Reliable router manufacturers

[michty_me]

I wouldnt know where to begin with CLI so something that has the most features available via the GUI will be fine for me.

Pulled this from another thread. I'm guessing I would probably go for something similar.

FTTC modem (I have Zyxel 1312-B10A)
Ubiquiti Edgerouter X (maybe a different one for my needs?)
UniFi AC LR AP
A network switch to handle 8+ connections.

 

[V F]

It gets worse ... there's gaming switches!

To think most of this started from that "Killer Gaming Nic" brand?

However, all this RGB stuff, doesn't that create a form of EMI/RFI?

 

[SupraWez]

Another thumbs up for Ubiquiti but works best when you go all in, i.e. USG, switches and APs managed from the controller.

 

[michty_me]

Another thumbs up for Ubiquiti but works best when you go all in, i.e. USG, switches and APs managed from the controller.

If you don't mind and you get a few spare minutes, could you maybe list the part numbers of items you would recommend?

 

[SupraWez]

If you don't mind and you get a few spare minutes, could you maybe list the part numbers of items you would recommend?

UniFi USG
UniFi 8 port PoE switch US‑8‑60W

Then select a UniFi AP that best suits your requirements, something like an AC Pro, LR or Lite, if fed from the switch above it will also power them so no need for separate power.

For the controller you can either buy the cloud key or run your own on an Rpi or PC/VM, or take up the 3 year cloud based offered with the product when purchasing.

 

[SupraWez]

If running only one PoE device, i.e. just one AP you could go for the other 8 port switch but the difference in price is less than £10 from memory.

 

[andy_mk3]

I like Ubiquiti for their fairly constant support & updates, even for older hardware.

 

[michty_me]

UniFi USG
UniFi 8 port PoE switch US‑8‑60W

Then select a UniFi AP that best suits your requirements, something like an AC Pro, LR or Lite, if fed from the switch above it will also power them so no need for separate power.

For the controller you can either buy the cloud key or run your own on an Rpi or PC/VM, or take up the 3 year cloud based offered with the product when purchasing.

I was watching some videos yesterday which suggested for a home user, an edgerouter is a simpler device for using compared to the unifi USG. Is that right?
Good to hear the AP can be powered from the switch though. That's handy and saves a lot of trouble with extra cables.

 

[michty_me]

I was watching some videos yesterday which suggested for a home user, an edgerouter is a simpler device for using compared to the unifi USG. Is that right?
Good to hear the AP can be powered from the switch though. That's handy and saves a lot of trouble with extra cables.

Edit: By simpler I meant there are more features available via the GUI compared to CLI.

 

[SupraWez]

The EdgeRouters are not centrally managed by the UniFi controller and work like any other standalone device.

If you want all the features offered by the UniFi controller you have to use a USG, UniFi switch and AP.

if your happy to work with separate units and configure them individually then you could for an EdgeRouter or any router i.e. Tplink, any switch too, something like an 8 port unmanaged Netgear and also any AP, again Tplink or any other brand.

You could use just a UniFi AP but would still need the controller and a lot of features and functions would disabled due to lack of a USG and switch.

 

[michty_me]

The EdgeRouters are not centrally managed by the UniFi controller and work like any other standalone device.

If you want all the features offered by the UniFi controller you have to use a USG, UniFi switch and AP.

if your happy to work with separate units and configure them individually then you could for an EdgeRouter or any router i.e. Tplink, any switch too, something like an 8 port unmanaged Netgear and also any AP, again Tplink or any other brand.

You could use just a UniFi AP but would still need the controller and a lot of features and functions would disabled due to lack of a USG and switch.

Before I started looking down the ubiquiti route, I was mainly looking at a setup that is fairly simple to set up and reliable for long periods. I won't be fiddling about with settings much.
However, some good features would be welcome for the future if I decide to fiddle with them.
I think I should have a look through the ubiquiti community forums and the thread on here too.

 

[Sin_Chase]

UniFi Controller is great, but also adds additional cost. You need a system to run it, be it dedicated or using something like a Cloud Key. That or you pay for the Cloud Hosted Controller via subscription.

I have a cloud key to run the controller but that's probably a fair chunk of OPs budget just for that.

 

[SupraWez]

Ubiquiti also offer 3 yr hosted for free controller when purchasing or you can run on an rpi or PC/VM.

 

[michty_me]

Do they all require a system with subscription for using or can they be configured via web browser?

 

[SupraWez]

Do they all require a system with subscription for using or can they be configured via web browser?

UniFi isn't subscription based, there is no ongoing monthly fee, the only caveat to that maybe the hosted controller after the free 3 years.

They are managed via a browser via the controller, you can also point a browser at the USG directly.

 

[michty_me]

UniFi isn't subscription based, there is no ongoing monthly fee, the only caveat to that maybe the hosted controller after the free 3 years.

They are managed via a browser via the controller, you can also point a browser at the USG directly.

Ok thanks. I was getting confused about requiring controllers and then the mentioning of subscriptions etc.

 

[Sin_Chase]

UniFi isn't subscription based, there is no ongoing monthly fee, the only caveat to that maybe the hosted controller after the free 3 years.

They are managed via a browser via the controller, you can also point a browser at the USG directly.

You still need a controller instance to use the controller itself. Be it Cloud Key (Local Hardware) , Host (Local Hardware) or in the Cloud (Online Ubiquiti Instance)

Running the controller software on your primary rig is a PITA, intrusive and requires it to be turned on 24/7 to really benefit.

The cloud key is a nice local solution.

The cloud based solution is still a subscription, irrespective of any free trial.

You can run without a controller but the UniFi Access Points will have VERY spartan configuration options. I've not setup a USG but I would envisage its a bit mire fleshed out configured directly without a controller.

The cloud key is a decent little USB/PoE powered single board computer running the controller software. For 50 quid I think it's the best option for a home setup. I guess if you qualify for a free cloud instance period you could always do that then, if it becomes paid, migrate to a local Cloud Key.

 

[michty_me]

You still need a controller instance to use the controller itself. Be it Cloud Key (Local Hardware) , Host (Local Hardware) or in the Cloud (Online Ubiquiti Instance)

Running the controller software on your primary rig is a PITA, intrusive and requires it to be turned on 24/7 to really benefit.

The cloud key is a nice local solution.

The cloud based solution is still a subscription, irrespective of any free trial.

You can run without a controller but the UniFi Access Points will have VERY spartan configuration options. I've not setup a USG but I would envisage its a bit mire fleshed out configured directly without a controller.

The cloud key is a decent little USB/PoE powered single board computer running the controller software. For 50 quid I think it's the best option for a home setup. I guess if you qualify for a free cloud instance period you could always do that then, if it becomes paid, migrate to a local Cloud Key.

Thanks for explaining it a bit more clearer. I think I've finally grapsed what you all have been trying to explain. It seems straight forward now.

I currently run Dslstats 24/7 from my PC but I think maybe cloud key could be the way to go especially for £50.

 

[WJA96]

We seem to be in classic OcUK mission creep mode again here.

As I understand it, all you actually want is a reliable router with decent Wi-fi that will not need rebooting more than once a year.

A BT Smart Hub will need rebooting once a month, tops. That’ll cost you £30 on eBay.

A Mikrotik hAP AC will need rebooting annually unless you upgrade the firmware. That’s about £130 in the UK.

Right now you’re looking at £105 for a USG, £115 for a US-8-60W, £75-125 for an Access Point and £70 for a UCK Cloud Key. That’s £365-£405 and you’ll need to mount the access point centrally on the ceiling on the top floor of the building to get the best out of it. Great if you’re committed. If you put the access point on a desk or bookcase, chances are it will give very poor performance compared to a BT Snart Hub or one of the better ASUS router/Access Point combination units.

If you REALLY want Unifi then great, the originally suggested EdgeRouter will do the same job for less money. The newly launched ER-10X will handle an incoming connection from your existing modem, up to 8 24V PoE devices (Unifi AP-AC-Lite, AP-AC-LR or AP-AC-Mesh will all run on 24V) and that will cost you £200 plus the access point so £275-£290 all in. And you still need to ceiling mount the access point.

As part of what I do I specify and supervise the installation of these sorts of systems and they are massive overkill for a home user. Where the Cloud Key really makes sense is if you want to install a network at your elderly parents house and monitor and operate it remotely. That’s a snap. If you go home every evening and you’re the sort of person who doesn’t want to update your networking components every 8-10 weeks when the new firmwares are released, then it’s just a £70 paperweight.

It’s lovely kit. It’s just a million miles from where you started this journey.

 

[michty_me]

We seem to be in classic OcUK mission creep mode again here.

As I understand it, all you actually want is a reliable router with decent Wi-fi that will not need rebooting more than once a year.

A BT Smart Hub will need rebooting once a month, tops. That’ll cost you £30 on eBay.

A Mikrotik hAP AC will need rebooting annually unless you upgrade the firmware. That’s about £130 in the UK.

Right now you’re looking at £105 for a USG, £115 for a US-8-60W, £75-125 for an Access Point and £70 for a UCK Cloud Key. That’s £365-£405 and you’ll need to mount the access point centrally on the ceiling on the top floor of the building to get the best out of it. Great if you’re committed. If you put the access point on a desk or bookcase, chances are it will give very poor performance compared to a BT Snart Hub or one of the better ASUS router/Access Point combination units.

If you REALLY want Unifi then great, the originally suggested EdgeRouter will do the same job for less money. The newly launched ER-10X will handle an incoming connection from your existing modem, up to 8 24V PoE devices (Unifi AP-AC-Lite, AP-AC-LR or AP-AC-Mesh will all run on 24V) and that will cost you £200 plus the access point so £275-£290 all in. And you still need to ceiling mount the access point.

As part of what I do I specify and supervise the installation of these sorts of systems and they are massive overkill for a home user. Where the Cloud Key really makes sense is if you want to install a network at your elderly parents house and monitor and operate it remotely. That’s a snap. If you go home every evening and you’re the sort of person who doesn’t want to update your networking components every 8-10 weeks when the new firmwares are released, then it’s just a £70 paperweight.

It’s lovely kit. It’s just a million miles from where you started this journey.

I totally understand what you are saying. I think that's why I said I wanted a reliable setup that would last a long time, hardly any reboots etc and I seem to be here now lol.
Truth be told, I've not had any issues with WiFi from the D7000. My issue with it is requiring rebooting every few weeks to prevent a lock up.

I could easily get away with a wireless router feeding an 8 port switch in a cupboard and be done with it.ive not long totalled up everything I need and I would be looking at around £400+ as you say for something that will handle a few wireless devices seeing as I'll be hard wiring the majority of everything else.