New network setup (separate ap?)

Randall8686 · 5 Oct 2019 at 11:55

Hi guys

map my router he finally kicked the bucket. I have a BT FTTC separate modem (literally just a modem) that feeds my router in the loft. The WiFi downstairs because of this is not brilliant but does the job. However I have Ethernet switches all around the house so I am thinking of replacing the router with a new separate router only and get a separate AP to chuck downstairs. However what “router only” should I buy? All I need is port forwarding, VPN ability (just to vpn home when on WiFi away)
Then a decent little WiFi ap to chuck into a network switch downstairs ideally giving a half decent wifi speed as Mrs moves large video files from laptop/camera to home server hard wired into the router. I have never had a separate setup before but one of my network switches is in the slap bang middle of the house.

ubiquiti?

thanks in advance for any ideas

Avalon · 5 Oct 2019 at 12:59

Ubiquiti are much loved here, but that’s not to say other options won’t work. The thing that generally sets Ubiquiti apart from other consumer gear is the ease of management and adding extra AP’s as well as LTS - my original UAP’s still get firmware updates long after most consumer kit has been abandoned.

As far as a router goes, if you are going Ubiquiti on the AP’s then if you choose a suitable Ubiquiti router then you can manage the AP’s and any compatible managed Ubiquiti switches from a single interface, it’s a simple idea, but it’s strange how when you come to add additional switches you gravitate towards ones that will work with this (I am a victim of marketing in this case).

Randall8686 · 5 Oct 2019 at 13:21

Thanks, Im not afraid to learn a little bit extra to get a good setup. the main issues i have are a few smart devices spread out quite a bit. Ring door bell, outside the front door then people wanting to use wifi in the back garden. causes issues with placement of a single router/ap. I will have a look at what Ubiquiti router will work well with their simple AP's I assume that i can just us unmanaged switched fine.

nwatson6 · 5 Oct 2019 at 17:05

I use a USG and one AC pro with standard 8 port Netgear switches including one with Poe to drive cameras and ap. Sure if I have a failure I will probably replace with ubiquiti ones. Setup is fairly simple.

Randall8686 · 5 Oct 2019 at 17:11

I use POE switches for my i.p cameras dont really want to replace those (they are unmanaged) just want a new router to chuck next to the modem then fro now 1 AP to put in an optimal location then see if i need a second

Avalon · 6 Oct 2019 at 06:34

The thing with Ubiquiti gear is people tend to start with AP’s, they come to appreciate the simplicity of management/level of integration with the rest of the ecosystem, and it grows from that. You can buy better, but usually not as easy to get on with at this sort of price point. You don’t need to replace your switches at all - I didn’t for years, but when you do need another one, you’ll likely price up Ubiquiti, it’s happened to a few people on here. That and if you can pick them up for the same sort of price, it’s rude not to.