How to do it...

In Linux or macOS, follow these steps:

1. Launch a Terminal window and type the following: ssh admin@192.168.1.1.
2. If you are using the default configuration, you will be prompted for a password.
3. If you are using RSA key authentication, the client will directly connect to the server, or you may be asked for a passphrase. If asked for a passphrase, use the one you created when creating the RSA key.
4. If you configured SSH to use a different port, you can specify it using the -p option; for example, ssh -p 12345 admin@192.168.1.1.

In Windows, follow these steps:

1. Launch PuTTY and, on the initial screen, enter the hostname or IP address of pfSense:

1. Specify an alternate port if necessary.

1. If you are using RSA key authentication, navigate to Connection | SSH | Auth | Private key file for authentication:

1. You'll connect and be prompted for a username.
2. You will then be prompted for a password, or if RSA authentication is used, you will connect directly, or be prompted for a passphrase.