In this chapter, we covered basic VLAN concepts while also considering an example in which it would be advantageous to implement VLANs. We then covered the configuration of that example network, both in pfSense and in the switch itself. Finally, we covered VLAN troubleshooting, and walked through a hypothetical VLAN problem and how to solve it.

The information contained in this chapter should be more than enough to enable you to set up your own VLANs. There is, however, much more to network design, configuration, diagnosis, and repair of VLAN-enabled networks than has been covered here. Cisco, for example, has five levels of certification covering everything from entry-level network support to network design. If the topics discussed in this chapter interest you, then you might consider further study of VLANs. There are numerous books, study materials, and instructional videos on the subject.

In the next chapter, we will cover Chapter 4, pfSense as a Firewall, which is one of the core functions of pfSense. The chapter will cover rule creation, NAT, scheduling, aliases, and virtual IPs. Traffic shaping, which is also part of pfSense's firewall functionality, gets its own chapter, and will be covered in Chapter 5, Traffic Shaping.