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    PfSense with external Wireless Access Point

    General pfSense Questions
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    • S
      sipxstream
      last edited by

      I managed to get my pfSense box up and running, after my old DDWRT one died.

      Both my Wireless Access Point and my pfSense box are connected into the same switch, but how do I bridge the two together as they are not physically connected to each other directly - they are only connected together via the switch?

      Please someone help.

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      • JKnottJ
        JKnott
        last edited by

        If they are on the same switch, they should be "connected", unless it's a managed switch that has been configured with VLANs etc.  A switch is normally transparent.  Is it a true AP?  Or just a router connected as one?  If the latter, make sure you're connected to the LAN side of it, not WAN.  Of course, there's always the possibility of bad patch cords etc.  Do you see the link lights when those devices are connected?

        PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
        i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
        UniFi AC-Lite access point

        I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

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        • GertjanG
          Gertjan
          last edited by

          @sipxstream:

          …
          Please someone help.

          I'm using several APs with DD-WRT - and set them up using ….. the support https://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index
          Their support is needed, because pfSense, or whatever other router used to 'serve' the LAN, the setup of dd-wrt is always the same.

          Or use the Search button (available above) and you'll find https://forum.pfsense.org/index.php?topic=143447.msg781826#msg781826 among many others.
          Remember : shut down the built-in (dd-wrt) DHCP server - as it is activated by default.

          No "help me" PM's please. Use the forum, the community will thank you.
          Edit : and where are the logs ??

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          • S
            sipxstream
            last edited by

            @JKnott:

            If they are on the same switch, they should be "connected", unless it's a managed switch that has been configured with VLANs etc.  A switch is normally transparent.  Is it a true AP?  Or just a router connected as one?  If the latter, make sure you're connected to the LAN side of it, not WAN.  Of course, there's always the possibility of bad patch cords etc.  Do you see the link lights when those devices are connected?

            Yes, they are both connected to the same switch. The access point is a NetGear WiFi extender that can be configured to act as an access point. My wireless devices can connect to the network using the access point and DHCP assigns IPs correctly from pfSense.

            What I am trying to do is to segment my network so that I have 2 SSIDs - one for internal users, and the other for guests. I did this on my old DDWRT router and it worked really well.

            I'm still learning, so forgive me if I've used incorrect terminology and/or not making sense.

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            • JKnottJ
              JKnott
              last edited by

              Normally, you'd use a VLAN for the 2nd SSID.  Start simple and get the AP working first.  Once you've done that, you can create a VLAN on both the AP, for the 2nd SSID, and on pfSense.  You will also need to create another network on pfSense, with the VLAN as the interface.

              PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
              i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
              UniFi AC-Lite access point

              I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

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              • SammyWooS
                SammyWoo
                last edited by

                An ethernet switch is mostly transparent but sounds like u need to studied up on VLAN.  Technical term for external wireless is (surprisingly) GUESTS wireless. :)

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                • P
                  PittJunior
                  last edited by

                  Access Point What's the point of doing it?

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