But which one to choose?? I began looking at some high end all-in-ones, then thought it might be better to go with an Ubiquiti setup with their EdgeRouter, an AP, and a decent switch. But I am still new at networking. I need to keep it fairly user friendly with the UI-- it will take me long enough to google proper settings without having to go into a command line to configure, which is what happens with Ubiquiti So! GV peeps! I need help! I guess I will list what I would like feature-wise, then list what I have been looking at (and I am open to more suggestions) Devices I have that need to connect day one: PC (wired) Laptop (wireless) Phone (wireless) Roku (wireless) Server (wired) Wii (either wired or wireless) TV (unsure, as it is being used as a monitor until I have media on my local net to broadcast to it) Various projects in my work area, including multiple Pis (mostly wireless) Devices I am VERY likely to add within the life of this router: NAS (wired) Another server (wired) Another phone (wireless-- I am going to repurpose the old one) Another Smart TV (unsure) Tablet (wireless) Permanent Pi project (wired) PS2-- will go up once the NAS is up-- I am going to store all the games on NAS and stream to PS2. It might end up connected directly to the NAS, I still need to work out my tech specs (wired) Another game system (most likely will try to keep it wired) ??? (????-I always like to leave room for unplanned expansion as well) How I use my network: Most devices speak for themselves. Here are some other things I plan to add: -VPN access to my network. Still unsure the exact secure route I will add after that to access each system, but definitely there will be VPN required for any remote access to anything -As a bonus, I think I will set up a Pi to create a VPN through my network to secure open WiFI when on-the-go. If my device can do this, all the better! -Need a robust network that can handle tons of streaming. Games and media streaming both within and outside my net are common. For work, I will need to be able to handle multiple remote sessions simultaneously, and they need to be SOLID so I can work. Ticketing system is hosted, needs to also be solid. -Steaming/ QoS features are the most important to my setup. I rarely download, but have constant steams moving around. I need to set priority to my streams as well, thought I don't want ANY stream to ever see degradation due to my network setup. Features I would like: -Ability to control my firewall settings and create my own rules, but also easy first-time setup to get me started. Easy to use and understand interface for setting the rules.The more control and options, the better, even if I won't be messing with them until I learn more. -Any advanced intrusion detection would be nice too. I don't know enough to get overly picky about the type or features beyond needing freedom to turn off/ on if it is messing with connectivity. -QoS settings! I need some control over it so I can set priorities, but also would once again like some presets I can start with for baseline. Once again, I would like something easy to understand and use. -Rock solid stable. This is vital. A reboot once a month is almost too much. I don't want one of those squirrely high end all-in-ones that crap out on a regular schedule. There are tons of them out there by even major manufacturers. -Gigabit (obviously). And ability to actually DELIVER damn close to that from out of each port. If it will only hover below 400Mb/s, I will be pissed once I move somewhere with fiber. -because I am connecting legacy wireless, I need some legacy support. B/G/N/AC. MIMO would be nice, but not required at all. OFC I don't have anything that supports it. That is just future-proofing. -Good 2.4 and 5 Ghz. I will put as much as I can on 5Ghz. -Built in network monitoring tools. Packet analysis, meter, network utilization, and flow analysis. I am sick of calling Charter when their shit breaks. I need hard numbers to get my connection optimized and keep things looking good. -As fast as I can afford on wireless, though I am a bit unclear of how much, if any, difference I would see with my network setup between, say, AC1700 vs AC3200+. Most important shit will be wired, but still don't want skipping on any streaming devices. -I will not be living on a huge property in any foreseeable future. If so, I can afford to buy a freaking AP. Range is no concern, I don't care if it is shit. Half-decent penetration on 5Ghz is my only concern here. -Something that will keep me blazing along for 5+ years. $300 or less is budget for entire setup. Some links for all-in-ones I am considering: TP-Link Archer 5200 (AC5200, MIMO) View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DXVK3KY?psc=1 D-Link AC3200: View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PVD81MK Netgear Nighthawk X6 (AC3200): View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KWHMR6G Asus AC3100 View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01707HPKS Netgear Nighthawk X4S (AC2600, MIMO) View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192911RA Asus RT AC87U (AC2400, MIMO) View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MPI5N7U Linksys WRT1900AC (because will I even see a difference with my setup??) View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014MIBLSA Netgear AC1750 (same reasoning as above) View: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z0V2NQ8 If I scrap the all-in-one and go the Ubiquiti route: Ubiquiti AP PRO (PoE, MIMO, unsure about the AC speed w/o digging up a spec sheet. Probably doesn't do beamforming since it doesn't have tons of antenna, however) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015PRO512/ TP-Link 8-port switch (I think I will need one even with an all-in-one, however.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K4DS5KU Ubiquiti Edge RouterX (I think I will need an injector for this in order to power the AP??) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YFJT29C Ubiquiti ERX-SFP (I *think* the same as above, but includes needed power adapter/ functionality for the AP??) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012X45WH6 Ubiquiti ERLITE Router (It is my understanding it might have a bit friendlier UI, though no PoE? I think I would need a PoE switch, but I am unsure if I want to hook up my AP to a switch, or if I should keep it on a router. It is my understanding AP should be on router for my kind of setup. However, I think the Ubiquiti AP's might have injectors included that would solve this.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXT8EKE Ya... I have been agonizing over this for a while.
TP-Link hasn't let me down since I moved from Linksys for residential and lightweight personal use. I even carry several of their nano routers with me for field work. Linksys was good for awhile, their QC has dipped and one of the reasons I switched was because PS3 traffic was destroying the Linksys setup even when using modified firmware. Whereas the TP-Lonk seems to manage the surges better without locking up or shutting down. I don't believe TP is locking their firmware anymore, so that opens up other firmware if you choose. ETA: D-Link if left with no alternative. After the performance of the Asus gear I've used lately, scratch that and do people still use Netgear anymore?
Thanks! Any experience with the new Ubiquiti gear taking the IT peeps by storm? I have heard nothing but good things about their APs, but have yet to find someone using their small routers.
I have run into those that praise them and those that detest them. General consensus seems to be they are a great product that requires more than novice to intermediate skills to setup and maintain. That being said I have not had any personal experience setting them up or using them. But I might have to pick a few up and give them a whirl to see what all the buzz is about.
