How to Use the FreeBSD Text-Based Installer for Headless Setups on FreeBSD Operating System

Introduction

FreeBSD is a powerful, open-source UNIX-like operating system known for its advanced networking, security, and performance features. While many users install FreeBSD using a graphical or interactive interface, there are scenarios where a headless setup is required. A headless setup refers to installing and managing an operating system on a system without a directly attached keyboard, mouse, or monitor. This is common for servers, embedded systems, and remote deployments.

In this guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process of using FreeBSD’s text-based installer for a headless setup. This includes preparing the installation media, configuring the bootloader, connecting via SSH or serial console, and completing the installation process efficiently.

1. Prerequisites for a Headless FreeBSD Installation

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

• A machine or server for installation.
• A second computer for remote access via SSH or serial console.
• A bootable FreeBSD installation image (ISO).
• A USB drive or virtual CD for mounting the installation media.
• A working network connection (wired or wireless).

Choosing the Right FreeBSD Installation Image

FreeBSD provides several ISO images. For a headless setup, the most commonly used images are:

• FreeBSD-XX.X-RELEASE-amd64-disc1.iso – Standard installation media.
• FreeBSD-XX.X-RELEASE-amd64-memstick.img – Suitable for USB-based installation.
• FreeBSD-XX.X-RELEASE-amd64-mini-memstick.img – Minimal setup with fewer packages.

Download the appropriate image from the official FreeBSD repository:
https://www.freebsd.org/

2. Preparing the Installation Media

Creating a Bootable USB Drive (For Physical Machines)

To create a bootable USB stick, use the dd command (on Linux/macOS) or Rufus (on Windows).

On Linux/macOS:

dd if=FreeBSD-XX.X-RELEASE-amd64-memstick.img of=/dev/sdX bs=1M status=progress
sync

Replace /dev/sdX with the correct USB drive path.

On Windows (Using Rufus):

1. Open Rufus.
2. Select the FreeBSD .img file.
3. Choose DD Image mode.
4. Click Start to create the bootable USB.

Mounting the ISO for Virtual Machines

If installing FreeBSD on a VM (VirtualBox, VMware, or KVM), simply attach the ISO file as a boot disk in your VM settings.

3. Configuring the System for Headless Installation

Since there’s no monitor, you need a way to interact with the installer remotely. This can be done using:

• SSH (Secure Shell)
• Serial Console (for hardware servers)

Enabling Serial Console

If your system supports serial access, modify the FreeBSD boot configuration before installation:

1. Modify the Bootloader Settings

   • Mount the installation media.

   • Edit /boot/loader.conf:

     echo 'console="comconsole"' >> /boot/loader.conf
     

2. Enable Serial Access in the Boot Menu

   • When booting, interrupt the FreeBSD bootloader and type:

     set console=comconsole
     boot
     

3. Set Up Baud Rate (Optional, for Legacy Systems)

   • Modify /boot.config:

     echo "-h -S115200" > /boot.config
     

   • This ensures compatibility with 115200 baud rate for serial communication.

Enabling SSH for Remote Installation

If using SSH, FreeBSD allows pre-configuring SSH access in the installation media:

1. Modify the Bootloader (For headless SSH setup)

   echo 'sshd_enable="YES"' >> /etc/rc.conf
   

2. Set Up a Temporary Root Password

   echo "root:yourpassword" | chpasswd
   

3. Find the IP Address After Booting

   • Use DHCP to get an IP address or set a static IP via:

     ifconfig em0 inet 192.168.1.100 netmask 255.255.255.0
     

4. Connect via SSH

   ssh root@192.168.1.100
   

4. Running the FreeBSD Text-Based Installer

Once connected via SSH or serial console, proceed with the ncurses-based FreeBSD installer.

Step 1: Select Install Mode

• Choose “Install” from the main menu.
• Select keyboard layout (default is fine for most setups).

Step 2: Partitioning the Disk

For headless servers, use Auto (UFS) or ZFS (for RAID setups).

• UFS (for simple setups)
• ZFS (for advanced RAID configurations)

Step 3: Network Configuration

• Set up networking manually or via DHCP.
• Configure IPv4 and/or IPv6 settings.

Step 4: Root Password and User Creation

• Set a strong root password.
• Create an admin user (wheel group for sudo access).

Step 5: Package Installation

• Choose minimal installation or install extra components (e.g., ports and source).

Step 6: Post-Installation Configuration

After installation:

• Enable SSH for remote access:

  sysrc sshd_enable="YES"
  

• Enable serial console permanently:

  echo 'console="comconsole"' >> /boot/loader.conf
  

5. First Boot and Post-Installation Tasks

Once installation completes, reboot the system:

reboot

After booting, reconnect via SSH or serial console and:

1. Update the system:

   freebsd-update fetch install
   pkg update
   

2. Configure firewall (optional):

   sysrc firewall_enable="YES"
   sysrc firewall_type="open"
   

3. Install essential packages:

   pkg install nano sudo bash
   

6. Automating Future Headless Deployments

For large-scale headless deployments, consider using:

• PXE Boot with FreeBSD network installation.
• Preseeded Configuration Files (via /etc/rc.conf).
• Ansible or Shell Scripts for automated FreeBSD deployments.

Conclusion

Installing FreeBSD on a headless system requires preparing the installation media, enabling remote access (SSH or serial), and using the text-based installer. By following the steps above, you can successfully deploy FreeBSD on remote servers, virtual machines, or embedded devices with minimal intervention.

Whether you’re setting up a personal server or deploying FreeBSD at scale, mastering the headless installation process ensures efficiency, flexibility, and control over your FreeBSD systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I access a FreeBSD system after a headless install?

You can access FreeBSD via SSH (ssh root@IP_ADDRESS) or use a serial console connection if configured.

2. Can I use ZFS for a headless FreeBSD setup?

Yes, FreeBSD supports ZFS for headless installs. Simply choose ZFS during installation and configure disk pools as needed.

3. What if I lose network access after installation?

Check network settings with ifconfig and restart networking services using:

service netif restart
service routing restart

4. How do I install packages after FreeBSD installation?

Use the FreeBSD package manager:

pkg install <package-name>

5. Can I automate headless FreeBSD installations?

Yes, you can use PXE booting, preseeded configurations, and tools like Ansible for automation.

6. How do I configure firewall after installation?

Use the FreeBSD firewall:

sysrc firewall_enable="YES"
sysrc firewall_type="open"

7. How do I configure SSH after installation?

Use the FreeBSD SSH service:

sysrc sshd_enable="YES"

8. How do I configure serial console after installation?

Add console="comconsole" to /boot/loader.conf and reboot.

echo 'console="comconsole"' >> /boot/loader.conf