Dream Machine Pro or OPNsense are networking solutions designed for advanced security and automation.
Dream Machine Pro or OPNsense are networking solutions designed for advanced security and automation.
Hello everyone, recently my Netgear RAX80 has been losing connection to the CM2000 modem. After checking, it seems the RAX80 might be failing. I’m deciding to stick with the CM2000 modem. Regarding your question about network solutions, I’m considering Dream Machine Pro or OPNsense/pfSense boxes. The latter would be my familiar setup with a 4790, 16GB RAM, and M.2 slot. I’ll likely need a couple of Infinity NICs, but otherwise it should work fine. For Wi-Fi, that’s another issue altogether. I’m not very handy with networks, so once everything is in place I probably won’t remember much about it. I currently have 23 devices connected via Wi-Fi and LAN. My home lab includes a Cisco 28 port PoE switch, two servers, and an UPS. I also plan to install around 5 to 10 IP cameras. The house is about 1700 square feet. Edited April 25, 2023 by MaddHatter
Good morning, OPNsense seems more complicated and takes longer to configure and maintain, but it offers greater flexibility. With Ubiquiti you get a smoother launch and simpler upkeep. For speeds above 1gbps, use SPF between Dream Machine and a switch with higher port speeds. If you’re planning 5-10 cameras, consider Ubiquiti options as well—they let you combine network and security on one platform, saving time for maintenance. Just a few years ago I upgraded our office network; it worked well for a long time. Between Ubiquiti and Cisco Meraki we mostly stayed with the latter, though it’s costly. Cisco Meraki is top-notch but pricey, so Ubiquiti was the better fit. Initially I had 1 Dream Machine Pro SE, 4 USW Agg, 48 PoE switches, 10 U6 Enterprise units. We have around 60 employees spread across two floors, with many small offices, over 100-150 devices connected via Wi-Fi and about 100 via cable. Some areas overlap with another company. Based on my experience, I could have cut the number of access points, but I’m happy with 2.5gbps PoE+, 10gbps SPF across all devices, and Wi-Fi 6E. In summary, go with Ubiquiti—you won’t be disappointed.
Whatever choice you make, decide whether you need more than Gigabit Internet. Your modem can handle at least 2.5 Gbps down. Comcast has said 2 Gbps downloads are coming soon. Besides that, many providers currently offer 1.2 to 1.4 Gbps speeds. For faster internet, you’ll likely need 2.5 Gbps Ethernet support.
Running both versions in various places shows what fits your needs. Opensense or pfSense offers full network management and all features you might want. The Dream machine pro stands out for its straightforward setup and ease of use. Its camera function is solid, and I appreciate being able to manage all devices through a single interface. If you choose the Ubiquiti path, go for the UDM Pro SE instead of the pro. The quicker wan ports and PoE capabilities justify the higher cost. The dream wall looks good but isn’t justified by its $1,000 price.