How to Set Up VLANs on UniFi Controller (with a Third-Party Gateway)
By https://www.unihosted.com/ In this guide, Fernando from UniHosted walks you step-by-step through how to set up VLANs on your UniFi Controller when using a third-party gateway like pfSense, SonicWall, MikroTik, or any non-UniFi router.
If you’re managing a UniFi environment with access points, switches, or gateways (especially in enterprise or MSP setups), this tutorial will help you segment networks, improve security, and configure VLANs properly — even when your gateway isn’t UniFi-based.
🔹 What you’ll learn in this video:
✅ How VLANs work with UniFi when using third-party gateways
✅ Configuring VLANs on pfSense (or any custom router)
✅ Creating VLAN networks in the UniFi Network Application
✅ Tagging switch ports correctly for VLAN traffic
✅ Setting up multiple Wi-Fi SSIDs for each VLAN
✅ Testing inter-VLAN connectivity and applying firewall rules
✅ Blocking traffic between VLANs for network isolation
✅ Best practices for trunk ports and access ports
✅ How to verify VLAN assignments and troubleshoot
📌 Timestamps & Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Why VLANs Matter in UniFi
00:32 – Example Lab Setup (pfSense + UniFi Devices)
01:15 – VLANs and Subnets Overview in pfSense
01:55 – Reviewing Interfaces and DHCP Rules
02:15 – Step 1: Create VLAN Networks in UniFi Controller
02:51 – Step 2: Tag Switch Ports for VLAN Traffic
03:42 – Understanding Trunk vs Access Ports
04:22 – Step 3: Create Wi-Fi Networks for VLANs
05:25 – Testing VLAN Connectivity (Ping Test)
06:24 – Firewall Rule Demo: Blocking VLAN-to-VLAN Traffic
07:01 – Review: 3 Key Steps to VLAN Setup
07:39 – Final Tips and Best Practices
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💬 Got questions or testing results to share? Drop a comment below!
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