// Engineering Log
OPNsense: the firewall of the future that newbies install
Published on 2025-11-02
// Fast route
This article belongs to the topic Networking and routing.
OPNsense — it’s like pfSense, but prettier, faster, and with an API.
Want an office firewall you wouldn’t be embarrassed to show your boss? Here it is.
💼 Who OPNsense is for
- Office of 10–50 people
- VPN for all employees
- Backup internet connection
- Modern web interface
🎨 Apple-like interface
- Dark theme
- Real-time graphs
- REST API for automation
- WireGuard out of the box
⚙️ Installation in 5 minutes
- Download the ISO from opnsense.org
- Write it to a USB stick (
ddor Rufus) - Boot → assign interfaces → done!
Auto-update via API:
curl -k -u admin:pass -X POST "https://192.168.1.1/api/core/firmware/upgrade"
🔥 Top 5 plugins
| Plugin | What it does |
|---|---|
| Zenarmor | IDS/IPS like Cisco |
| HAProxy | Load balancing and SSL termination |
| CrowdSec | Bans hackers by IP |
| WireGuard | Fast VPN |
| Telegraf | Metrics to Grafana |
🧠 Best hardware
| Model | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Protectli Vault FW4B | $300 | 4× Intel NICs, AES-NI |
| Qotom Q555G6 | $250 | i5, 6 ports, quiet |
🎯 Conclusion
OPNsense is a modern, fast, and user-friendly firewall.
Suitable for those who want automation and regular updates.
Need a ready XML config for an office? 👇 Send the task — I’ll make a template.
// Similar task
If you are dealing with something similar
This article belongs to one of the main working topics. You can keep reading on the topic, go to the homepage to understand what I do, or open the service pages directly.
Article topic
Networking and routing
MikroTik, VPN, routing, DNS, BGP, connectivity, and access troubleshooting.
Typical tasks behind this topic
- Set up VPN and secure access to office or cloud
- Fix routing, DNS, or unstable connectivity
- Configure MikroTik, firewall, and external links
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