F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks MikroTik offers a practical alternative to UniFI.

MikroTik offers a practical alternative to UniFI.

MikroTik offers a practical alternative to UniFI.

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shmorgysporg
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01-10-2021, 03:00 PM
#1
Hello everyone, I've been running a small IT shop for about a year and a half. I began using UniFI Dream Machine Pro and the more I use it, the more I notice inaccuracies in the UniFi console. I'm also attracted to its all-in-one approach, but now that my networking skills improve, I'm becoming frustrated with software bugs, weak community support, and a prosumer mindset in product releases. I'm considering switching before committing to more purchases. I don't want to pay high licensing fees for Meraki and similar services. I recall watching Linus's video about the MikroTik 10g switch and have started researching them further. Someone with more experience should advise me on whether I'm on the right path. Is UniFI really necessary? I'm planning a network upgrade at home and might install the first new brand setup to learn and teach myself. Thoughts? -Morgan
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S
shmorgysporg
01-10-2021, 03:00 PM #1

Hello everyone, I've been running a small IT shop for about a year and a half. I began using UniFI Dream Machine Pro and the more I use it, the more I notice inaccuracies in the UniFi console. I'm also attracted to its all-in-one approach, but now that my networking skills improve, I'm becoming frustrated with software bugs, weak community support, and a prosumer mindset in product releases. I'm considering switching before committing to more purchases. I don't want to pay high licensing fees for Meraki and similar services. I recall watching Linus's video about the MikroTik 10g switch and have started researching them further. Someone with more experience should advise me on whether I'm on the right path. Is UniFI really necessary? I'm planning a network upgrade at home and might install the first new brand setup to learn and teach myself. Thoughts? -Morgan

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C2U_
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01-10-2021, 07:54 PM
#2
It varies based on your needs and the scenarios you face. Mikrotik can handle routing and switching effectively, especially within the CRS3xx range or compatible CSS solutions. Regarding advanced firewall capabilities, it doesn’t include next-generation features like IDS/IPS or geolocation out of the box—though third-party options exist. For APs, they support older models without WiFi 6. When it comes to management systems, Mikrotik lacks a direct competitor to Unifi, though CAPsMan offers some alternatives. I’m familiar with many products from both brands and other vendors. No single provider covers all aspects—firewall, routing, switching, and wireless seamlessly. Unifi attempts this but often delivers mediocre results with limited support. For prosumers or small businesses, I suggest exploring options like Untangle for firewall/router needs, Mikrotik switches and APs, and PFSense or OPNSense for routing. Router choices include Mikrotik, PFSense, OPNSense, and Unifi devices. If you prefer a unified platform, consider mixing and matching solutions rather than relying on one vendor.
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C2U_
01-10-2021, 07:54 PM #2

It varies based on your needs and the scenarios you face. Mikrotik can handle routing and switching effectively, especially within the CRS3xx range or compatible CSS solutions. Regarding advanced firewall capabilities, it doesn’t include next-generation features like IDS/IPS or geolocation out of the box—though third-party options exist. For APs, they support older models without WiFi 6. When it comes to management systems, Mikrotik lacks a direct competitor to Unifi, though CAPsMan offers some alternatives. I’m familiar with many products from both brands and other vendors. No single provider covers all aspects—firewall, routing, switching, and wireless seamlessly. Unifi attempts this but often delivers mediocre results with limited support. For prosumers or small businesses, I suggest exploring options like Untangle for firewall/router needs, Mikrotik switches and APs, and PFSense or OPNSense for routing. Router choices include Mikrotik, PFSense, OPNSense, and Unifi devices. If you prefer a unified platform, consider mixing and matching solutions rather than relying on one vendor.

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