attack or whichever attack you want to simulate. You can also remote and monitor your network and see where the gap is."
T.O., a VP of Business Development at a tech services company, mentions, "What I found most valuable is the cost of the platform, the flexibility of the platform, and the fact that the ongoing fees are not there as they are with the competitor."
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