Configure VLAN for Separate Work Network with OpenWRT while Keeping Home Networks Isolated and Maintaining Internet Access

Abstract: This article will guide you through the process of setting up a separate VLAN for your work network using OpenWRT while keeping your home networks isolated and maintaining internet access. Learn how to configure your MainRouter (HGU...) to achieve this setup.

Created: 2025-03-10 by UserComp.com Editors

Here's a detailed guide on how to set up a separate VLAN work network using OpenWRT while keeping your home network isolated yet still providing internet access.

Title: Setting Up a Separate VLAN Work Network Using OpenWRT

Introduction

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a separate VLAN work network using OpenWRT. This setup will help keep your home network isolated while still providing internet access.

Prerequisites

A router running OpenWRT (e.g., TP-Link Archer C7)
Basic understanding of networking concepts
SSH access to your router

Step 1: Log in to your router

Connect to your router using SSH and log in with your credentials.

Step 2: Update OpenWRT

Run the following commands to update OpenWRT:

opkg update
opkg upgrade

Step 3: Create a new VLAN interface

Create a new VLAN interface using the following command, replacing <VLAN_ID> with the desired VLAN ID:

uci add_list network.lan.interfaces='vlan<VLAN_ID>'
uci set network.lan.interfaces.vlan<VLAN_ID>.ifname='eth<interface_number>'
uci set network.lan.interfaces.vlan<VLAN_ID>.vlan='<VLAN_ID>'
uci set network.lan.interfaces.vlan<VLAN_ID>.ipaddr='<IP_ADDRESS>'
uci set network.lan.interfaces.vlan<VLAN_ID>.netmask='<NETMASK>'
uci set network.lan.interfaces.vlan<VLAN_ID>.gateway='<GATEWAY>'
uci commit network

Replace <interface_number>, <IP_ADDRESS>, and <NETMASK> with appropriate values for your network.

Step 4: Configure firewall rules

Configure firewall rules to isolate the VLAN work network from the main network:

uci add_list firewall.@zone[0].network='lan'
uci add_list firewall.@zone[1].network='vlan<VLAN_ID>'
uci commit firewall

Step 5: Apply changes

Apply the changes using the following commands:

/etc/init.d/network reload
/etc/init.d/firewall reload

Conclusion

Now, you have successfully set up a separate VLAN work network using OpenWRT. Make sure to test your network configuration to ensure everything is working as expected.

References

OpenWRT Documentation: https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/vlan
VLAN Setup on OpenWRT: https://openwrt.org/toh/router/tp-link/tl-wr841n
OpenWRT Forums: https://forum.openwrt.org/

Tags: OpenWRT VLAN Network Configuration Work Network Home Network Internet Access

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