I would also like to know the answer to this. My specifics are I'm using a SuperMicro x7sbi based machine. It has 2 gigE ports that I use for LAN and WAN but I was thinking of adding a third port for a Guest wireless network. So performance isn't critical as long as it isn't terrible but it would be a lot easier to use a USB adapter externally than to have to buy the special riser card for PCIe, etc... Any suggestions what would work?
Hi, so far the one or two users who have reported results with USB NICs are getting around 1mbit, which I would consider terrible. Have you considered VLANs? Barry
Sorry, I'm more of a newB. How do VLANs work? Any method to allow a guest to access the wan and not the LAN is fine with me.
Sorry, I'm more of a newB. How do VLANs work? Any method to allow a guest to access the wan and not the LAN is fine with me.
Hi tgdc,
VLANs (sometimes called tagged VLANs) are a way to run two or more networks over the same cabling. You typically need a VLAN capable switch and router to do this however.
The way it works is that every packet transmitted across the wires between the UTM and switch is tagged with a VLAN ID. The tag determines which network it belongs to and the switch & UTM treat each unique tag as a separate network.
Hi, if you don't already have a VLAN switch, getting the PCIe riser and a NIC would probably be cheaper and easier.
Note that if you want Wireless access for both guests and non-guests, then you need 2 APs or 1 AP with VLANs and multiple SSIDs (DDWRT supports this on some APs).
