PfSense with external Wireless Access Point

sipxstream · Mar 19, 2018, 10:35 AM

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.

JKnott · Mar 19, 2018, 11:09 AM

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?

Gertjan · Mar 19, 2018, 11:22 AM

@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.

sipxstream · Mar 19, 2018, 11:35 AM

@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.

JKnott · Mar 19, 2018, 2:55 PM

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.

SammyWoo · Mar 19, 2018, 7:26 PM

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. :)

PittJunior · Mar 20, 2018, 8:04 AM

Access Point What's the point of doing it?