SG-6100 semi-basic config
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Hi everyone, I'm new here. And by "here" I mean this forum and networking in general.
Could anyone explain what "discrete" ports are, and how they differ from say the ports on an SG-1100? Pretend I'm a child.
Thank you in advance to any replies.
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@Orny most routers have individual ports. So, separate networks.
The 2100 has a WAN port and a 4 port switch that is all the same LAN.
The 1100 is a bit odd in that it is a 3 port switch but uses VLANs on each port to separate the ports. In essence, out of the box it behaves like 3 separate ports.
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Thanks for reply.
To be certain, I'm referencing the 6100, not the 2100. I am somewhat familiar with how the 1100 can be configured to isolate physical ports.
What I'm asking is what are "discrete ports" and what does that mean for the basic function of the 6100? -
@Orny It means, the 6100 does not have a built-in switch. They are separate, independent ports. Separate network cards.
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@SteveITS I have read the official documentation, and your explanation is right inline with it.
I just don't know what to make of it. I understand that each port has its own NIC - but I don't know what that means as far as configuration is concerned. Are the individual ports essentially separate instances of pfSense? Is there a main interface somewhere inside all this where these physical ports direct to? -
@Orny Consider them all separate networks. 10.1.1.0/24, 10.2.2.0/24, etc. pfSense is a router so will direct packets to the correct network (or out to the Internet). pfSense is also a firewall so you can control/limit that routing via firewall rules.
By default LAN has a rule to allow traffic from LAN devices to any, and other interfaces do not have any rules so no traffic is allowed to enter those interfaces.
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@SteveITS Thanks - each port "being its own network" is a helpful bit of knowledge. I have a lot of learning to do so I'll move on from here, probably start a new post with more questions at some point.
Appreciate your insight and time!