New PfSense Router - Ethernet Works, No WiFi Internet

captainjackla

I am starting to build my first PfSense box. 2 NICs installed. I finally got the 2.3 installation to work. Now I'm on the GUI and checking some of the settings. Both Ethernet cables are connected from my small office network, this will eventually be at a client but for now just a test system.

THE PROBLEM. When I have my laptop connected via Ethernet, the Internet works fine. But when I use only WIFI, it does not. I'm not sure why that makes a difference. I am connecting to the WiFi AP, but no Internet that way.

interface setup: (via shell)
LAN vmx0 192.168.1.x /24
WAN vmx1 10.5.10.1/24

Any Help ?

phil.davis

I assume your WiFi AP is connected by cable from the LAN of the AP to the LAN port of pfSense. So you would expect to get DHCP from pfSense LAN wen you connect to the WiFi. Often the problem is that the AP is a consumer box that can also function as a firewall/router (also has a WAN port etc). So the AP is also running a DHCP server. The WiFi client gets DHCP from the AP, which gives it the AP IP address as gateway, which does not work.

Turn off DHCP on the AP (if that is the problem).

captainjackla

@phil.davis:

I assume your WiFi AP is connected by cable from the LAN of the AP to the LAN port of pfSense. So you would expect to get DHCP from pfSense LAN wen you connect to the WiFi. Often the problem is that the AP is a consumer box that can also function as a firewall/router (also has a WAN port etc). So the AP is also running a DHCP server. The WiFi client gets DHCP from the AP, which gives it the AP IP address as gateway, which does not work.

Turn off DHCP on the AP (if that is the problem).

Ah Ha ! Great points. Thanks, I'll try that [If I can get logged into it]. But now that makes sense.

KOM

Usual steps to make a generic wifi router an AP:

1. Unplug/disable WAN
2. Disable DHCP server
3. Plug wifi LAN port into LAN switch

Now it's acting as a wifi bridge to LAN.

Jailer

@KOM:

Usual steps to make a generic wifi router an AP:

1. Unplug/disable WAN
2. Disable DHCP server
3. Set LAN Static IP outside DHCP range
4. Plug wifi LAN port into LAN switch

Now it's acting as a wifi bridge to LAN.

Added one step. Makes it easier to get back in if you need to.