Router/setup for household with 50+ devices

Mixeh

Mixeh

Mixeh

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Joined
20 Aug 2007
Posts
96
Location
Cambridge
As the title says, we currently have over 50 devices leeching from an ASUS RT-AC66U that has until recently been coping quite well. Clients are a range of gaming pc's(4), iPads/tablets, phones, chromecats/firetv, a handful of rPi's, printers, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a decent router setup that isn't going to break the bank? I've been suggested the ASUS RT-AC5300 which, whilst appears to be spot on, is quite pricey.

Any suggestions out there?
 
Either:

1. Ubiquiti Edgerouter Lite + dedicated access point like a Ubiquiti Unifi AC AP Lite
2. Ubiquiti USG + above access point
3. An old PC with pfSense + above access point

Number 3 is the most flexible and if you have parts lying around probably the cheapest but requires the most network knowledge. Number 2 is the easiest if you have less network knowledge. There are also alternatives to pfSense that would also handle it like IPfire.
 
I have also recently replaced my ASUS RT-AC66U (it's for sale if anybody's interested ;) ). I went with solution 3 in BigT's list, but I'm running pfSense as a VM within my UnRaid server. PfSense is a bit of a learning experience but it is amazingly good. The Unifi access points are also excellent, I'm using the UAP-AC-LR and it's been perfect, strong signal throughout the house and out to the garage.
 
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I had the same router as you, and have soemthing like 50 devices like you.

I bought an Asus RT-AC3200 and kept the other one in AP mode (via a long flat ethernet cable) one at each end of the house. Works a treat.

Hope that helps.
 
Depending on what you're wanting to spend, I'd go Ubiquiti all the way. The USG isn't expensive and its excellent, the APs are simply brilliant, so if you want to buy only one thing make it that.
 
What is the deal with Ubiquiti? I've never seen them mentioned before and now reading through this forum, I can see them recommended everywhere.

Additionally, could anyone suggest a guide or something similar for implementing a solution using pfSense?

Cheers!
 
They've been around for a while, they've just become more popular recently. They provide good quality stuff at decent prices, which you can't really knock.
 
BigT said:
Either:

1. Ubiquiti Edgerouter Lite + dedicated access point like a Ubiquiti Unifi AC AP Lite
2. Ubiquiti USG + above access point
3. An old PC with pfSense + above access point

Number 3 is the most flexible and if you have parts lying around probably the cheapest but requires the most network knowledge. Number 2 is the easiest if you have less network knowledge. There are also alternatives to pfSense that would also handle it like IPfire.
Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with a Edgerouter X either it is a very capable Router and has some benefits over a Lite. And with as many wireless devices as he has i would maybe opt for a AP AC Pro.
 
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I stuck 3 Ubiquiti Access Points and a cloud key and it's absolutely faultless. I live in a 100 yr old semi and the walls are thick and in some places I've discovered traces of iron int he stone so my superhub made it through to the next room only. These AP's are something else!

When it's time I'll be swapping my switch and router over too
 
welshdragon said:
I stuck 3 Ubiquiti Access Points and a cloud key and it's absolutely faultless. I live in a 100 yr old semi and the walls are thick and in some places I've discovered traces of iron int he stone so my superhub made it through to the next room only. These AP's are something else!

When it's time I'll be swapping my switch and router over too
Click to expand...

If you're doing it for the functionality then fair enough, but you only need the USG for all the bubbles in the controller software to show up! ;)
 
not sure if you need for ubiquiti stuff as a pfsense router/firewall will handle all the routing and more. then the wireless router AC66U can be used as AP.

I am currently doing this setup. bought a tiny barebone box with dual lan for nothing much over £100, i got a set of ram for £10 and had a SSD so looking to load pfSense on it soon.

I think self build router/firewall offers much more flexibility than the ubiquiti stuff as the code is opensource and loads of developers are making modules for it.

If you have an old pc or parts that are lying around you probably just need a case and you can use that as well. and great thing about that is you can run VM on it and use the same machine to act as a server as well as a router and more...
 
pc-guy said:
I am currently doing this setup. bought a tiny barebone box with dual lan for nothing much over £100
Click to expand...

Can I ask what make/model of barebones box you got with dual LAN for £100? I'm struggling to find something suitable with dual LAN.
 
pc-guy said:
not sure if you need for ubiquiti stuff as a pfsense router/firewall will handle all the routing and more. then the wireless router AC66U can be used as AP.

I am currently doing this setup. bought a tiny barebone box with dual lan for nothing much over £100, i got a set of ram for £10 and had a SSD so looking to load pfSense on it soon.

I think self build router/firewall offers much more flexibility than the ubiquiti stuff as the code is opensource and loads of developers are making modules for it.

If you have an old pc or parts that are lying around you probably just need a case and you can use that as well. and great thing about that is you can run VM on it and use the same machine to act as a server as well as a router and more...
Click to expand...

Yeah but does he need the flexibility? A Edge Router X is £50, tiny and is a great little Router.
 
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