Bridging 2 ports

[ShadowSkippie]

as the subject says. how can i set two nics into a bridge

 

[Darren Myers]

what are you trying to accomplish? bridge 2 different subnets?

 

[ShadowSkippie]

i'm trying to create a flat network though the server.

the system needs to be setup PC - Freenas - Freenas - PC

 

[Nick2253]

Wait, are you trying to connect two different PCs using the FreeNAS as the switch?

 

[ShadowSkippie]

ya, its a temporary setup for 3 days

each PC and freenas will connect to a larger network but these four machines need to also connect to each other outside of that network. i am not allowed to use my own switch so we're looking into this idea. I know i could just do a routed network but i'm hoping to keep it flat.

 

[Nick2253]

This seems like an extremely complicated setup for just three days. FreeNAS isn't designed to do any kind of routing/switching, so even if you could get the bridge working, you'd still need a router/switch on that network.

What's the benefit of connecting them together outside of the main network if they already connect to each other on the main network? I think I'm missing something here.

 

[ShadowSkippie]

to the main network they will only be able to run at 10/100 and that will be saturated completely.
the internal network will allow us to talk between our servers and PC's on a gigbit link

 

[Nick2253]

It sounds like adding a gigabit switch is the right way forward, though I know you said you can't. (Which also seems really weird to me. You can get a 5-port Gigabit unmanaged switch for under $20, and it only takes up a tiny footprint.)

In the end, you could do direct links between the FreeNAS and each PC. Then, if you need to move data from one PC to the other, you could just copy it to the FreeNAS server, and then to the other PC.

However, if you want to create a network out of those two PCs and a FreeNAS, you're going to need some extra hardware or software: and I would strongly discourage you from trying to bastardize your FreeNAS system with the software necessary to make this work.

Honestly, it kinda feels like you're being cryptic about your needs here. I struggle to come up with the background to the scenario you've found yourself in, and I'm skeptical that it's the whole story (though that doesn't mean I'm always right :D). I'm genuinely curious to hear the back-story to all this, and maybe a few more details about your limitations. I think you've got a few implied solutions here, and with a little more knowledge we may be able to figure out something that works great :)

 

[ShadowSkippie]

http://www.nag.co.za/forums/showthread.php?20740-NAG-LAN-FAQ

there is a section that tells you what you're not allowed to bring. switches are one of them.
we're trying to get around this without breaking their rules are creating problems for their network

 

[pirateghost]

Why would you put your FreeNAS box on a LAN party LAN?

 

[ShadowSkippie]

to share stuff. problem with that

 

[ShadowSkippie]

if i cannot do what i want with the freenas then i'll just have to do it another way. maybe use the PCs

 

[Nick2253]

Oh, that makes so much more sense :D. I was thinking you were talking about some work scenario, and I was trying to think up the contrived reason you'd be in that place.

It sounds like, according to the rules, you can only bring one device (including one display) that needs power to the LAN: "No additional devices requiring power... Not more than one device for gaming such as a laptop plus a PC/console. No cellphone chargers that require mains power." If they frown on a cellphone charger, I'm sure they'll frown on an entire server.

The reason you don't really want to take your FreeNAS is because FreeNAS isn't hardened against external penetration. The design envelope for FreeNAS assumes that it will be placed in a trusted LAN. At these kinds of events, intentional and unintentional malware/penetration is common.

 

[ShadowSkippie]

well i've got two tickets for this thing. one for my PC and one for my server.

the malware bit does catch my interest. i'll have to think my way around this problem. i'll add that no one will get direct access to the machine. everything to done through DC++

 

[pirateghost]

to share stuff. problem with that

Based on this response, I'm stepping out of this thread. I don't deserve to be responded to like this.

 

[ShadowSkippie]

apologies. its late and and text makes this seems more rude then they were meant to be.

 

[Nick2253]

If you're set on taking the FreeNAS server, I would then recommend that you directly connect the FreeNAS server to your PC, and then share the files out of your PC. That way there's no direct connection from the LAN (or anyone else) to the FreeNAS. However, that doesn't mean that someone still couldn't go through your PC to get to the FreeNAS if you set it up incorrectly (or have a vulnerability on your computer, etc.).

HIGHLY UNRECOMMENDED: It just occurred to me that, if you really wanted to get creative, you could power a switch off of your 12V rail from your PSU (assuming you have a 12V switch). Most small switches only take one or two amps max, so if you solder yourself a dongle, you could bring the switch by hiding it in the FreeNAS case. Obviously, proceed at your own risk and all that jazz.

 

[ShadowSkippie]

Ya. My friend suggested that too but I informed him that there are ways of finding a switch on the network and it would be too risky. Also it would look suspicious if there were multiple cables driving into a case.

Actually, they don't want switches because they don't want people fucking with the one cable one machine setup. Maybe I should just bother phoning them and inquire about my duct tape project

 

[Nick2253]

Actually, they don't want switches because they don't want people fucking with the one cable one machine setup. Maybe I should just bother phoning them and inquire about my duct tape project

I think you've hit the nail on the head.

Those rules exist for a reason. And even if you know what you're doing, the guy next to you probably doesn't, and then he screws it up for everyone.

I'm surprised you haven't contacted them yet; they most probably have run in to this exact scenario before, and they may be able to shed some light, or offer you an "approved" way to do what you are trying to do.