Basic pfSense Interface & Addressing Issues

[Puffhead]

Hi guys! Quick configuration question that I'll bet one of you can solve in a snap.

I've got an R710 I'm looking to install pfsense on via virtualbox on an ubuntu 18.04 base.

My cables are connected in the following configuration:
I have my modem from my ISP connected to the first of four Ethernet ports, then a connection from the r710 to my wireless router in the first LAN port (IP: 192.168.1.2, with a default gateway of 192.168.1.1), which is acting as a WiFi access point. The Guide I've followed for config settings is here: https://blog.ostermiller.org/configuring-second-router-wifi-access-point-using-tomato-shibby/

Settings in virtualbox have been copied from here:
https://samuraihacks.com/install-pfsense-in-virtualbox/

Then I have my main windows 10 desktop connected directly to the third Ethernet port on the r710.

When this is configured this way, I'm unable to access 192.168.1.1, the static IP of the pfsense installation from my main workstation, which makes... no sense to me. When I'm hardwired in to the wifi router/access point, and I go to 192.168.1.2, I can access the router.

One thing I've noticed, is I'm also not getting a WAN IP address showing after I assign the interfaces. em0 as the wan, em1 as the LAN. The LAN IP shows as 192.168.1.1, and the WAN IP is blank, there isn't one.

Any pointers would be welcomed, thanks in advance!

[Alex Atkin UK]

If you want to use several ports as the LAN then you need to add them all to a Bridge then assign the Bridge as the LAN interface.

Save the settings but do not Apply until you have done both, or else you will lose access to the LAN and have to configure it via the console.