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    Implementing VLAN

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved L2/Switching/VLANs
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    • Y
      yupq6wlc79ts
      last edited by

      I would like to implement VLAN/Subnetting.

      If I connect a device to LAN1, it should get 192.168.1.x.

      If I connect a device to LAN2, it should get 192.168.2.x.

      If I connect a device to LAN3, it should get 10.10.1.x.

      And so on…

      When I followed pfsense’s guidance on implementing it, the LAN1, 2, 3, 4….all gave me the same IP range for my devices, i.e., 192.168.1.x

      Can you please let me know if I can implement above approach just with my hardware? If yes, how? If no, what do I need to do to be able to implement it?

      dotdashD JKnottJ 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • dotdashD
        dotdash @yupq6wlc79ts
        last edited by

        @yupq6wlc79ts said in Implementing VLAN:

        Can you please let me know if I can implement above approach just with my hardware?

        No one can do that because you failed to mention what hardware you have. What kind of firewall, what kind of switch are you using?

        Y 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • Y
          yupq6wlc79ts @dotdash
          last edited by

          @dotdash said in Implementing VLAN:

          No one can do that because you failed to mention what hardware you have. What kind of firewall, what kind of switch are you using?

          Well I hope someone can do that at least, I am sure I am not the first one to have to want to implement it.

          If it's ok to mention non-netgate hardware (unlike on r/pfsense) than it's Protectli 6-port box using pfsense as firewall and non-managed switch from netgear (https://www.netgear.com/business/products/switches/unmanaged/FS108.aspx#tab-techspecs)

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • JKnottJ
            JKnott @yupq6wlc79ts
            last edited by

            @yupq6wlc79ts

            One thing you have to do is configure the DHCP server on each VLAN with the appropriate address range.

            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...

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • M
              marvosa
              last edited by

              You will need a managed switch that supports VLANs.

              JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • JKnottJ
                JKnott @marvosa
                last edited by

                @marvosa

                That depends on what he wants to do with the VLANs. A managed switch is only necessary to separate VLANs into individual access port. On the other hand, should he have an AP with 4 SSIDs, then he wouldn't need a managed switch.

                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...

                M Y 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • Y
                  yupq6wlc79ts
                  last edited by

                  My main goal is to have separate networks like below:

                  If I connect a device to LAN1, it should get 192.168.1.x.
                  If I connect a device to LAN2, it should get 192.168.2.x.
                  If I connect a device to LAN3, it should get 10.10.1.x.

                  If I can do it just with WiFi and different SSIDs, that would be great. If I have to do it with LAN, I'll just use that LAN's port to connect to a router.

                  I do have Unifi AC-AP-Lite AP that I am using for an Access Point.

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • M
                    marvosa @JKnott
                    last edited by marvosa

                    @JKnott
                    Granted we do not have a network map, but I have not seen anything mentioning wireless at this point. The OP's subject is "Implemented VLAN", so my assumption goes to separating multiple networks over 1 wire using VLANs... which involves a managed switch.

                    I'd be curious to hear alternate solutions on how that's possible without a managed switch.

                    Y 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                    • Y
                      yupq6wlc79ts @JKnott
                      last edited by

                      @JKnott said in Implementing VLAN:

                      @marvosa

                      That depends on what he wants to do with the VLANs. A managed switch is only necessary to separate VLANs into individual access port. On the other hand, should he have an AP with 4 SSIDs, then he wouldn't need a managed switch.

                      Is that implementable with my current Hardware setup?

                      Modem
                      Firewall - Pfsense/6-port Protectli
                      Router - Asus RT-AC68U
                      AP - Ubiquiti AC-AP-Lite

                      JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • Y
                        yupq6wlc79ts @marvosa
                        last edited by

                        @marvosa said in Implementing VLAN:

                        @JKnott
                        Granted we do not have a network map, but I have not seen anything mentioning wireless at this point. The OP's subject is "Implemented VLAN", so my assumption goes to separating multiple networks over 1 wire using VLANs... which involves a managed switch.

                        I'd be curious to hear alternate solutions on how that's possible without a managed switch.

                        I think I am fine with either approach, Subnetting via LAN or Subnetting via different SSID. I am just wondering 'If I can' given my current hardware and 'How'?

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • JKnottJ
                          JKnott @yupq6wlc79ts
                          last edited by

                          @yupq6wlc79ts said in Implementing VLAN:

                          AP - Ubiquiti AC-AP-Lite

                          That AP will probably work fine without a managed switch between it and pfSense. Why do you have a router and pfSense? PfSense is a router. This is why you need to determine what you want, before you start building.

                          So, what are your requirements and then how do you get there.

                          Bottom line, pfSense can provide VLANs. Some devices, such as APs and VoIP phones, can use VLANs directly, but other things must use a managed switch. There are some, such as ordinary computers can use VLANs directly, but best not to, unless you have a specific need. Again, determine what you're trying to do.

                          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...

                          Y 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • Y
                            yupq6wlc79ts @JKnott
                            last edited by

                            @JKnott said in Implementing VLAN:

                            That AP will probably work fine without a managed switch between it and pfSense. Why do you have a router and pfSense? PfSense is a router. This is why you need to determine what you want, before you start building.

                            Clarification: Using pfSense as my firewall & router. Have Asus router and using it as additional Access Point (for WiFi).

                            So, what are your requirements and then how do you get there.
                            Bottom line, pfSense can provide VLANs. Some devices, such as APs and VoIP phones, can use VLANs directly, but other things must use a managed switch. There are some, such as ordinary computers can use VLANs directly, but best not to, unless you have a specific need. Again, determine what you're trying to do.

                            You mentioned My UniFi AP will 'probably work fine', can you please help me understand the changes that are needed at the pfsense level? or do I need to manage it just with my UniFi AP, independent of any changes with pfSense? Current setup is: pfSense -> Unmanaged Switch -> UniFi AP.

                            JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • JKnottJ
                              JKnott @yupq6wlc79ts
                              last edited by

                              @yupq6wlc79ts

                              First off, if you're using that Asus router as an AP, make sure you connect to the LAN side, not WAN. However, given you have the other AP, why are you using that one? Also, proper access points, such as the Ubiquiti, support multiple SSIDs and VLANs. You create VLANs in pfSense and configure matching VLANs in the AP, with SSIDs assigned to the appropriate VLAN. In pfSense, you'll also have to configure the DHCP server on each VLAN, according to the desired address range. You'll also have to configure the routing and firewall rules so that you can reach what you need from the VLANs.

                              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...

                              Y 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • Y
                                yupq6wlc79ts @JKnott
                                last edited by

                                @JKnott said in Implementing VLAN:

                                @yupq6wlc79ts

                                First off, if you're using that Asus router as an AP, make sure you connect to the LAN side, not WAN. However, given you have the other AP, why are you using that one?

                                Yes, that setup is working fine. Asus router is connected to LAN (of course), as well as additional Ubiquiti AP. Using it to cover the WiFi gap areas.

                                Also, proper access points, such as the Ubiquiti, support multiple SSIDs and VLANs. You create VLANs in pfSense and configure matching VLANs in the AP, with SSIDs assigned to the appropriate VLAN. In pfSense, you'll also have to configure the DHCP server on each VLAN, according to the desired address range. You'll also have to configure the routing and firewall rules so that you can reach what you need from the VLANs.

                                So I think I am following you:

                                • Create VLANs entries in pfSense as desired (VLAN1, VLAN2, etc.) -> Interfaces - VLANs - Add
                                • Configure matching VLANs in the AP -> I can create separate VLANs in the Ubiquiti Portal (https://demo.ui.com/manage/site/default/settings/networks/list) and match it with VLANs?
                                • Configure DHCP Server on each VLAN in the pfSense -> Where in pfSense?
                                • Routing and Firewall rules -> Firewall - Rules?
                                JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • JKnottJ
                                  JKnott @yupq6wlc79ts
                                  last edited by

                                  @yupq6wlc79ts said in Implementing VLAN:

                                  @JKnott said in Implementing VLAN:

                                  @yupq6wlc79ts

                                  First off, if you're using that Asus router as an AP, make sure you connect to the LAN side, not WAN. However, given you have the other AP, why are you using that one?

                                  Yes, that setup is working fine. Asus router is connected to LAN (of course), as well as additional Ubiquiti AP. Using it to cover the WiFi gap areas.

                                  Also, proper access points, such as the Ubiquiti, support multiple SSIDs and VLANs. You create VLANs in pfSense and configure matching VLANs in the AP, with SSIDs assigned to the appropriate VLAN. In pfSense, you'll also have to configure the DHCP server on each VLAN, according to the desired address range. You'll also have to configure the routing and firewall rules so that you can reach what you need from the VLANs.

                                  So I think I am following you:

                                  • Create VLANs entries in pfSense as desired (VLAN1, VLAN2, etc.) -> Interfaces - VLANs - Add

                                  Yes

                                  • Configure matching VLANs in the AP -> I can create separate VLANs in the Ubiquiti Portal (https://demo.ui.com/manage/site/default/settings/networks/list) and match it with VLANs?

                                  Yes

                                  • Configure DHCP Server on each VLAN in the pfSense -> Where in pfSense?

                                  Under Services > DHCP Server. On that page, each interface, including VLANs should be listed.

                                  • Routing and Firewall rules -> Firewall - Rules?

                                  Yes

                                  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...

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
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