I’ve recently moved and, for now, I’m relying on Starlink as my internet provider. In my previous setup, I had two ISPs: one dedicated to my lab connected through pfSense, and the other for my home network running through a UDM. Now, I’m aiming to use Starlink as the single ISP in a configuration that goes from Starlink → pfSense → UDM. I’ve managed to get this set up, but I’m running into an issue where packets seem to be dropping every few seconds. Any insights on what could be causing this or tips on optimizing this setup with Starlink?
Wow thinking about what your trying to do reminds me of a similar issue I attempted awhile back. It went ISP → pfSense → UDM Pro. It did not turn out well I wish I could remember what it was. I think it had something to do with the way UDM wanted to be the main gateway and firewall. It didn’t play nice just trying to be just a nvr and switch. Along with the double Nat issue for internal clients. Configuring it was not pleasant and had bunch of issues kind of like what you are describing.
One suggestion can you just eliminate one or the other.
Starlink → pfSense — > switch or AP
Starlink → UDM —> AP , etc.
My thoughts obviously , I have the same thoughts as #xMAXIMUSx comments, but a quick google search Tom has put a video out similar to your setup you described maybe something out that video will help in troubleshooting if your adamant on your solution.
Why have both pfsense and UDM?
I use pfSense for my homelab and the UDM for my home network. While I know VLANs could handle this setup, I prefer having the networks entirely separate, which is why I keep the firewalls separate as well.
I have different gateways set up for each firewall, but when I tried putting the pfSense in DMZ mode on the UDM, everything went sideways.
Sorry I am still not following your thought process on this clearly. Doesn’t the starlink have 2 ethernet ports on it?
Can you try to run it like the original setup you had with the two isp setup. You might have to mess a little bit the starlink settings. Example one ethernet from your starlink to pfSense? The other ethernet from the starlink to the UDM?
Personally my opinion on the stacking of the pfSense and UDM setup is just not the best use case from my experience. Just my thoughts hopefully maybe others will chime in.
I agree with this. Your UDM a will be in a triple NAT situation by the end of your configuration currently. I would do exactly what @ITspec suggested. Which is assign 2 private IPs from your starlink. One to your pfsense and one to your UDM.