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    3 different networks Alix 2D3

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Problems Installing or Upgrading pfSense Software
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    • C
      costasppc
      last edited by

      Hello,

      In an Alix 2D3, I need to create 3 different wireless networks. I will use existing access points, but I need to have different DHCP ranges and different quality of service in each of these networks.

      I will have one WAN.

      Best regards

      Kostas

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      • J
        JohnSwenson
        last edited by

        @costasppc:

        Hello,

        In an Alix 2D3, I need to create 3 different wireless networks. I will use existing access points, but I need to have different DHCP ranges and different quality of service in each of these networks.

        I will have one WAN.

        Best regards

        Kostas

        The 2D3 has three ethernet ports so you have two choices, add an additional ethernet port to the 2D3 or use VLANs and a VLAN aware switch.

        There are at least two ways to add an extra port, either a mini-pci ethernet card or a USB adapter. I've used the USB adapter route and it does work well as long as you don't need full bandwidth. If long as one of your wireless networks can handle a reduced throughput this works well.

        The other option is to use VLANs and a smart switch. This actually works very well but takes a little bit extra setup. One of your ports becomes a "trunk port" and handles all the traffic to the three Aps, each with its own VLAN. PFsense treats this as if each VLAN is its own separate port (opt1 opt2 opt3). You then configure the switch to put each VLAN on its own port on the switch, each of which connects to one of the Aps.

        If you are JUST hooking up the 2D3 to the three APs  then adding an extra port is probably easier. If you have other things you want to hook up to the 2D3 then the VLAN and smart switch might make sense.

        I've personally done it both ways, I used the VLAN and smart switch when I was also doing VOIP phones and one of three APs had a captive portal, using VLANs and a smart switch made this system a piece of cake to setup. I've also used a USB adapter when I just needed one extra port and it didn't need full throughput.

        John S.

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        • C
          costasppc
          last edited by

          Thank you.

          I will accomplish this using a Mikrotik RB750 and a Ubiquiti AP.

          Best regards

          Kostas

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