LAN connected to WAN port

[deanfourie]

Hey guys,

Had an issue today with a weird network. We were installing some IP cameras, and generally find the nearest point to jump on the network and chuck some PoE switches or injectors in.

This senario, we have a public wifi.

The main network, the router with DSL is at 192.168.1.254 on the 192.168.1.0 network and the public wifi is at 192.168.0.1 on 192.168.0.0 all /24

We have installed a 8 port PoE switch on the public wifi side as they have access points everywhere. Saves running cables all over.

It appears they have the router at 192.168.1.254, then into a switch. From the switch they have run a cable to a wireless access point and connected via the WAN port. From there they have just jumped between LAN ports on the access points.

so a basic diagram

192.168.1.254 (Gateway with DSL) >>
4 port layer 2 switch >>
192.168.0.1 (Public Wifi access point connected via WAN port) connected to other access points along the line.

I can ping google and get DHCP on the 192.168.0.0 network, however I cannot reach the 192.168.0.0 network from 192.168.1.0 and the other way around.

Our NVR is closest to the 192.168.1.0 network but all cameras are on the 192.168.0.0 network.

My conclusion was, there is NO routing possible here as they are using the WAN port and going via a switch off the router, rather then configuring a separate interface on the actual router and setting it up for the 192.168.0.0 network, that way routing could take place between the two interfaces or networks.

I hope this information is clear enough, I can draw a diagram if needed.

Cheers

[digitheads]

I have a couple of questions for you:  a) the port on the switch where the public wifi access WAP is cross connected - does it show linked ?

b) Does the public access point actually work ?  have you hooked up to it and tried to surf ?

[deanfourie]

Thanks for the reply.

I am not sure if it shows linked on the switch on the 192.168.1.0 network.

As for connectivity, I have not tried WiFi, but have connected to the switch which the WiFi access point is connected to on the 192.168.0.0 network and I get DHCP and DNS, am able to pull pages etc... google, trademe facebook etc.

Based on this, I would imagine the access point is working. But obviously the WAN link back to the gateway (at what I believe is 192.168.1.0) has internet.

SO, this WAN port works one way? how am I able to reach the 192.168.0.0 network from 192.168.1.0 when routing does not seem possible? These are not layer 3 switches.

Cheers

[deanwebb]

I'd like to see a diagram... also model numbers and such for the gear, just in case one of them is secretly a router.

[digitheads]

well you know that the device on the 192.168.0.0 network is routing something.....

wan side is going to be 192.168.1.xxx, but the connection side will connect you using 192.168.0.xxx

and since you can surf, once connected , would be willing to bet that possibly ICMP commands are turned off, or not allowed/forwarded.

[SimonV]

192.168.0.1 (Public Wifi access point connected via WAN port) > is probably doing source NAT on the WAN port IP address.