Homelab Project: Install pfSense into Unifi Network with USG.

DrinkyT

Greetings everyone,

As the title states, I am going to try to implement my pfSense box into my unifi network with the USG. Currently, I have the USG as my default gateway, and while I like it, I would love to have the pfSense handle IDS/IPS and other tasks. I know some may ask why, but I am a Networking student and need something to practice on, and I have a pfSense box that I haven't used that has been sitting.

I have done some research on this specific topic, there is a good amount of material that I have marked and hopefully, it will be of use to me. However, I just wanted to reach out to the community and get some more insight as I normally do before starting a home lab project. A year or so ago (before I had my first child), I messed around with pfSense. I put it on one of my Dell servers (r420) and learned as much as I could. I had it working great and really enjoyed the features. So, I would like to implement that into my current home network. The goal is to put the USG and everything behind the pfSense box, so the USG can continue to keep doing its job, and hopefully dodge any issues if I were to remove it completely. In my research, I see I have to create static routes for this to work properly. Could anyone reiterate the whys and hows? As I mentioned, I'm currently a student, and since COVID classes have been virtual. I enjoy getting my hands dirty and figuring these types of things out myself. I know I would be able to troubleshoot and figure it out eventually, but I would like to get a better understanding to reaffirm myself so I can get the best possible knowledge out of this project.

My current topology (which I will attach) is fairly simple, I have Verizon FiOS (Gigabit), and have the ONT providing data to the USG. I also have a MoCa adapter providing data signal to the coax cables in my house (not shown). Other than that, it is a pretty simple home network. Could anyone please provide some more insight and knowledge? I would greatly appreciate it, and it would also help me maximize my learning as I attempt to complete this lab project. Thank you all very

https://prnt.sc/KEdoQESxtgTw

DrinkyT

Bump

Patch

@drinkyt said in Homelab Project: Install pfSense into Unifi Network with USG.:

I am a Networking student

Options

Set up a home lab under your existing network infrastructure.
Set up pfsense as your network boundary router and remove the Unifi router. Run the Unifi application to program your residual UniFi devices. More work and problem solving required but if you want to be a competent network engineer you need to be able to solve such problems yourself.