Devices Not Getting IP from pfSense DHCP Through TP-Link AX1500 Router

[vitorlm]

Hi everyone!

I'm reaching out for some assistance with my home network setup. Here's an overview of my current configuration:

• Modem: Mitrastar GPT-2741GNAC-N2, configured in bridge mode.
• pfSense: Running on a mini PC with three interfaces – WAN, LAN, and OPT1 (set up as an additional LAN).
• Wi-Fi Router: TP Link AX1500 Wi-Fi 6, intended to function purely as a Wi-Fi router in a mesh setup with two additional access points (APs).

Goal: My objective is to centralize the DHCP role on the pfSense, handling IP address distribution for my entire network, while using the TP-Link router solely for Wi-Fi connectivity.

Issue: When the DHCP server is active on the TP-Link router, all devices connect and function correctly. However, when I disable the DHCP server on the TP-Link router, intending for devices to receive IPs from the pfSense, devices connected to the TP-Link router are unable to obtain an IP address.

Steps Taken So Far:

• Verified that DHCP is functioning correctly on the pfSense – devices connected directly to the pfSense receive IPs without issues.
• Ensured the TP-Link router’s DHCP server is disabled.
• Checked physical connections and rebooted devices post-configuration changes.

Additional Context:

• The pfSense's LAN and OPT1 interfaces are configured with the subnets 10.10.1.0/24 and 10.10.2.0/24, respectively.
• The TP-Link router is meant to operate within the 10.10.1.0/24 subnet managed by the pfSense.

I'm looking for insights or suggestions on what might be preventing the devices connected to the TP-Link router from receiving their IPs from the pfSense's DHCP server. Could there be specific settings or configurations on the router or pfSense that I might have overlooked? Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

[viragomann]

@vitorlm
Is the TP-Link router in router or in AP mode?

I assume, it needs to run as a router for the mesh stuff to work. But in router mode there is DHCP relay necessary to forward DHCP request to another server. Does it have this function at all?

[vitorlm]

Hi @viragomann! It is in router mode, and I couldn't find how to configure or enable the DHCP relay in my router.