Goto router and access points

cstech

cstech

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My position and overall business has recently changed to more of systems integration than just repair. However my networking knowledge is one of the biggest thing being "pushed". I am looking for your thoughts on goto brands for routers and access points. My typical customer is the larger homes for the residential market as well a new home builds. Most of these customers are wanting home control and automation, security cameras, integrated sound systems, and other networked items. To set all this up takes a quality router and consistent wireless networking. They also want to not have extenders and such all around the house as most of them start out with the router/modem provided by the ISPS. We are using sonos, Yamaha and a couple other network receivers and other brands for home automation. I have installed Ubiquiti's edge router lite and the 5 port with POE in combination with the UAP-LR as access points. Some of these homes have two of the long range unifies and are still getting dead spots because of building material. I have looked at open-mesh APs but haven't end tried any yet. Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Oh have a new client I will be updating their VPN a as their old cisco firewall only supports 4.5mbs throughput. Looking at either the edgerouter lite or the UniFi USG. They will be upgrading their VoIP phones in the near future as well. Suggestions?
 
I'd still stay with Ubiquiti for APs....for areas of difficult coverage...you want higher density (more APs), lower range standard models, not LR models. And if you setup your own cloud controller, you can easily manage all of your clients from one central location.

For just basic routers, we used to use the Linksys/Cisco RV series, but we're enjoying the newer Linksys LRT model for basic deployments now. Although looking forward to getting into Ubiquitis new gateway when it matures a bit more..as it would be nice to have a uniform platform (APs and router).
 
I personally have been using Asus RT-AC68U routers lately. Tons of features, very fast, no issues. I have installed multiple in AP mode in large residential homes with excellent coverage. Router has a bunch of advanced features like Roaming Assistant and TX power adjustment. Also has USB 3.0.

The Asus RT routers get excellent reviews. I stopped using Linksys for Asus a few years ago and have never had one die. Cant say the same for the Linksys.
 
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I've been testing the Unifi product line and am enjoying it. The controller is slick...although some aspects are not as intuitive as I like...still filtering through the options on it though. Can't get the Windows discovery tool to work but the Mac works fine...YMMV as others have no problems with the windows tool.

I am also looking to evaluate the USG...maybe I'll purchase this upcoming month. I also feel that it needs to mature but might just test it for kicks.

As stone said, more APs, less range...basically you want small overlap...try to use a WiFi heat map tool (think android has an app that really good for like $50...forget the name but my friend developed it...let me know if you want the name and I'll get it from him) I'm testing the Zero-handoff this upcoming week so hopefully all that works out proper.
 
I am defiantly interested in any wireless testing utilities. The problem I am having right now is in the design side of things. A lot of houses we are going into are extremely difficult to get wire run as they are older houses and there are not many ways to get cable around. I know doing a wireless uplink is not ideal but I am having to do this in some places to just get coverage. Also with some of the building materials in the houses it makes it difficult to "guess" as to numbers without getting them in place then seeing what all they cover. I am starting to carry a really long cat5 cable so i can lay it out around corners and such and a couple APs so I can just plug them in and walk around. Is there a better way of doing this other than just doing it a bunch of times and getting a "feel" for how your brand devices are going to cover?
 
Utilize "mesh"...Ubiquitis can do it. Just don't over-utilize it. I do a "1x wireless hop to only 1x AP rule"...won't go more than 1x hop (since each hop by each AP cuts bandwidth in 1/2).

Also in situations where running a CAT home run isn't practical...see if you can employ powerline or coax bridges. Utilize some form of already existing copper.
 
Ubiquiti's APs have been awesome. But I've also been utilizing MikroTik just as much (if not more). I've done several networks where the whole backbone is MikroTik, to include the APs. I have to say, it is awesome. You can even incorporate an untangle as the edge, firewall and router, and then have a MikroTik router ONLY act as the VLAN controller, AP controller, and traffic shaper/manipulator. Typically my APs are actually a MikroTik 911 (without enclosure) mounted inside an SBX-Inspot RF (for indoor solutions). The device receives power via POE. The AP controller, that sits in the same enclosure, is a 951G that is also powered via POE. If you go the MikroTik route, I really suggest using 951G with ATLEAST 128MB of RAM. You only have to fully configure the 951G with everything, and then tell the 911's that the 951 is the master AP and they will pull all the rules they need from the 951. With the new cAP2 from MikroTik coming out, to be honest, I might end up dropping the 911's and just using the cAP2. Don't know, still hasn't hit the shelves, but I've pre-ordered 5 of them.
 
Any recent model suggestions for APs? For residential (granny units)? Would really prefer a model that has AP mode you can set and walk away. I usually do TP-Link but from what I'm seeing so far they don't seem like the best choice.
 
Old thread, our uses have changed.
Router: For businesses we strongly push UTMs, and that's Untangle. For budget clients, Ubiquiti Unifi gateways......we used to use EdgeRouters more as the Unifis back a few years ago lacked some features, but the Unifi controller has matured quite a bit so we usually do all Unifi now.
For residential: Amplifi...combo wireless router/MESH wireless system.
 
Unifi APs and security gateways for residential and budget small business.

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk
 
I stay away from retail stuff these days. The main reason is it's been obvious that the manufacturers do not keep up with the threat spectrum. I'll push the Amplifi system for now as I'm hoping that because they are Ubiquiti that the hardware is the same as their commercial stuff so the updates will follow.
 
I mean if you want to go super high end go Aruba networks.

Mimosa also makes some nice gear.

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk
 
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