Recommend New Router

BigT · 17 Oct 2017 at 21:03

WantoN said:
But... dem green lights?

Jokes aside the pfsense solution is much more powerful. But it's two software packages to manage and in my opinion a steeper learning curve.

I particularly like the Ubiquiti ecosystem and ease of commissioning, for a simpleton such as myself it's perfect. And it's arguably more plug and play with the ability to manage all your Ubiquiti network devices from a single control panel and a half decent UI. Firewall rules are at present a config thing though (easy enough).

I really didn’t get on with my ER-L compared to pfSense and found pfSense much easier.

Personally I don’t think any of these solutions are great for people who don’t want to invest with learning something. I’ve less experience with them, but I suspect Mesh solutions solve most problems in the most user friendly way if you don’t need advanced firewall and routing options.

thewanted · 18 Oct 2017 at 06:42

Hopefully this doesn't hijack the OP too much.

What are the advantages for a home user of the Netgate SG-1000 over something like the Mikrotik hEX? The Mikrotik is a lot cheaper and includes an internal switch which makes it a more seamless solution. Is the Mikrotik much more difficult to learn and configure which puts most people off?

The shocking WiFi on my HomeHub 5 is now beyond tolerable so I am looking to replace it ASAP. I'm put off by consumer routers since they're all inherently flawed and don't get updates as often as they should, or even at all. Unfortunately this means the cost will be very high to replace the HH5 with something like a DrayTek Vigor 130 + Netgate SG-1000/Mikrotik hEX + Ubiquiti Access Point.

I briefly considered the Draytek Vigor 2860ac but I'm not all that convinced by all-in-one solutions any more.

ChrisD. · 18 Oct 2017 at 08:19

thewanted said:
I briefly considered the Draytek Vigor 2860ac but I'm not all that convinced by all-in-one solutions any more.

I really didn't get on with my DrayTek Vigor 2860N, it lasted about a week before I returned it.

thewanted · 18 Oct 2017 at 08:51

ChrisD. said:
I really didn't get on with my DrayTek Vigor 2860N, it lasted about a week before I returned it.

Cool, thanks. After reading this thread I think I'm just going to get an Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LR and connect it to one of my homeplugs since there is fundamentally nothing wrong with my HomeHub 5 apart from the absolutely terrible WiFi stability. In time I suspect I'll upgrade the HH5 to a dedicated VDSL model + router like the Netgate SG-1000.

I was also looking at Google WiFi and it does appear to be very good, but quite pricey for two APs.

ChrisD. · 18 Oct 2017 at 08:53

Be aware that you're going to be limited to whatever speed your homeplug gets. You're going to be better off connecting it directly to the homehub or a switch that hangs off it.

thewanted · 18 Oct 2017 at 09:00

ChrisD. said:
Be aware that you're going to be limited to whatever speed your homeplug gets. You're going to be better off connecting it directly to the homehub or a switch that hangs off it.

True, but my homeplugs' throughput is much better than my 52Mbit FTTC. I can copy between two PCs on different floors over these BT homeplugs at ~22MB/sec.

Having thought about it a bit more, I probably will just plug the Ubiquiti AP directly into the back of the HomeHub 5 in the living room since I get fair WiFi reception upstairs at the moment, and it can only get better with the Ubiquiti.

BigT · 18 Oct 2017 at 15:07

thewanted said:
Having thought about it a bit more, I probably will just plug the Ubiquiti AP directly into the back of the HomeHub 5 in the living room since I get fair WiFi reception upstairs at the moment, and it can only get better with the Ubiquiti.

This is a very sensible decision. If wifi is just the issue then replacing the whole router isn't necessarily the best choice. Unless you need advanced routing/firewall/VPN options then doing as you are is the most cost effective way to see better wifi perofrmance.

I'm also glad you are trying not to use the homeplugs. Just be aware that although the UAPs are marvellous things (I have two) part of their great perceived performance is not just the kit, but the fact its form factor lends itself to being place more centrally in a building. See the look on your partner's face if you attempt to try and connect an HH5 to the ceiling above your stairs! Having something that looks a bit more like a fire alarm tends ot go down better aesthetically with the family I've found.

thewanted · 18 Oct 2017 at 15:14

BigT said:
This is a very sensible decision. If wifi is just the issue then replacing the whole router isn't necessarily the best choice. Unless you need advanced routing/firewall/VPN options then doing as you are is the most cost effective way to see better wifi perofrmance.

I'm also glad you are trying not to use the homeplugs. Just be aware that although the UAPs are marvellous things (I have two) part of their great perceived performance is not just the kit, but the fact its form factor lends itself to being place more centrally in a building. See the look on your partner's face if you attempt to try and connect an HH5 to the ceiling above your stairs! Having something that looks a bit more like a fire alarm tends ot go down better aesthetically with the family I've found.

Haha, the only place the HH5 is going is in the WEEE recycling (eventually). World War 3 almost broke out last night when the HH5's WiFi ****ed up yet again while she was on a video conference call for work. I've ordered a single Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LITE GEN2 which will hopefully alleviate any future drama.