Idea for a network setup tailored to a small business.
Idea for a network setup tailored to a small business.
The company relocating this weekend means a big setup ahead. We need a strong Wi-Fi router and a 24-door switch for Ethernet options. With 28 people currently in the office, we should avoid overloading the network early on. Watch out for weak or outdated gear, and steer clear of products that don’t support modern connectivity standards. Let me know if you need more tips!
For a network switch I’d consider Netgear or Ubiquiti for a 24/48 port. Everyone advises steering clear of D-Link. I’m still unsure why. Using a single AP with many clients might not be ideal. Based on the room size, covering a mesh of 3 or 4 would likely be better.
Hi Mate, it seems a single router paired with two APs makes sense, plus a switch could work well. If your connection doesn’t end at Ethernet, you might need a modem that matches your internet type. I’ve used many Ubiquiti devices and they’re reliable for the price. When choosing Ubiquiti, think about getting a "Cloud Key" for management. Think about getting a POE switch too, so you won’t have to use extra power supplies for APs or future devices like phones or cameras. Here’s a quick idea: 1. UniFi CloudKey x1 2. UniFi AC Pro AP x2 3. Unifi Security Gateway (or Pro4 if you can afford it – having backup internet, even cellular, is ideal) 4. Managed PoE+ Gigabit Switch with SFP (higher wattage models likely not needed, e.g., US‑24‑250W or US‑48‑500W)
When considering the square Unifi Security Gateway (USG), keep in mind its performance limit of around 300 Megabits per second. For higher speeds, opt for the USG Pro 4 or a different router. If you're unsure about networking, pfsense is a good choice but may require more setup if you're not familiar with it.
You should choose the 48-port switch for your needs. The 24 ports only offer 1GbE SPF, which seems unnecessary unless you have a specific reason. If you need packet analysis, the USG can handle up to 80-90 Mbps, making the Pro 4 a better fit for faster connections. You can skip the cloud key if you run the controller software on your own server.
We put a lot of thought into the details, but since my boss went with what was available, we ended up getting a 24-port switch from TP-Link and an Ubiquiti AP. So far, the AP is performing well, thanks for your support—you all are great!