Setting up an OpenVPN server on pfSense might sound like a super technical chore, but trust me, it's totally achievable for anyone looking to boost their network security and gain flexible remote access. If you've ever wished you could securely connect to your home or office network from anywhere, that's exactly what an OpenVPN server on pfSense lets you do. This guide is here to walk you through the entire process, making sure you understand each step without getting lost in jargon. We're talking about establishing a secure, encrypted tunnel that protects your data from prying eyes, whether you're grabbing a coffee at a public hotspot or working remotely. pfSense, being the powerhouse firewall and router it is, makes for an excellent platform to host your very own VPN server. It's stable, robust, and gives you incredible control, which is why so many network pros and enthusiasts swear by it. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get this done, because once you have your OpenVPN server on pfSense up and running, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. The beauty of this setup is that it centralizes your VPN service directly within your network's gateway, providing a seamless and secure entry point for all your devices, whether they are laptops, smartphones, or even other network devices you want to manage remotely. We're not just creating a connection; we're building a fortress for your digital life, ensuring that all traffic going through your VPN tunnel is impenetrable. This isn't just for super tech-savvy folks either; anyone who values their online privacy and wants to access their network resources securely will find immense value in this guide. Plus, once you master the OpenVPN server setup on pfSense, you'll have a deeper understanding of network security concepts that will serve you well in many other areas of your digital journey. Prepare to unlock a new level of network freedom and peace of mind!

Why You Need OpenVPN on pfSense: A Quick Chat

When we talk about network security and remote access, OpenVPN on pfSense stands out as a champion, guys. Seriously, if you're not using a VPN, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi, you're basically leaving your digital front door wide open. An OpenVPN server on pfSense gives you a private, encrypted tunnel over the internet, making it incredibly difficult for anyone to snoop on your data. Think about it: every email, every online banking transaction, every file transfer becomes a potential target without this protection. But it's not just about security; it's also about convenience and freedom. Imagine being able to access files on your home server, control smart devices, or even stream content from your local network, all while you're miles away. That's the magic of having your own OpenVPN server – it extends your secure home network wherever you are. pfSense, as a dedicated firewall and router distribution, offers a rock-solid, professional-grade platform that you typically find only in large enterprises, but it's completely free and open-source. This means you get enterprise-level features, including a highly configurable OpenVPN server, without the hefty price tag. For those of us who appreciate granular control and robust performance, pfSense is simply unmatched. It's not just a firewall; it's a comprehensive network management system that empowers you to take charge of your network's destiny. The level of customization available with pfSense ensures that your OpenVPN server can be tailored precisely to your specific needs, whether you're a casual user, a small business owner, or a hardcore network enthusiast. We're talking about protection against man-in-the-middle attacks, ensuring data integrity, and maintaining anonymity by masking your true IP address when you're connected. This isn't just a fancy feature; it's a fundamental aspect of modern digital living. The versatility of OpenVPN on pfSense means you can configure it for various use cases, from securing a single laptop to providing secure remote access for an entire team. Plus, the community support for both OpenVPN and pfSense is fantastic, meaning help is always available if you ever get stuck. So, for robust security, unparalleled remote access, and peace of mind, an OpenVPN server on pfSense is seriously one of the best investments you can make in your digital life. It’s an essential tool for anyone who takes their online privacy and network accessibility seriously, offering a powerful combination of features that far exceed typical off-the-shelf router capabilities. Let's make your network smarter and safer!

Getting Started: What You'll Need

Before we dive headfirst into configuring our OpenVPN server on pfSense, let's quickly gather our tools and make sure we have everything in place. You wouldn't start building a house without a blueprint and materials, right? Same idea here, folks! First and foremost, you'll need a fully installed and operational pfSense firewall. We're assuming you've already got pfSense up and running, acting as your network's gateway and managing your internet connection. If not, that's your starting point! Next up, basic network knowledge will certainly come in handy. Don't worry, you don't need to be a network engineer, but understanding concepts like IP addresses, subnets, and ports will make this journey much smoother. We'll be working with a few of these, so a foundational grasp helps. Another crucial element for a seamless experience, especially if your internet service provider (ISP) assigns you a dynamic public IP address, is a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service. Services like DuckDNS, No-IP, or even pfSense's built-in DDNS client can automatically update your domain name to point to your current public IP. This means your VPN clients will always know where to connect, even if your IP changes. While not strictly mandatory if you have a static IP or don't mind updating client configurations manually after an IP change, it’s highly recommended for stability and convenience. You'll also want to have administrative access to your pfSense web interface. This goes without saying, but make sure you have the correct username and password ready. A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) is all you need to interact with pfSense. Finally, it's helpful to understand, at a high level, what OpenVPN actually is. In essence, OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. It uses the SSL/TLS protocol for key exchange, offering a robust and flexible security framework. This makes it incredibly secure and widely supported across almost all operating systems. By fulfilling these prerequisites, you're setting yourself up for success in getting your OpenVPN server on pfSense configured without a hitch. Each of these components plays a vital role in ensuring that your OpenVPN server is not only functional but also reliable and easy to manage in the long run. We're talking about ensuring your network can handle the additional load, your access credentials are secure, and your connection details are always up-to-date. Taking a moment to verify all these items now will save you a ton of headaches later when we start digging into the actual configuration steps for your secure VPN tunnel. So, get everything lined up, and let's get ready to make your pfSense box an even more powerful guardian of your digital realm!

Step-by-Step Configuration: Setting Up OpenVPN Server on pfSense

Alright, folks, this is where the rubber meets the road! We're going to dive into the core steps to configure your OpenVPN server on pfSense. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll have a secure VPN up and running in no time. Remember, the goal here is to establish a robust, encrypted connection for all your remote access needs. Each phase builds upon the last, so let's tackle them one by one. This process involves creating cryptographic elements, setting up the server itself, and then making sure your firewall plays nicely. We'll leverage pfSense's Certificate Manager and OpenVPN server configuration pages, making what could be a complex process surprisingly manageable. Getting this right means you'll have a reliable and secure backbone for all your remote connections, whether you're accessing your home network from a coffee shop or securely connecting to resources at your small business. The beauty of pfSense is how it integrates all these security features into one intuitive interface, simplifying what would otherwise be a daunting command-line adventure. So, pay close attention to each step, and we'll transform your pfSense box into a VPN powerhouse!

1. Crafting Your Certificate Authority (CA)

The very first thing we need to do to set up our OpenVPN server on pfSense is to create a Certificate Authority (CA). Think of the CA as the boss of all certificates; it's the entity that signs and verifies all other certificates, ensuring that your server and clients can trust each other. This is a foundational step for any secure TLS-based communication, and OpenVPN heavily relies on it. Without a CA, your server and clients wouldn't have a way to authenticate each other, leaving your connection vulnerable. To create your CA in pfSense, navigate to System > Cert Manager. Once there, select the CAs tab and click the + Add button. You'll be presented with a form to fill out. For the Method, choose Create an internal Certificate Authority. Give your CA a descriptive Descriptive name, something like "MyOpenVPNCA". For Key type, RSA is standard and perfectly fine, with Key length of 2048 or 4096 bits for strong security (2048 is generally sufficient). The Digest Algorithm should be SHA256 or higher. Now, you'll need to fill out the Lifetime (default is usually 3650 days, which is 10 years – plenty of time!) and the Common Name. The Common Name for your CA should be unique and clearly identify it, for example, "MyOpenVPNCA". You'll also need to fill in the Country Code, State or Province, City, and Organization. These details help identify your CA, but for a private OpenVPN server, they don't need to be officially registered – just make them something meaningful to you. Hit Save, and voila! You've just created the cornerstone of your OpenVPN server's security. This CA will be used to sign both your server certificate and your client certificates, creating a chain of trust that ensures only authorized parties can communicate over your VPN. It's a critical component for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of your VPN traffic, ensuring that the connections are not only encrypted but also authenticated against a trusted source. Without this initial step, no other certificates can be issued or trusted, making the OpenVPN server setup on pfSense impossible. This makes the CA a non-negotiable part of building a robust and secure VPN infrastructure. Ensure all fields are filled accurately, as these details will be embedded into the certificate itself, making it easily identifiable and trustworthy within your network ecosystem. So take a moment to double-check everything before hitting that save button, because this CA is going to be the root of trust for all your secure VPN communications.

2. Generating the Server Certificate

With our CA firmly established, the next crucial step in getting our OpenVPN server on pfSense operational is to generate the server certificate. This certificate is essentially your OpenVPN server's identification card, proving its identity to connecting clients and allowing for the secure establishment of the VPN tunnel. It's signed by the CA we just created, which makes it trustworthy within our specific VPN ecosystem. To create this server certificate, head back to System > Cert Manager, but this time select the Certificates tab. Click the + Add button. For the Method, choose Create an internal Certificate. Give it a clear Descriptive name, like "OpenVPNServerCert". For the Certificate Authority, make sure you select the CA you just created (e.g., "MyOpenVPNCA"). Now, this is important: for the Type, you must select Server Certificate. This tells pfSense and OpenVPN that this certificate is intended for a server, not a client. Keep the Key type, Key length, and Digest Algorithm consistent with what you chose for your CA (e.g., RSA, 2048 bits, SHA256). For the Lifetime, again, the default is usually fine. The Common Name for the server certificate should be the public IP address or hostname (your DDNS hostname) that clients will use to connect to your OpenVPN server. So, if your DDNS is myvpn.duckdns.org, that's what you put here. If you have a static public IP, use that. Filling in the Country Code, State, City, and Organization fields is also required, similar to the CA. Once all these details are entered, hit Save. You now have a server certificate ready to be assigned to your OpenVPN server on pfSense. This certificate, combined with its corresponding private key, is what allows the server to establish encrypted TLS sessions with clients. Without it, the server cannot prove its identity or securely exchange encryption keys, meaning no VPN connection could be formed. This certificate ensures that when a client tries to connect, it's actually connecting to your OpenVPN server and not some imposter. It’s a vital piece of the puzzle, ensuring the authenticity and confidentiality of all communications over your VPN tunnel. This certificate isn't just a formality; it's the digital handshake that guarantees a secure connection, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining the integrity of your network. So, ensure the Common Name is accurate and points to where your clients will actually try to connect, as this is critical for successful VPN establishment. This step solidifies the trust chain, enabling secure communication for your OpenVPN server on pfSense.

3. Setting Up the OpenVPN Server Instance

Now for the main event, guys – configuring the OpenVPN server instance itself on pfSense. This is where we tell pfSense how our VPN server should operate, what network it will use for clients, and which certificates to employ. Navigate to VPN > OpenVPN. Click on the Servers tab, and then click + Add to create a new server. Here’s a breakdown of the key settings you'll need to configure for your OpenVPN server:

• General Information:

  • Server Mode: Choose Peer to Peer (SSL/TLS) if you only expect remote users to connect and don't need advanced site-to-site features, or Remote Access (SSL/TLS) which is the most common for individual users or small teams connecting from external locations. We'll proceed with Remote Access (SSL/TLS) as it's typically what people want for personal use.
  • Protocol: UDP on IPv4 is generally preferred for its speed and efficiency, especially for services like VoIP or streaming. However, if you experience issues with UDP on your network (e.g., restrictive firewalls), you can try TCP on IPv4 (though it can be slower). Let's stick with UDP.
  • Device Mode: tun is the standard for routed IP tunnels, which is what we need for a typical VPN where clients get an IP in a new subnet.
  • Interface: Select WAN. This tells pfSense to listen for incoming VPN connections on your public-facing interface.
  • Local Port: The default 1194 is standard for OpenVPN. You can change this if you wish, but remember you'll need to open this port in your firewall later.
  • Description: Give your OpenVPN server a descriptive name, like "MyHomeVPN" or "OfficeAccessVPN".

• Cryptographic Settings:

  • TLS Authentication: Check Enable TLS Authentication and ensure TLS Shared Key is Automatically generate a TLS key. This adds an extra layer of security against DoS attacks and UDP port scanning.
  • Peer Certificate Authority: Select the CA you created (e.g., "MyOpenVPNCA").
  • Server Certificate: Select the server certificate you generated (e.g., "OpenVPNServerCert").
  • DH Parameters: 2048 bits or 4096 bits is good. pfSense will generate this automatically if you haven't already.
  • Encryption Algorithm: AES-256-GCM is a strong, modern, and highly recommended algorithm.
  • Auth Digest Algorithm: SHA256 or SHA512 are good choices.
  • Hardware Crypto: If your pfSense hardware supports it, you can select it here (e.g., AES-NI CPU-based). This offloads encryption tasks to dedicated hardware, improving performance.

• Tunnel Settings:

  • IPv4 Tunnel Network: This is a private subnet that your VPN clients will receive an IP address from. Crucially, it must be different from your local LAN subnet. For example, if your LAN is 192.168.1.0/24, you might use 10.0.8.0/24 here. This avoids routing conflicts.
  • IPv4 Local Network(s): Enter your local network(s) that clients should be able to access (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). This is how OpenVPN tells clients where your resources are.
  • Concurrent Connections: Set the maximum number of simultaneous clients you expect.
  • Inter-client Communication: Generally leave this unchecked if clients don't need to talk to each other. Check it if you want clients to be able to access other VPN clients.
  • Dynamic IP: Check this if you have a dynamic WAN IP.
  • Topology: Subnet is the recommended option for modern OpenVPN setups.

• Client Settings (Optional but Recommended):

  • DNS Servers: You can push your own internal DNS server (e.g., your pfSense IP if it's acting as a DNS resolver) or public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
  • DNS Default Domain: Push your local domain name if you have one.
  • Gateway creation: Make sure to check Redirect IPv4 Gateway. This option forces all client traffic through the OpenVPN tunnel, meaning all their internet traffic will exit your network, providing full protection and allowing them to access your local internet resources. This is key for privacy when using public Wi-Fi.

Once you’ve configured all these settings, hit Save. You've just created your OpenVPN server instance! But we're not quite done yet. While the server is configured, the firewall isn't aware of it. We still need to open the necessary ports and rules. This stage is complex because it ties together all the security components with the network settings, ensuring that your OpenVPN server on pfSense can not only encrypt traffic but also route it correctly. Each setting here is vital for both functionality and security, preventing common issues and ensuring that your VPN clients can connect reliably and securely. So, double-check your tunnel networks, ensure your certificates are correctly selected, and verify that all cryptographic settings meet your security standards. This configuration is the heartbeat of your secure remote access solution.

4. Firewall Rules: Letting OpenVPN Through

Having your OpenVPN server on pfSense configured is fantastic, but it's like having a locked door without a keyhole if your firewall isn't set up to let traffic in. This is a common pitfall, so pay close attention here, guys! We need to create specific firewall rules to allow incoming VPN connections and to permit traffic from your connected clients into your local network. Without these rules, your OpenVPN server will be invisible or inaccessible, and even if clients connect, they won't be able to reach any resources.

First, let’s create the rule that allows incoming OpenVPN connection requests on your WAN interface. Go to Firewall > Rules, and select the WAN tab. Click the + Add button (the one that adds rules to the bottom of the list) to create a new rule. Here’s what you need to configure:

• Action: Pass (This allows the traffic).
• Interface: WAN (Where the internet traffic comes in).
• Protocol: UDP (Since we chose UDP for our OpenVPN server). If you chose TCP, select TCP.
• Source: Any (Unless you know specific IP addresses that will connect, which is rare for remote access VPNs). If you need stricter control, you can define specific source IPs or aliases here.
• Destination: WAN address (This means the traffic is destined for your pfSense's WAN IP).
• Destination Port Range: Select Other from the dropdown for both From and To and type in 1194 (or whatever custom port you set for your OpenVPN server).
• Description: Give it a clear name, like "Allow OpenVPN UDP 1194".

Hit Save and then Apply Changes. This rule allows external clients to initiate a connection to your OpenVPN server on pfSense.

Next, we need to create a rule on the OpenVPN interface itself to allow traffic from connected VPN clients into your local LAN. After you create an OpenVPN server, pfSense automatically creates an interface for it, typically named OpenVPN. Go to Firewall > Rules, and select the OpenVPN tab (you might see it appear after the server is configured). Click the + Add button (again, for the bottom of the list):

• Action: Pass.
• Interface: OpenVPN.
• Protocol: Any (This allows all types of traffic – TCP, UDP, ICMP – from your VPN clients).
• Source: Any (This means any connected VPN client). You could specify the OpenVPN_Network alias if you want to be more specific.
• Destination: Any (This allows clients to reach any network accessible by pfSense, including your LAN). If you only want clients to access specific resources, you could define your LAN subnet here (e.g., LAN net).
• Description: "Allow OpenVPN clients to LAN".

Hit Save and then Apply Changes. This second rule is crucial because it permits the encrypted traffic from your clients, once they've connected to the OpenVPN server, to actually access resources within your home or office network. Without it, clients would connect but couldn't do anything useful. These two firewall rules – one on the WAN to allow the initial connection and one on the OpenVPN interface to allow traffic through the VPN tunnel – are the bare minimum to get your OpenVPN server on pfSense functioning correctly. Remember, network security is about layers, and these rules are critical layers for your VPN. Always test after applying rules to ensure everything works as expected and adjust if necessary. These steps prevent your secure tunnel from being a dead end, turning it into a fully functional conduit for your remote access needs. This careful crafting of firewall rules is fundamental to making your OpenVPN server on pfSense a truly effective and secure solution, balancing accessibility with robust network protection.

Client Configuration: Connecting to Your OpenVPN Server

Alright, you've done the heavy lifting, guys! Your OpenVPN server on pfSense is configured and humming along. Now, how do your devices actually connect to it? This is where client configuration comes into play. Manually setting up each client with certificates and connection details can be a real pain, but thankfully, pfSense has a fantastic built-in tool that simplifies this process significantly: the OpenVPN Client Export Utility. This utility package will generate client-specific configuration files (.ovpn files) that include all the necessary certificates, keys, and server details, making client setup a breeze. To get this magic tool, go to System > Package Manager. Click on the Available Packages tab, search for openvpn-client-export, and click Install. Once installed, navigate to VPN > OpenVPN > Client Export. Here, you'll see a range of options to tailor your client configuration files. Make sure to select your OpenVPN server instance from the dropdown menu (e.g., "MyHomeVPN").

Key settings to consider on this page:

• Host Name Resolution: This is super important. If you’re using a DDNS service, select Host Name and ensure it's pointing to your correct DDNS hostname (e.g., myvpn.duckdns.org). If you have a static public IP, you can use IP Address. Avoid Interface IP Address unless you have a static public IP and know what you're doing, as it won't work if your IP changes.
• Port: Should auto-populate with your OpenVPN server's port (default 1194).
• PKCS#12 Password: Highly recommended! Setting a password here will encrypt the client certificate and key within the .ovpn file, adding an extra layer of security. If someone gets hold of your client config, they can't use it without this password.
• File Format: For most modern clients, Archive (.zip) or Inline Configurations are excellent. The .zip creates a single archive with all necessary files, while Inline puts everything into a single .ovpn file. For Windows, .zip is usually better as it includes the OpenVPN installer.

Scroll down and you'll find various download options for different operating systems and OpenVPN client versions. For example, you’ll see downloads for OpenVPN Connect (Windows Installer), Android, iOS, Viscosity (MacOS), and Other OS (Inline config). Simply click the appropriate button for your client device. This will download a pre-configured .ovpn file or an installer.

• For Windows: Download the OpenVPN Connect (Windows Installer). Run it, and it will install the client and import your configuration automatically. You'll just need to enter your PKCS#12 password if you set one.
• For macOS: The Viscosity option is great if you use Viscosity. Otherwise, the Other OS (Inline config) provides the .ovpn file, which you can import into the official OpenVPN Connect client or Tunnelblick.
• For Linux: Download the Other OS (Inline config) .ovpn file. You can then import this into Network Manager or use the openvpn command-line client.
• For Android/iOS: Download the OpenVPN Connect (Android) or OpenVPN Connect (iOS) profile. These will download a .ovpn file that you can easily import into the respective OpenVPN Connect apps available on their app stores.

Once imported, simply connect using the client software. You'll typically click a connect button and might be prompted for the PKCS#12 password. After a moment, you should see a successful connection! Congratulations! Your clients are now securely connected to your OpenVPN server on pfSense, enjoying all the benefits of your secure, private network from anywhere in the world. This streamlines the deployment of your VPN solution, making it accessible even for users with limited technical expertise. The ease of client configuration provided by the OpenVPN Client Export Utility is a major highlight of using pfSense for your VPN needs, ensuring that your secure connections are robust and user-friendly across a diverse range of devices and operating systems.

Troubleshooting Common OpenVPN Server Issues

Even with the best guides, sometimes things don't go exactly as planned, and that's perfectly normal, guys! When you're setting up an OpenVPN server on pfSense, you might encounter a few hiccups. Don't sweat it; most issues are pretty common and have straightforward solutions. The key to effective troubleshooting is being systematic and knowing where to look. We'll cover some of the most frequent problems you might face.

One of the most common issues for a non-connecting OpenVPN server is related to firewall rules. Remember that crucial step where we opened port 1194 on the WAN interface? Double-check Firewall > Rules > WAN. Make sure the Action is Pass, the Protocol is UDP (or TCP if you chose that), and the Destination Port Range is indeed 1194 (or your custom port). Also, ensure the rule is actually enabled and hasn't been disabled by mistake. Another common mistake is forgetting the rule on the OpenVPN interface itself (Firewall > Rules > OpenVPN) to allow client traffic into your LAN. If clients connect but can't access anything, this is usually the culprit.

Next up, certificate problems. These can be tricky. If your client reports certificate errors, go back to System > Cert Manager.

• Ensure your CA is valid and hasn't expired.
• Check that your Server Certificate is correctly configured as a Server Certificate type and is signed by your CA.
• Verify that the Common Name of your server certificate matches the hostname or IP clients are trying to connect to (as configured in the client export utility). A mismatch here will definitely cause trust issues.
• Also, ensure that when you exported the client configuration, you selected the correct OpenVPN server and Host Name Resolution (DDNS hostname or static IP) was accurate. Sometimes, exporting with an incorrect Host Name Resolution (e.g., using Interface IP Address on a dynamic WAN) leads to clients trying to connect to the wrong place.

Network routing issues can also pop up. If clients connect but can only ping the pfSense box and nothing else on your LAN, check your IPv4 Local Network(s) setting under VPN > OpenVPN > Servers. Make sure you've correctly entered your LAN subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24). If this isn't pushed to clients, they won't know how to route traffic to your local network. Also, verify that Redirect IPv4 Gateway is checked in the client settings if you want all client traffic to go through the VPN.

For those of you behind another router (e.g., your ISP's modem/router) that's doing NAT before your pfSense box, you might encounter double-NAT issues. In this scenario, you need to set up a port forward on your ISP router to forward UDP port 1194 (or your custom port) to the WAN IP address of your pfSense box. Without this, external traffic won't even reach pfSense.

The best friend for troubleshooting OpenVPN is the logs. Head over to Status > System Logs > OpenVPN. Here, you'll find detailed information about server startup, client connection attempts, and any errors that occur. Look for messages that indicate connection failures, certificate mismatches, or routing problems. The logs are a goldmine of information, guiding you directly to the root cause of the problem. Don't be afraid to read through them!

Finally, make sure your pfSense system time is accurate (System > General Setup). Certificate validation relies on correct time, and an incorrect system clock can cause certificates to appear invalid. By systematically checking these common areas – firewall, certificates, network settings, external NAT, and always consulting the logs – you'll likely resolve most issues with your OpenVPN server on pfSense. It's all part of the learning curve, and mastering troubleshooting makes you a true network guru!

Wrapping Up: Enjoying Your Secure Connection

And there you have it, folks! You've successfully navigated the steps to configure an OpenVPN server on pfSense, from setting up your Certificate Authority to getting your clients connected. It might have felt like a journey, but you've now established a powerful, secure, and flexible way to access your network resources from anywhere in the world. This OpenVPN server on pfSense isn't just a technical achievement; it's a significant upgrade to your digital security and convenience.

With your OpenVPN server up and running, you can now browse the internet safely from public Wi-Fi hotspots, access your home NAS or media server, manage smart home devices, or even securely work from a remote location, all while enjoying the peace of mind that your data is encrypted and protected. Remember to keep your pfSense installation updated to benefit from the latest security patches and features, and periodically check your OpenVPN client configurations to ensure they remain functional, especially if your public IP changes (unless you're using DDNS, which is awesome!). Regularly backing up your pfSense configuration (Diagnostics > Backup & Restore) is also a smart move, just in case.

So, go ahead and connect your devices, test it out, and start enjoying the freedom and security that your very own OpenVPN server on pfSense provides. You've taken a significant step in owning your network security, and that's something to be proud of! This robust setup ensures that your network's perimeter is strong, protecting your digital assets with enterprise-grade encryption and authentication. Congratulations on building a truly secure connection for your remote access needs!