Plugged Wireless access port into LAN1 but can't add interface
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Hi all
I'm attempting to learn how to manage my home network better. This includes setting up a separate ip range for my IoT devices. I'm taking this one step at a time. I bought the pfSense+ 2100 about a year ago. Version 23.09 is running now. I now want to use the additional LAN ports to start segmenting my network.I plugged my wireless access point into LAN2 on the pfSense. It shows on the dashboard as "Up". As does LAN1 where the cable from Verizon is plugged in.
I was hoping to configure that LAN2 port with a different IP range as must of my IoT devices are wireless and would connect to the access point. I did some google searches, looked in Youtube and even asked ChatGPT. Most indicate I go to the "Interface" > Assignments. Only WAN and LAN are listed. No option to add another. Notes on GUI screen say "Wireless interface must be created before they can be assigned. So I jump to wireless, try and add but the "Parent Interface" says "none available". So can't do that. I'm not even sure that makes sense because I could plug another lan cable into LAN2.
I also looked at Interfaces > Switch > Ports. This is showing the LAN interface is active a well. My approach could be completely wrong.
Any advice from anyone or a good set up videos/documentation to help me get started and over this hump. I've been in IT doing database work for 30+ years. I know basics of networking but I have hit the limit of my knowledge.
Thanks,
Scott -
Hi. Is there nothing plugged into the WAN port? not sure if i am misreading but you say the cable FROM verizon is plugged into LAN1? Then wireless AP in LAN2? I want to start off saying ignore pfsense wireless interface section. i couldn't find any hardware device that works with it natively like that.
your cable from ISP should go to WAN. then you use LAN1 for your firewalled/protected LAN which you can configure to whatever you want (192.168.0.1 or 10.0.0.1 or whatever). LAN1 "should" then go to a switch to manage devices connected to LAN1 subnet
Then you should be able to plug your wireless AP into LAN2, configure it to whatever subnet you want for IoT (10.0.1.1, or 192.168.2.1). configure your AP to align with LAN2s subnet (static 10.0.1.2 or 192.168.2.2). this would keep the 2 ports separated from each other.
but, depending on the wifi ap device you have, you could use the single LAN1 port and add vlans tied to LAN1 as the parent interface if you have a managed switch and have multiple wifis emitting from a single access point all on separate subnets. (this is what i do).
good luck
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@Aved590
the pfsense 2100 have an internal switch
you need to configure it following this guideforget about the wireless interface, you have connected an AC with a cable, it could be an oven or a washing machine or a coffee maker .. it does not matter .. it's using a cable and it should get a cable's interface assigned
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Yup, that^
The settings in Interfaces > Assignment > Wireless are only for WIFI NICs in the pfSense box itself which is not what you have.
Steve
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Thanks all. Your advice(s) definitely helps. At least to get me on the right track.
My Verizon connection is going into the WAN port. No problem there.
LAN1 goes to a TP-Link TL-SG2218 (managed switch).
I was using LAN2 on Netgate 2100 connected to my access point. I was able to setup a vLAN on LAN2. I haven't changed the IP range yet but will do so tomorrow.Or maybe plug in access point into managed switch and setup a VLAN on that.
Is there a recommended method?
Thanks again.
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Either should work fine. It would really only depend on what's more convenient for physically connecting it.
Steve
