New router advise

[oggiet]

About to get EE full fibre 900mbps. Fom what I've read is their provided router will not be what I need.

My need will be to run few VLANs, I need hardware to do that.
I currently have self build unraid server that I could easily put in NIC and run pfsense on it, what would be my best option to get wireless AP to work with it?

Or would for my need which is not complex , something like asus rt-ax86u pro be good enough?

Not sure which route to take

 

[oggiet]

Please, whatever you do, don't buy anything from Asus.

pfSense, or preferably OPNsense would be perfect as you have the hardware already. Failing that, I highly rate and recommend UniFi kit.

Been looking at Unifi and is Cloud Gateway Max good base to build from. Would just need poe switch and AP to start off with.

 

[oggiet]

The Ubiquiti Cloud gateway ultra is great.

I’m using it with three U6+ APs and it’s solid.

It’s a bit more involved than just buying a single router/AP but very flexible.

Thank you, good to hear that.

I've watched a few videos and it's complex but seems manageable thanks to YouTube guides.

 

[oggiet]

UniFi is good but could lead to other spending…it’s kind of an ecosystem. I would separate access points and router, it adds flexibility.

Could also look at Mikrotik. Big bang for buck, but setting it up is a steep learning curve unless you’re knowledgable on networking already. Heck, even if you are you have to learn router OS. But the kit is really powerful and well priced.

Thank you, will look into Mikrotik. I'm not scared of learning new stuff as long as there are guides to learn from.

 

[oggiet]

Both ASUS and Netgate are on my NFC list.

Unifi is OK, but make sure you understand what you are buying into, the new router lines are actually quite reasonably priced, relative to what they can do, but certain scenarios with Unifi require you to ignore what things cost with other OEM's, for example I need a managed switch with 24xGb, 4xSFP+ and PoE+, I can buy an Aruba for under £290 inc VAT and delivery and have it here next working day. Unifi wise, anything under 48p only gets 2xSFP+, so you need an Aggregation switch and a 24p PoE switch which will have half the PoE output and costs considerably more, the route to 2.5Gb is slightly less problematic now, but it's still not cheap.

Mikrotik has changed a lot in recent years, it's still a learning curve, but it's now easier to interact/manage with due to the management UI changes.

Sorry but what is NFC ?

Will take your point into consideration about Unifi. For starters can work with small network and expand it when needed.

 

[oggiet]

I've just deployed the Unifi Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max) and couldn't be happier. It took around 2 mins to do the initial config, and came online with my brsk connection in10 minutes (900/900). To be honest, I'm blown away with it. It is not at all difficult to configure - the interface is super simple and it's got enough features to tinker with.

I've deployed many enterprise class routers and network equipment through work and whilst this doesn't have the same level of features, I'd say it absolutely perfect for home enthusiasts - just the right levels of features and complexity.

Great to hear. I ordered Max last night as well with 8 port poe lite with u6+ AP. Should be enough to start me with and will add more bits as needed.

 

[oggiet]

Took advantage of Toob's "Up to 9 months free if still in-contract" offer and our install is next Thursday, so I bought the TP-Link BE3600 whilst at its lowest ever price (£109): 2x 2.5Gb ports, WiFi7, etc.
It's replacing our 10 year old Archer C7 (AC1750), which has done a decent job at managing our growing collection of devices, but has started struggling with the load from a very tech-oriented family of five.

I'll be connecting mine & son's PC's to the 2.5Gb ports, with our Yuanley 11 port POE switch taking the rest of the load (CCTV & upstairs/downstairs gigabit switches for the rest of our wired tech).

I'm hoping we get a much better result with Sunshine/Moonlight streaming from our PCs, as currently it's pretty poor (720p, 60fps).




Also added a couple of light strips to chav-up the lounge & bedroom TVs.

Enjoy !!! Gotta love a bit of RGB, it's great during movie nights. I hate normal lights in the evening.