Create a connection between devices or systems.
Create a connection between devices or systems.
Hello, I'm preparing a network refresh right now. Right now I'm using the ISP's modem/router package connected to a Netgear 24-port switch. Through that switch, a TP-Link Archer C7 access point is linked in. The setup plan is clear: I need to connect the ISP modem to my new router (I'm considering the UniFi Security Gateway Pro). From there, I'll run two SFP+ cables—one to the Netgear switch for all my PCs and servers, and another to a UniFi PoE switch. I plan to upgrade the access points to UniFi AP-PRO, with eight units. I've read they require a controller, but I'm not sure if the router already has that built in. Any advice or should I be missing something? Also, is this a feasible setup for managing all my Wi-Fi devices and users from one central point? Thanks!
You might take this path, but it would move your Wi-Fi onto another network from your wired setup. If that’s fine, then proceed. For purchasing two switches—one for wired non-PoE and one PoE—buying a partial PoE switch could be more economical, especially if you need to separate the networks with VLANs. I don’t see much further criticism here. You can still use cloud keys to manage APs, though there are likely better alternatives. Others will share their thoughts.
Your connection speed is likely decent, but it might be too much for your needs. You may not need a separate controller for the APS. The size of your area matters—AP-PRO is an older model, so an AP-AP-Pro would probably be better.
I align with other opinions on this topic. The controller for APs is usually very specialized or tied to a specific standard—not like a router managing IP traffic. It can push firmware-level adjustments for management and deploy custom images or configurations to each AP it oversees. For enterprise-grade APs, you need high-end hardware. With standalone APs, you can set things up individually via a web interface (or a utility from Ubiquity) compared to the more basic APs, which often come with premium features at a lower level. The main driver for thin-client APs is handling large numbers of devices or enforcing strict security policies, such as frequent updates like changing WiFi passwords.
I have a symmetric gigabit line, VOIP telephone and a handful of people who need access to a couple of servers. Also via a VPN connection. The problem is that I have a couple of HDMI to ehernet adapters attached to my network so some ports are constantly transmitting at 300 - 400 mbps The surface is around 250m x 100m
As discussed earlier, the router isn't the controller. The UniFi controller needs to be installed on a PC, phone, or Cloud Key—essentially a small computer. You don't have to run it continuously, but having the stats view is helpful. For the USG Pro, you might want to consider the Edgerouter 4. I previously owned a USG Pro but faced issues (unfortunately), so I returned it and purchased an Edgerouter 4 instead.
I have two surveillance servers, positioned at each side of the complex. To capture footage from all areas, we inserted a fiber optic cable between them, along with a small switch at both ends. Our HDMI feed from the recorder splits into two paths: one goes to a TV, the other to an HDMI-to-ethernet converter. This setup lets us transmit the HDMI signal across a 200m fiber link in both directions. We repeat this process on both sides. By connecting the switch at one end to the network, we can easily add another HDMI receiver and view the stream anywhere on the network. However, they use broadcast packages which introduce significant overhead that I need to manage.