Consider upgrading your home router network with Ubiquiti for better performance and security.
Consider upgrading your home router network with Ubiquiti for better performance and security.
We reside in an apartment in Ireland with Vodafone as our ISP. Our setup involves three routers, but the third one keeps losing its Wi-Fi configuration. Rather than purchasing another router from them, I’m considering buying a new one to replace it. Our relocation is planned for next year, so we intend to install security cameras inside the house. Currently, we need a solution that connects via cable between two PCs, one NAS, and a server. We’re looking at 5/6 GHz Wi-Fi for laptops, a printer, and multiple phones. A future-proof option would be Wi-Fi 7. Do you have any suggestions on how to begin with Ubiquiti or other alternatives?
Update: On September 8, 2025 we installed the Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Fiber Access Point U7 Pro XGB, UniFi 10G PoE++ Adapter (60W). I connected Wi-Fi on port 5 (10GbE) and WAN on port 1 (2.5GbE). Setup notes: PPPoE vlan ID 10, username vodafone, modem serial number (bottom), using @vfieftth.ie. Example: sn: [email protected], password: broadband.
From testing, the internal cabling changed little, though speeds felt a bit faster compared to wireless. Wi-Fi performance varied: laptops on 5GHz got 185 Mbps (103 Mbps/4ms); Ubiquiti devices achieved 272 Mbps (102 Mbps/45ms). On my S24U phone connected to Wi-Fi 7, speed matched the wired connection, resulting in a 9.66 Gbps download and 42 ms ping—still impressive.
I’ll need to update internal IP settings, but results remain consistent. Still, it’s worth considering the €686.22 investment, especially if my current setup fails frequently (as with four routers). Assuming stable Wi-Fi beyond weekly issues, I’d agree it’s a good move.
Edited September 8, 2025 – Leanora
Start by checking whether the ISP provides a router, modem, or a combined unit. The quickest clue is if the router links to a phone line, coax cable, or fiber from the ISP, which suggests a combo device. Next, consider the ISP's rules about third-party gear and the internet service type you're using.
Assuming you're using fiber (FTTP) with a separate Openreach modem, you should look for a router supporting PPPOE on the WAN port. You'll also need to obtain the PPPOE login credentials from Vodafone and set up the router accordingly.
Regarding gear, your budget sets the direction. A broad presence works well if you opt for their entire system, though it might increase expenses. Begin with a cloud gateway max and any access point that fits your needs, enabling future integration of multiple cameras and more adaptability. Remember, the cloud gateway also functions as your network video recorder. For a more affordable option, consider the Dream Router 7, but be aware it offers less flexibility and supports fewer cameras because video is saved on an SD card.
We should proceed with the cloud gateway Fiber+ u7 pro XG Later. In the future we can incorporate additional cameras, switches, doorbells, and doorhubs.
We finally got the installation done for the Cloud Gateway Fiber Access Point U7 Pro XGB UniFi 10G PoE++ Adapter (60W). I set up the Wi-Fi on port 5 (10GbE) and the WAN on port 1 (2.5GbE). The setup details included a PPPoE vlan ID of 10, the username "vodafone," and the modem serial number with the VFIEFTH.ie domain. I used the password "broadband." During testing, it didn’t seem to make much difference, but I switched to the internal cabling from the SIRA/ONT box afterward. I didn’t measure response time on the wired link, but performance felt better with slightly faster speeds. For Wi-Fi, using an average of four devices: a laptop on Wifi5 (Vodafone) achieved 185 Mbps over 103 Mbps in 4ms. On the phone (S24U), connecting to Wi-Fi7 gave 272 Mbps over 102 Mbps in 45ms. The 5G result was 9.66 download with a 42ms ping—still impressive. I still need to update internal IP settings, but the outcomes remain consistent. Overall, it was worth the €686.22 investment, especially since my home Wi-Fi usually drops on weekends.