Tailscale on pfSense Software!

Tailscale has arrived on pfSense software, bringing zero-configuration mesh VPN capabilities to both pfSense Plus and CE users. This integration marks a significant advancement in VPN technology for pfSense users, offering secure networking without the traditional complexities of VPN setup.

What is Tailscale?

Tailscale is a revolutionary mesh VPN solution that transforms how we approach secure networking. Built on WireGuard's secure and efficient protocol, Tailscale adds essential enterprise features that make it stand out:

• Automatic key rotation for enhanced security
• Advanced NAT traversal capabilities
• Single sign-on (SSO) integration with two-factor authentication
• Zero-configuration mesh networking
• Coordinated peer discovery without open ports

Why Tailscale on pfSense Matters

Traditional VPN solutions like OpenVPN and IPsec typically require:

• Open ports on your firewall
• Fixed IP addresses
• Complex port forwarding rules
• Manual key management
• Extensive configuration

Tailscale eliminates these requirements. Whether your pfSense installations are behind NAT, have dynamic IPs, or face other networking challenges, Tailscale can establish secure connections without manual port forwarding or firewall rules.

Key Features of Tailscale on pfSense

Exit Node Functionality

• Configure your pfSense router as a Tailscale exit node
• Route all internet traffic through your preferred location
• Perfect for accessing geo-restricted content or ensuring privacy on public networks

Subnet Routing

• Advertise local networks across your Tailscale mesh
• Automatic route distribution and management
• Simple LAN-to-LAN connectivity without complex VPN configurations

Advanced Security

• WireGuard-based encryption for all traffic
• Automatic key management and rotation
• Integration with existing authentication systems
• ACL-based access control for granular permission management

Technical Implementation Details

The Tailscale implementation on pfSense includes several important technical considerations:

1. Interface Management
   • Creates a dedicated Tailscale interface group
   • No need to manually assign the Tailscale interface
   • Automatic IP address management through Tailscale's coordination server
2. Routing Configuration
   • Support for subnet route advertisement
   • Automatic route acceptance from other Tailscale nodes
   • Integration with pfSense's routing table
3. Firewall Integration
   • Dedicated interface group for Tailscale traffic
   • Support for pfSense's powerful firewall rule system
   • Integration with Tailscale's ACL engine for cross-site traffic control

Getting Started

The Tailscale package is now available in the pfSense package manager for both Plus and Community Edition users. Installation is straightforward:

1. Access your pfSense package manager
2. Search for and install the Tailscale package
3. Generate an authentication key from your Tailscale admin console
4. Configure basic settings including subnet routing and exit node options
5. Create necessary firewall rules for your security requirements

Performance Considerations

Current implementation uses:

• User-space WireGuard implementation (wireguard-go)
• User-space networking stack for non-Linux platforms
• Support for TCP, UDP, and basic ICMP (ping) traffic

While this implementation may not match kernel-level performance, it provides excellent functionality for most use cases and will see continued optimization in future releases.

Conclusion

The addition of Tailscale to pfSense software represents a significant step forward in making secure networking more accessible and manageable. Whether you're connecting remote offices, managing cloud resources, or securing remote access, Tailscale on pfSense provides a powerful and user-friendly solution that works reliably across complex network scenarios.