TL-WDN4800 Multiple SSID

Guest

Most Atheros wifi adapters allow for 4 SSID's. You "clone" the interface… I see lots of trouble with TPLink, so be warned. The generic laptop modules work well as they are based on Atheros reference design. Some of the branded cards seem to use different bridge chips and depart from the reference design. See recent complaints in the wireless section. If you already own it, give it a try.

My recommendation is an AR5BXB112. If using in a PCIe desktop machine they sell MiniPCIe to PCIe adapters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261877566350

toyotahead

The plan is to put it into a C2758 1U pfSense Security Gateway Appliance as it will be situated centrally. Antenna(s) can be mounted on the exterior of the rack it will be installed in.

Guest

I think i saw a post where Chris said all the SSID's have to be on the same channel/freq. I could have sworn I tested using different channels but didn't have a chance to go back and check. Not something I need.

If you already own the TPlink then give it a whirl. They use several revisions on their products so its hard to link problems to products.

Guest

The plan is to put it into a C2758 1U pfSense Security Gateway Appliance as it will be situated centrally.

In a 1U rack mount device I would never insert WLAN, there are some rarely situations were this could or must
be done, but for the most common installs I really suggest not to insert WLAN internal, better to go with one
or more external WLAN APs. This would be bring the best efford.

Antenna(s) can be mounted on the exterior of the rack it will be installed in.

But if you must go your chosen way, it will be the best to sort this unit then with antenna cables
that can be screwed on SMA antenna ports, there are three standard length to go with as I am informed;

1,8 meters
3 meters
5 meters

magnetic antenna
antenna cable

With both together it would be running well and the WiFi connection would be better.

toyotahead

@Phishfry:

I think i saw a post where Chris said all the SSID's have to be on the same channel/freq. I could have sworn I tested using different channels but didn't have a chance to go back and check. Not something I need.

If you already own the TPlink then give it a whirl. They use several revisions on their products so its hard to link problems to products.

Indeed they will all be on the same frequency. (channel) But logically different networks.

And BlueKobold why would you refrain from a WLAN card on the pfsense box directly? In place now I use vlan aware hotspot. I am not having the best throughput / range from it. Probably because it is just a POS to begin with. So I was just thinking if i could take another piece of hardware out from having to be serviced might be beneficial.

I did purchase 9db antennas, and rp-sma extensions already. Also ordered one of those Atheros AR5BXB112 AR9380 Wireless WiFi 450Mbps Desktop PCI-E Card. Figure I will give it all a go and see what the results are like then post up the findings.

Thank you all for your input!!!

Guest

I think pfSense's wireless is good for small group of users. I think you will find the AR9380 module works well.

The advantage of the carrier board approach is you can upgrade if you want something different.

Ubiquiti SR71E is nice but at 35 bucks and only 2X2 chain. Has good range if needed..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221785808042

Guest

The plan is to put it into a C2758 1U pfSense Security Gateway Appliance as it will be situated centrally.

There is also a unit called or named SG-8860, this is quite similar to the C2758 but comes sorted with
three miniPCIe slots, that would be more WiFi likely.

And BlueKobold why would you refrain from a WLAN card on the pfsense box directly? In place now I use vlan aware hotspot. I am not having the best throughput / range from it.

pfSense and WiFi are not the best friends but with an external WiFi AP or many of
them connected to a switch you will be happy!

And inside of a 19" Rack you might be not getting the best and strong signal and also the best connect
to your clients.

jonesr

@Phishfry:

Most Atheros wifi adapters allow for 4 SSID's. You "clone" the interface… I see lots of trouble with TPLink, so be warned. The generic laptop modules work well as they are based on Atheros reference design. Some of the branded cards seem to use different bridge chips and depart from the reference design. See recent complaints in the wireless section. If you already own it, give it a try.

My recommendation is an AR5BXB112. If using in a PCIe desktop machine they sell MiniPCIe to PCIe adapters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261877566350

I was going to by a TP-Link, but saw this and went for the one you recommended. It has been installed only 24 hours but works and is faster than what I had before, thank you.

jahonix

@Phishfry:

I think i saw a post where Chris said all the SSID's have to be on the same channel/freq.

Sure thing, there is only one radio which cannot serve multiple channels simultaneously.
If you need multiple channels then you need multiple radios.

edit: typo

jonesr

@jonesr:

@Phishfry:

Most Atheros wifi adapters allow for 4 SSID's. You "clone" the interface… I see lots of trouble with TPLink, so be warned. The generic laptop modules work well as they are based on Atheros reference design. Some of the branded cards seem to use different bridge chips and depart from the reference design. See recent complaints in the wireless section. If you already own it, give it a try.

My recommendation is an AR5BXB112. If using in a PCIe desktop machine they sell MiniPCIe to PCIe adapters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261877566350

I was going to by a TP-Link, but saw this and went for the one you recommended. It has been installed only 24 hours but works and is faster than what I had before, thank you.

Unfortunately I have been having issues with this that cause pfSense to become unresponsive and requires a hard reboot.

I'm now joining the "don't bother - get a proper AP" crowd here, who are all welcome to tell me they told me so. Not to say wireless doesn't work in pfSense at all, but I certainly wouldn't advise anyone to invest actual money in to it. If you can reuse something you have lying around then go for it. If you need to buy something new, buy an actual access point.

Guest

Not to say wireless doesn't work in pfSense at all, but I certainly wouldn't advise anyone to invest actual money in to it.

Lets say it as it is, if you get it (WiFi) working you will be the lucky one, but if not go ahead with an external
WiFi AP for your WLAN network. It might be mostly pending on the hardware directly and not less on the
brand or chipset. Well known working miniPCIe card for me will be the UBNT SR71-E and Compex WLE200NX.