Overview

🔧 Network Setup Project: Overcoming Challenges with VLANs and Firewall Configuration This week, I embarked on a project to configure a robust network setup using pfSense as my firewall solution. On Day 1, I installed pfSense on a USB and set it up on the firewall, running into some initial challenges with getting internet traffic flowing properly from the modem. After putting the modem in bridge mode and power cycling, I successfully set up a public IP on the pfSense router. Day 2 was dedicated to preparing and configuring disabled VLANs, setting the stage for a more complex setup.

🌐 Configuring VLANs and AP Setup On Day 3, I faced hurdles with VLAN configuration—specifically, routing AP traffic through the firewall and assigning VLAN IPs to devices. Despite multiple attempts, I couldn’t get DHCP to assign the correct IPs to devices connecting to the Wi-Fi. Eventually, I realized the solution lay in purchasing an AP that supported multi-SSID, which allowed me to assign VLAN tags based on SSID. Day 4 marked a milestone with a new AP setup, where I tagged ports on the switch to handle multiple VLANs efficiently.

⚙️ Finalizing and Troubleshooting the Network On Day 5, I created different Wi-Fi SSIDs to properly route traffic through designated VLANs. Configuring firewall rules, DHCP servers, and DNS settings for each VLAN was essential for proper internet connectivity. However, I ran into another DNS-related issue where devices could ping IPs but not resolve domain names. After some troubleshooting, I resolved it by ensuring DNS servers were assigned correctly to the DHCP servers and devices. Now, the network is running smoothly with all VLANs properly configured and internet connectivity stable.

🔐 The Benefits of a Home Firewall Setup Setting up a firewall solution at home offers significant benefits, not only by enhancing the security of your network but also by improving overall network performance and control. By configuring VLANs, assigning proper firewall rules, and managing traffic, you gain a deeper understanding of how networks function and how to optimize them for both performance and safety. A firewall provides an essential layer of protection against potential threats, helping safeguard your personal data and devices from unauthorized access. Moreover, the skills and knowledge gained from this hands-on setup translate into better problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, making you more equipped to handle complex network challenges in the future.