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Reusing existing ISP router and spare router

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Problems Installing or Upgrading pfSense Software
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  • G
    getk
    last edited by getk May 20, 2019, 3:12 PM May 20, 2019, 2:31 PM

    hi
    folks, i'm trying to develop an ipSense based house project. I'm trying NOT to spend any extra money as i'm trying to re-use existing things. Here is my diagram which i'm trying to achieve
    pfSense_house.png

    The components i'm reusing are

    1. ISP provided router. I need that to be connected to Internet
    2. from LAN port of ISP_router to connect to Linux machine (old one with two NIC, but quite powerful) which have pfSense installed
    3. Connect it to another router (quite new, but existing one) let's say OLD_router. I'm trying it to make it as an access point, but the hardware is a router.

    I've tried different combination of installation, but I'm trying to ensure entire home/family uses the OLD_router wireless/AP and not the ISP_router. I'm not able to get internet connection from pfSense server, even without the OLD_router/AP

    I've tried few setup like static IP for pfSense_server, DHCP only disabled in OLD_router etc., but all in vain

    Any examples of this kind of setup?

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    • N
      NogBadTheBad
      last edited by NogBadTheBad May 20, 2019, 2:35 PM May 20, 2019, 2:34 PM

      See if you can change the ISP Provided Router to operate in modem mode, otherwise you'll have a double NAT.

      Disable DHCP on the router marked as Old Router, give the LAN interface a fixed IP address and connect everything to the LAN ports.

      Andy

      1 x Netgate SG-4860 - 3 x Linksys LGS308P - 1 x Aruba InstantOn AP22

      G 1 Reply Last reply May 20, 2019, 3:03 PM Reply Quote 1
      • J
        JeGr LAYER 8 Moderator
        last edited by JeGr May 20, 2019, 2:42 PM May 20, 2019, 2:41 PM

        @getk said in Reusing existing ISP router and spare router:

        Connect it to another router (quite new, but existing one) let's say OLD_router

        Why do you want to leave the old router in place and add a third router into the mix? Looks to me it only does WiFi so why not "degrading" it to Access Point only mode (if that is possible) or just connect it as AP and let pfSense do its job with internal services like DNS, DHCP etc.

        Don't forget to upvote 👍 those who kindly offered their time and brainpower to help you!

        If you're interested, I'm available to discuss details of German-speaking paid support (for companies) if needed.

        G 1 Reply Last reply May 20, 2019, 3:07 PM Reply Quote 1
        • G
          getk @NogBadTheBad
          last edited by getk May 20, 2019, 3:07 PM May 20, 2019, 3:03 PM

          @NogBadTheBad
          I don't have much control on the ISP_router. But will try to find a way to operator in modem mode
          if I disable DHCP in OLD_router, you are proposing making OLD_router like an access point?

          N 1 Reply Last reply May 20, 2019, 3:41 PM Reply Quote 0
          • G
            getk @JeGr
            last edited by May 20, 2019, 3:07 PM

            @JeGr thanks mate. I agree I'm trying to find a way to make the OLD_router as an access point. But the OLD_router is a locked software. But yes, ultimately i'm trying to make it just an AP.

            The trouble i'm finding is between the ISP_router && pfSense Server. if I take connection from pfSense to my laptop (wired), it still not able to connect

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            • N
              NogBadTheBad @getk
              last edited by NogBadTheBad May 20, 2019, 3:42 PM May 20, 2019, 3:41 PM

              @getk said in Reusing existing ISP router and spare router:

              on't have much control on the ISP_router. But will try to find a way to operator in modem mode
              if I disable DHCP in OLD_router, you are proposing making OLD_router like an access point?

              Yes and a switch for the ethernet devices.

              Andy

              1 x Netgate SG-4860 - 3 x Linksys LGS308P - 1 x Aruba InstantOn AP22

              G 1 Reply Last reply May 20, 2019, 3:52 PM Reply Quote 0
              • G
                getk @NogBadTheBad
                last edited by May 20, 2019, 3:52 PM

                @NogBadTheBad
                Cheers. I will try with the advises and will let you know. cheers

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                • J
                  johnpoz LAYER 8 Global Moderator
                  last edited by May 20, 2019, 4:18 PM

                  Yeah "any" wifi router can be just used as AP/Switch by turning off its dhcp server and connecting to your network via one of its lan ports.. Some allow for bridging the wan port into the switch/ap bridge in AP mode... Others do not..

                  Be yeah any soho wifi router can be just AP and switch ports. Good idea to give it an IP for its lan that your going to be connecting it to so easier to manage your wifi settings..

                  Keep in mind that many native firmware for these devices don't even allow for setting a gateway on the lan interface - so you have to manage them from the network they are connected to. Unless you can put 3rd party firmware on them which allows gateway - like say dd-wrt.

                  An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools
                  If you get confused: Listen to the Music Play
                  Please don't Chat/PM me for help, unless mod related
                  SG-4860 24.11 | Lab VMs 2.7.2, 24.11

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