Netgate Discussion Forum
    • Categories
    • Recent
    • Tags
    • Popular
    • Users
    • Search
    • Register
    • Login

    I need help here. I am hitting the wall. Please help a noob.

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved DHCP and DNS
    45 Posts 5 Posters 8.5k Views
    Loading More Posts
    • Oldest to Newest
    • Newest to Oldest
    • Most Votes
    Reply
    • Reply as topic
    Log in to reply
    This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
    • K
      kejianshi
      last edited by

      I'm not sure.  I did take a look at it though.

      I've done this using pfsense as server and with ALL TRAFFIC routed from the pfsense client to the pfsense server and it worked great.

      In other words.  The client side had a peer-to-peer configuration but the server side was remote access configuration.

      For what you are trying to achieve, that worked wonderfully.  I'm not sure what is going on with express VPN.

      I can tell you that you want all, not some and not selectively when it comes to traffic being routed via that vpn.

      People will really need to see your openvpn cofig.  The one you actually entered and not the instructions from expressvpn.

      Also, your firewall rules.

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • F
        Finger79
        last edited by

        @lovan6:

        I did check the firewall rules/ expressvpn Action = Pass, Interface = Expressvpn, adress family = IPV4, Protocol= any and did not touch the rest of it.

        What interfaces do you have right now?  WAN, LAN, ExpressVPN?  ExpressVPN interface shouldn't have any rules (blank).

        The rule you want should be on your LAN interface.

        Source:  "Roku" (Make an alias with the static IPs of all your Roku devices.  Either do static IP or DHCP reservation).
        (Advanced) Gateway:  ExpressVPN

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • L
          lovan6
          last edited by

          Well as of today I decided to stop using my Pfsense box and decided to use back my Asus RT AC 87U with Expressvpn. It took me 2 1/2 straight days trying to figure out how to unblock Netflix and Amazon prime with Pfsense.

          Please don't get me wrong I find Pfsense has good potentials and I am not going to stop until I run it to perfection.

          Currently I am on Pfsense 2.3.5 because I had a hard time installing 2.4.2 it gives me Hpet error. Also the current firmware build does not want to install new packages even after several clean install.

          I will post later images on how I configure Pfsense on Expressvpn with firewall settings. ExpressVPN support is no use to me since they lack knowledge on pfsense.

          Thanks guys!

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • K
            kejianshi
            last edited by

            I hope this is constructive criticism.  Knowing what you might have done or was supposed to do or the directions tell you to do is completely unhelpful.

            When people absolutely refuse to post their actual setups (we are talking screenshots of the pfsense configurations), good things rarely happen.

            I wish you luck.

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • L
              lovan6
              last edited by

              I will post my configuration. I really need to get this going. I find this forum helpful and really appreciate the help of forum members.

              It just happen that my wife and kids are complaining since I start messing their Internet and vpn connections for 2 1/2 days.

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • K
                kejianshi
                last edited by

                I'm not the authority on much of anything, but I'm pretty sure if someone sees a big error in the config they will point it out.

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • F
                  Finger79
                  last edited by

                  @lovan6:

                  It just happen that my wife and kids are complaining since I start messing their Internet and vpn connections for 2 1/2 days.

                  Best practice is to not put a new setup into production until it's production-ready.  In other words, you can configure pfSense separately while your household still uses the Asus in production.  When the pfSense config is stable, you're reading to go live with a smooth transition.

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • F
                    Finger79
                    last edited by

                    @lovan6:

                    Well as of today I decided to stop using my Pfsense box and decided to use back my Asus RT AC 87U with Expressvpn. It took me 2 1/2 straight days trying to figure out how to unblock Netflix and Amazon prime with Pfsense.

                    I'm confused.  You had it working but gave up anyways.

                    The policy-based routing firewall rule is just one rule, described above, and it would allow your Roku devices to be routed through ExpressVPN.  I fail to see what difficulty you are encountering or why you gave up when you were a few seconds from success.

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • L
                      lovan6
                      last edited by

                      @Finger79:

                      @lovan6:

                      Well as of today I decided to stop using my Pfsense box and decided to use back my Asus RT AC 87U with Expressvpn. It took me 2 1/2 straight days trying to figure out how to unblock Netflix and Amazon prime with Pfsense.

                      I'm confused.  You had it working but gave up anyways.

                      The policy-based routing firewall rule is just one rule, described above, and it would allow your Roku devices to be routed through ExpressVPN.  I fail to see what difficulty you are encountering or why you gave up when you were a few seconds from success.

                      My main concern in going to Pfsense route is geolocation unblocking. The 3 major streaming company are getting tougher every day. It used to be a simple paid DNS service and your done. I have been tinkering routers for years starting from DD-WRT, Tomato to current Asus Merlin. Time has changed and I have to follow what is current.

                      Asus merlin firmware is so simple to use for an average guy like me but there are some limitations too when it comes to hardware. And this is the reason why I wanted to learn Pfsense because I have the freedom to do so.

                      I am no expert on things and it takes time to learn. for me its no pain no gain.

                      I will be posting some desktop configuration on ExpressVPN later so the community can take a look. including some problems I encounter.

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • L
                        lovan6
                        last edited by

                        Ok I am back to pfsense today and decided to start with a clean slate by doing a factory restore on the GUI.

                        After doing the wizard, I proceed to install Expressvpn.

                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.45.01 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.45.01 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.45.01 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.45.01 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.44.32 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.44.32 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.44.32 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.44.32 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.43.42 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.43.42 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.43.42 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.43.42 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.41.17 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.41.17 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.41.17 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.41.17 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.39.54 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.39.54 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.39.54 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.39.54 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.38.44 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.38.44 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.38.44 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.38.44 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.37.53 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.37.53 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.37.53 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.37.53 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.37.32 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.37.32 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.37.32 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.37.32 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.32.18 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.32.18 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.32.18 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.32.18 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.30.13 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.30.13 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.30.13 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.30.13 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.29.12 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.29.12 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.29.12 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.29.12 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.21.59 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.21.59 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.21.59 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.21.59 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.21.07 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.21.07 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.21.07 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.21.07 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.20.26 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.20.26 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.20.26 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.20.26 AM.png_thumb)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.19.16 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.19.16 AM.png)
                        ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.19.16 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.19.16 AM.png_thumb)

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • L
                          lovan6
                          last edited by

                          Here are more shots Expressvpn config.

                          ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.18.08 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.18.08 AM.png)
                          ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.18.08 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.18.08 AM.png_thumb)
                          ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.13.58 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.13.58 AM.png)
                          ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.13.58 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.13.58 AM.png_thumb)
                          ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.10.51 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.10.51 AM.png)
                          ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.10.51 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.10.51 AM.png_thumb)
                          ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.07.28 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.07.28 AM.png)
                          ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.07.28 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 8.07.28 AM.png_thumb)

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • L
                            lovan6
                            last edited by

                            I rebooted pfsense after configuring Expressvpn and vpn is up after reboot. I then proceed to System/General setup/ DNS Server settings. (see attachments). Next is Services /DNS Resolver/General Settings including    Services/DNS Resolver/Advanced Settings.

                            I did run DNS leaktest and it pass but I can not access some websites including Amazon (see attachment) and internet speed is slow. This is connected to Expressvpn.

                            I also try to install Pfsense package and its giving me error. I am currently on 2.3.5. Can not install 2.4.2 due to HPET error but let set that aside.

                            I did also check my ip location and its connected thru expressvpn result is Los Angeles location.

                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.55.46 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.55.46 AM.png)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.55.46 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.55.46 AM.png_thumb)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.56.56 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.56.56 AM.png)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.56.56 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.56.56 AM.png_thumb)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.57.10 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.57.10 AM.png)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.57.10 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.57.10 AM.png_thumb)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.02.42 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.02.42 AM.png)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.02.42 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.02.42 AM.png_thumb)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.21.36 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.21.36 AM.png)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.21.36 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.21.36 AM.png_thumb)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.01.01 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.01.01 AM.png)
                            ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.01.01 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 10.01.01 AM.png_thumb)

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • L
                              lovan6
                              last edited by

                              I was really scratching my head. Next is to check my firewall settings (see attachment). On Firewall rules expressvpn i noticed it was empty.

                              I decided to click add on expressvpn firewall rules and this is how it looks like (see Attachement).

                              I noticed on Lan firewall lan did have some changes.

                              ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.14.42 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.14.42 AM.png)
                              ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.14.42 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.14.42 AM.png_thumb)
                              ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.14.49 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.14.49 AM.png)
                              ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.14.49 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.14.49 AM.png_thumb)
                              ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.17.28 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.17.28 AM.png)
                              ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.17.28 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.17.28 AM.png_thumb)
                              ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.21.36 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.21.36 AM.png)
                              ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.21.36 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 9.21.36 AM.png_thumb)

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • L
                                lovan6
                                last edited by

                                This is my NAT outbound.

                                ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.34.08 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.34.08 AM.png)
                                ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.34.08 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.34.08 AM.png_thumb)

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • L
                                  lovan6
                                  last edited by

                                  Here are the results so far:

                                  1. I am currently connected to my Local ISP and can be able to access sites.

                                  2. ExpressVPN is up and connected but I am pretty sure I am not on vpn. Why? because I did check my ip location and since I am not on VPN DNS leak is the result.

                                  3. I have not check my Roku streaming boxes yet because I am pretty sure it's going to be block.

                                  Any suggestions guy?

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • F
                                    Finger79
                                    last edited by

                                    Your NAT rules look fine.  Here is a screenshot with some cosmetic edits. :P

                                    The ISAKMP rules are unnecessary in my opinion and can be deleted.  The other two edits are just to make the Description more accurate.

                                    ![140466_ExpressVPN NAT.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/140466_ExpressVPN NAT.png)
                                    ![140466_ExpressVPN NAT.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/140466_ExpressVPN NAT.png_thumb)

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • L
                                      lovan6
                                      last edited by

                                      Attach are additional information if somebody wants to know. This is my current stats.

                                      ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.51.26 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.51.26 AM.png)
                                      ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.51.26 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.51.26 AM.png_thumb)
                                      ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.51.38 AM.png](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.51.38 AM.png)
                                      ![Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.51.38 AM.png_thumb](/public/imported_attachments/1/Screen Shot 2017-11-26 at 11.51.38 AM.png_thumb)

                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • F
                                        Finger79
                                        last edited by

                                        @lovan6:

                                        I was really scratching my head. Next is to check my firewall settings (see attachment). On Firewall rules expressvpn i noticed it was empty.

                                        It should be empty.  The way pfSense firewall rules work is they apply to traffic coming into that interface.  So you probably do not want anyone coming into your home and pfSense router from the outside world through the ExpressVPN interface.

                                        I would delete all firewall rules on the ExpressVPN interface and only use LAN rules.

                                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • L
                                          lovan6
                                          last edited by

                                          @Finger79:

                                          Your NAT rules look fine.  Here is a screenshot with some cosmetic edits. :P

                                          The ISAKMP rules are unnecessary in my opinion and can be deleted.  The other two edits are just to make the Description more accurate.

                                          If I deleted ISAKMP rules, Is there any order on Mappings? or just leave it as is?

                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                          • F
                                            Finger79
                                            last edited by

                                            Your DNS Server Settings (in General Setup) should be non-ExpressVPN DNS servers that your pfSense box will use if the ExpressVPN connection goes down.  It's for backup purposes only.

                                            1.  Change the DNS servers to any public resolver of your choice.  OpenDNS, Level3, Verisign, Comodo, Google, etc.
                                            2.  Change the Gateway to WAN instead of ExpressVPN.  (Yes, this is a DNS "leak" but only to be used by your pfSense box itself, not your LAN devices, and it's only used if your VPN fails.  It's a temporary backup setting.)

                                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                            • First post
                                              Last post
                                            Copyright 2025 Rubicon Communications LLC (Netgate). All rights reserved.