F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Configure PFSense to function solely as a firewall by routing traffic through its security features.

Configure PFSense to function solely as a firewall by routing traffic through its security features.

Configure PFSense to function solely as a firewall by routing traffic through its security features.

K
Kaisetsu
Senior Member
651
02-26-2026, 12:56 AM
#1
Hello, I've configured two VMs—one acting as a router with PFSense and another as an Ubuntu server. I'm trying to add another PFSense instance for firewall purposes and route traffic between the VMs. I'm having trouble with its settings. Should it retain two NICs? If yes, how should it be arranged in VirtualBox—perhaps one as the LAN from the first PFSense and another as a separate LAN? Or should both be on the same network? After setting this up, how can I reach the new PFSense machine? Will it assign an IP address so the Ubuntu VM can access it for configuration? Cheers.
K
Kaisetsu
02-26-2026, 12:56 AM #1

Hello, I've configured two VMs—one acting as a router with PFSense and another as an Ubuntu server. I'm trying to add another PFSense instance for firewall purposes and route traffic between the VMs. I'm having trouble with its settings. Should it retain two NICs? If yes, how should it be arranged in VirtualBox—perhaps one as the LAN from the first PFSense and another as a separate LAN? Or should both be on the same network? After setting this up, how can I reach the new PFSense machine? Will it assign an IP address so the Ubuntu VM can access it for configuration? Cheers.

M
MondoManiac408
Junior Member
11
02-26-2026, 07:51 AM
#2
If you don't recall the mistake, you must install two NICs on the PFSense firewall. One for WAN (internet traffic) and another for the hosts. Create a virtual LAN for the VM you wish to connect, then configure those in PFSense as LANs. Also set up DHCP through PFSense. The WAN NIC should link to your primary network, while the others require a LAN setup.
M
MondoManiac408
02-26-2026, 07:51 AM #2

If you don't recall the mistake, you must install two NICs on the PFSense firewall. One for WAN (internet traffic) and another for the hosts. Create a virtual LAN for the VM you wish to connect, then configure those in PFSense as LANs. Also set up DHCP through PFSense. The WAN NIC should link to your primary network, while the others require a LAN setup.

M
Mr_SqueeepsYT
Junior Member
14
02-26-2026, 07:31 PM
#3
Yes, you can configure your router to handle DHCP for devices behind pfSense. This way, those devices receive IP addresses from the router's subnet while pfSense manages traffic monitoring.
M
Mr_SqueeepsYT
02-26-2026, 07:31 PM #3

Yes, you can configure your router to handle DHCP for devices behind pfSense. This way, those devices receive IP addresses from the router's subnet while pfSense manages traffic monitoring.