Multiple SSID (Service Set Identifiers):
Multiple SSIDs refer to the ability of a single wireless router or access point to broadcast more than one network name.
Multiple SSID Configuration
To create multiple SSIDs on an Access Point (AP) without involving the gateway:
- Create two LANs on the AP & Configure the AP to broadcast two SSIDs, each mapped to one of the LANs.
- Assign specific network settings (IP range) for each SSID to ensure traffic is appropriately segmented between the LANs.
Step 1: Create LAN on the AP
Go to Profile---> Network Interface ---> Click on + Create Network Interface.
- Name: Enter a descriptive name for the interface (e.g., LAN_1).
- Description (optional): You can add a description to explain the purpose of the interface (e.g., "Primary LAN connection" or "WAN connection to the internet").
- On the Network Interfaces page, you will see options to create a LAN interface.
Click on the LAN (IPv4) Configuration Tab
- Enter the Gateway IP Address for the LAN.
- Provide the appropriate Netmask (Subnet mask) based on your network configuration. This defines the range of IP addresses that can be used within the LAN.
- You will have three options related to DHCP configuration:
Enable DHCP: The device will assign dynamic IP addresses to devices connected to this LAN port.
Enable DHCP Relay: This allows the device to relay DHCP requests to an external DHCP server.
None: No DHCP service will be provided from this device.
Choose the option that best fits your network setup. If you're unsure, Enable DHCP is a common choice for assigning IPs dynamically within the LAN.
Click on the Advanced option to proceed, Click on the dropdown menu.
From the dropdown menu, select Bridge + Firewall.
Note:
Bridge No Firewall: Allows traffic to pass freely between networks with no filtering or security. Devices can communicate without restrictions.
Bridge + Firewall: Bridges network together but adds traffic filtering and security controls, blocking or allowing traffic based on firewall rules.
Note: We need to create two different LANs for the two SSIDs.
After selecting Bridge + Firewall, make sure to click Save.
Step 2: Create Wlan on the AP
Go to Profile, select Wlan.
In the Wlan section, click on the +Create Wlan button to start the process of creating a new Wlan.
- Name: Enter a descriptive name for the interface. (e.g., Ray_Wlan)
- Description (optional): You can add a description to explain the purpose of the interface.
- Go to Definitions Tab.
This tab gives you two main options for Wlan configuration
Option 1: Captive Portal
Option 2: Open/Password/Enterprise
Choose option (Open/ Password/ Enterprise).
Enter the SSID name (e.g., "Open_Network") on highlighted part.
Select Radios (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 2.4 & 5 GHz).
Go to the Security tab and select from the following options:
- None
- Password authentication
- Enterprise authentication
For example, we choose 'None' as the security option here.
Select Network Interface
- In the Network Interfaces section, you will see the LAN and WAN interfaces you’ve previously created.
- Choose the interface for LAN and WAN from the available list for Gateway, Bridge + firewall, Bridge no firewall.
For Example,
Click on 'Advanced'.
Add the Override node mode Option to Gateway as shown below.
Override Node Mode refers to a configuration setting that allows an administrator to manually set or modify the behavior of a network node (such as Access Point), overriding its default settings or automatic behaviors.
Click 'Save' to save and publish the SSID.