In the context of pfSense and HAProxy, “error files” typically refer to custom error pages or files that HAProxy uses to display messages when errors occur during HTTP or HTTPS transactions. As part of our pfSense Support Services, we assist our customers with several pfSense queries.

Overview

1. Error Files in pfSense HAProxy
2. How to Use the Error Files?
3. Knowing the Error

Error Files in pfSense HAProxy

pfSense uses HAProxy for traffic distribution and load balancing. Some files records errors that occur with HAProxy in order to aid with troubleshooting. The primary error log file is typically located at /var/log/haproxy.log.

How to Use the Error Files?

There are two ways to access the logs:

i. pfSense UI: Go to Status > System Logs > Packages. Select “haproxy” from the filter dropdown menu to see HAProxy specific logs.

ii. Command Line: We can use the tail -f /var/log/haproxy.log command to view logs in real-time.

Knowing the Error

Error signals from HAProxy can be confusing. Here are some guidelines for understanding them:

Syntax Mistakes:

These happen when mistakes or improper formatting appear in the /var/etc/haproxy.cfg file, which is the HAProxy configuration file. The configuration file’s line number and the particular problem will be mentioned in error messages.

Certificate Mistakes:

We’ll encounter problems about missing certificates or improper formats if HAProxy employs SSL/TLS and is unable to locate or load a certificate.

Problems with the backend server:

Errors may signal that there is an issue reaching the backend servers to which HAProxy is meant to route traffic.

To obtain more precise data from the logs, enable the “Detailed Log” checkbox for a particular HAProxy frontend in the pfSense UI.

[Want to learn more? Click here to reach us.]

Conclusion

We can find configuration errors, certificate difficulties, or backend server problems that are impeding HAProxy’s proper operation by looking through these error files.