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    Network segmentation with 6-port CWWK box and no switch

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved L2/Switching/VLANs
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    • A
      alirx
      last edited by

      Greetings. I'm a newbie in networking trying to set up my network with segmentation in mind. Guides, that I've checked, are all about ROaS concept, which implies having a managed L2 switch (which I don't, and have no option to buy one atm). I am aware that my box should be a router, not a switch and doing it comes with performance penalty, but with no money one has to improvise. So, I did my research, read the docs and that's what I've come up with. It is probably wrong, and I have some questions, so I need your help.

      TL/DR: Some broke guy tries to do some VLANs and switching without a switch and learn some networking in the process.

      Here is a network diagram of a desired state (sanitized):
      a network diagram of a desired state (sanitized)
      No IPv6 at all.

      And that is how it all connects (feel free to ask if something isn't clear) :

      (Click for large version, it doesn't fit in the post)

      Note: vlan interfaces placed under their parents.
      Interfaces igc2, lagg0, igc5 are not assigned (see question 1)

      igc0 - WAN
      igc1 - Access port (vlan 20)
      igc2 - Trunk port (vlans 10, 20, 30) for AP
      igc3 + igc4 = LAGG Trunk port (vlans 10, 100, 200) for Proxmox Server
      igc5 = Access port (vlan 10)

      Now to the questions:

      1. I don't understand which interfaces should just be created, which should be assigned (but not enabled), and which should be enabled with no config (IPv4 Configuration Type = None)? Only thing I know for sure is that static IP and DHCP should be configured on the last interface in the chain (Physical -> LAGG -> VLAN -> Bridge).

      2. Which is the right way to create access ports? As in igc1, where the interface itself is added to bridge with corresponding vlan? Or like igc5, where vlan-subinterface is created and added to the bridge?

      3. Native network. I've read that it is good security practice to avoid using vlan 1 for data transfer, but it might stay on the network for system-lvl communications between network devices (discovery protocols etc.). I don't really understand where vlan 1 is in my setup. I believe it is disabled since no nets are configured on igcX interfaces, am I right?

      So, that's where I'm stuck and appreciate some help.

      johnpozJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • johnpozJ
        johnpoz LAYER 8 Global Moderator @alirx
        last edited by

        @alirx Pretty sure you can't bridge vlans like that..

        Save yourself a lot of grief - and pony up for a 20$ switch that supports vlans for gosh sake.

        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 2.8, 24.11

        A 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • A
          alirx @johnpoz
          last edited by

          @johnpoz Those igc's are 2.5Gb ports, which asks for 2.5Gb managed switch. Which is around 275$ (incl. taxes) in case of one of reasonable priced CRS310-8G+2S+IN by Microtik. I know buying a switch is a right thing to do and can save lot's of headache, but this i can't afford rn.

          About bridging that way - those vlans are three interfaces in the same broadcast domain, why cant they be bridged? Or i misunderstood bridging section of the PFsense docs?

          johnpozJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • johnpozJ
            johnpoz LAYER 8 Global Moderator @alirx
            last edited by

            @alirx you can bridge 1 vlan.. but you have have multiple vlans on the same bridge.. I am pretty sure it doesn't work that way.

            You seem to have some money to setup such a network.. bite the bullet and get a switch. Or redo your vlans or add interfaces so you can run your 2.5ge on their own connection

            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 2.8, 24.11

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