Instance Registration

After setting up the Netgate Nexus controller as described in Netgate Nexus Controller Setup, it is possible to start registering instances of pfSense Plus software with the controller for multi-instance management (MIM).

This is a two way process: Instances must be registered with the Netgate Nexus controller and the controller must be activated on instances.

Repeat the process in this document for each instance of pfSense Plus software to be registered with the controller.

Register Instance with Controller

The first task is to register the instance with the Netgate Nexus controller.

First, enable Netgate Nexus on the instance and copy the registration data:

  • Open the pfSense software WebGUI on the instance

  • Navigate to System > Advanced, |product_name| tab

  • Check Enable

  • Click Save

  • Click Copy to the right of the Registration Data field

Next, use that registration data to add the device to the controller

  • Open the pfSense Plus GUI on the designated controller (Accessing the Netgate Nexus GUI)

  • Click Systems > Dashboard in left menu

  • Click nexus-add-item in the toolbox on the right side of the page to add a new item

    Note

    Depending on the controller configuration, this may first require a click on the nexus-hamburger (hamburger menu) button to expand the right menu.

  • Set Create Method to Quick

    This is the default option.

  • Click in the Device info JSON text field

  • Paste the clipboard contents

  • Click OK

The device will now appear on the Netgate Nexus GUI dashboard, but with incomplete information since the registration is not yet complete.

Activate MIM on pfSense Plus Software Instance

To complete the registration, the controller must also be activated on the instance.

First, copy the activation data from the Netgate Nexus controller:

  • Open the Netgate Nexus GUI on the designated controller (Accessing the Netgate Nexus GUI)

  • Click nexus-help (Help) in the toolbox on right

    Note

    Depending on the controller configuration, this may first require a click on the nexus-hamburger (hamburger menu) button to expand the right menu.

  • Click the JSON tab

  • Click nexus-copy Copy

  • Click nexus-window-close to close the window

Next, enter that activation data on the instance:

  • Open the pfSense Plus WebGUI on the instance

  • Navigate to System > Advanced, Netgate Nexus tab

  • Click in the Activation Data field

  • Paste the clipboard contents

  • Click Save

Now the registration is complete and the instance can be managed from the controller.