new Fingbox in evolving network

CraigNewmark

I'm connected to my ISP via their cable modem/router, generally works.
Now using a firewall box, which connects to an old Google WiFi mesh network.
The new firewall directly connects to two wifi APs from the same manufacturer.
Fing app couldn't find the box when connected directly to the cable modem/router, nor when connected directly to the firewall.
Box connected directly to the principal Google WiFi AP, and the Fing app can find it, but only devices using its SSID.  
1. how can the box or app see devices either connected directly via cables, or on a new SSID?
2. should I be able to connect the box directly to the cable modem/router or the new firewall?
3. how do I identify devices from the long hex numbers that the app shows?

Thanks!

cryptoknight

In the abstract, this feels like one way to read some of your message: "The Fing app usually works fine. Now, I've added a new hardware firewall to my local network, and the Fing app doesn't see the new firewall box. Why is that?"

(I realize there's more to your questions, but if that abstract summary above is a match, I suspect the answer is in your question: the firewall is being a firewall.)

I've attempted some answers; looking forward to better understanding your issues.
1. Apologies, could you try asking this differently, or explaining a little more?  When you say "box or app" I can tell that you mean "Fingbox or Fing app."  And so, you're asking, "How can the Fingbox or the Fing app see devices..." (but that's where I get lost.  Not enough coffee today, probably )

2. Try the Fing Support page for Fingbox firewall compatibility[^1].

3. I'm pretty sure you mean the MAC addresses. Example: 00:00:0A:BB:28:FC. One of the more popular sites for MAC Address lookups is Arul John's website[^2], but you can find plenty with a basic internet search for "mac address lookup."

Ref. Links
[1]: https://help.fing.com/knowledge-base/firewall-compatibility/
[2]: https://aruljohn.com/mac.pl

CraigNewmark

thanks, really appreciated, but the abstract isn't it, the description is just what I mean.
not MAC addresses, seriously, they're long hex numbers. MAC would be better.
Is there some way to contact the Fing people for help?
Seriously, appreciated!

Robin_Ex_Fing

Hi @CraigNewmark
The long hex number are MAC addresses and it may be that you are getting generic devices on your list. Generic devices are those devices for which Fingwas not able to identify the vendor and what kind of device it is. If there is any device in your house which is using any kind of internet(Wifi) then Fing App can show you all devices connected on your network. You can use this external link to know about the vendor of the device: https://aruljohn.com/mac/F45EAB 

The Fing App discovery will identify devices on a best effort basis, based on the information made available by the device, e.g. the MAC address. There are numerous reasons why thedevice might not be recognized correctly e.g. 

 
 

- The DHCP server is not refreshing when speaking to your Fingbox. 

- Limited information being offered by specific devices. 

 

I would advise inserting as many details that you can about the device to help improve the engine for all Fing users. 

This will assist with improved device identification in the future.  

Also, I would like you to make sure all devices are connected to your network on which the FingApp is currently connected to. If you are connected to the 5ghz network and Fing is connected to the 2.4ghz network even though they all have the same name, you might not see the devices connected under the Device tab. And, if the router has multiple network interface which provides multiple frequencies(2.4Ghz and 5Ghz), and the devices are able to connect to multiple access points then you will see multiple names but only one will be active at a time and others will be greyed out. 

CraigNewmark

Robin, thanks!
The lookup tool, though, doesn't work, even got a 404 at one point.
Please note my question about where I can attach the Fingbox.  I get results when I directly connect it to my Google wifi main AP, but so far, nothing when connected directly to the firewall or the cable modem/router.
New: can the app support multiple homes?
All appreciated, thanks!

Robin_Ex_Fing

Thanks @CraigNewmark
The Fingbox should always be connected to the access point which provides the Wifi and where the most of the devices connected. The Fingbox is designed for the average home network. It can manage/control one LAN or VLAN and one 2.4 GHz /5 GHz Wi-Fi network with the same SSID. You will need to pick one of your SSID to monitor/control via the Fingbox. 
You will have to choose the network you want to monitor/control to put the Fingbox and use the Fing App to access the Fingbox. 

CraigNewmark

Understood, and, I did that, sync didn't work. Thanks!