Requirement for assistance with Ubiquiti APs and network refresh.
Requirement for assistance with Ubiquiti APs and network refresh.
Happy holidays to everyone. I'm trying to decide what to purchase to improve the internet connection at my parents' place. I'm considering buying a modem and router ourselves for long-term savings. We currently use an Xfinity modem+router (Cisco DPC3941T), a 16-port switch, and three Unifi UAP-LR access points. Our speed is around 300Mbps upload, which is about 10-15Mbps. I'm curious if the ISP's hardware limits our potential. We're thinking of replacing the old desktop running as the mesh controller, but I'm unsure how that would affect things. Ideally, the new router should support and manage the Unifi mesh. Anyone have recommendations for a modem and router that would fit our setup? Thanks! TL;DR: Need Cisco DPC3941T modem+router with 3x Unifi UAP-LR APs, keep existing APs, remove old PC, aim for better upload speeds.
You might install your own modem (I asked my ISP to disable the router functions in my fiber modem/router combo, you could try that), use a solid router (a Unifi Security Gateway works well if you prefer full control via the Unifi interface), set up a cloud key and continue leveraging your three APs.
Consider retaining the Cisco modem or explore alternatives such as an Arris Surfboard. You might opt for a DOCSIS 3.1 device like the SURFboard SB8200, which supports older DOCSIS 3.0 standards. It would work well connected to a UDM (Unifi Dream Machine) as your router. This upgrade enhances their USG capabilities and adds built-in nanoHD AP and Cloudkey features. Continue using your UAP-LR units for additional coverage areas. Running the Unifi Controller isn't mandatory for daily operations, but it's essential for configuration updates. If you install a UDM, you can save its config, shut down the controller, and transfer the settings to the CloudKey on the UDM.
Cloud Key manages the Unifi Controller, allowing you to remove the separate controller from another machine. The UDM combines the USG, 4-port switch, nanoHD AP, and Cloud Key into one unit. It offers better performance for home use due to a faster processor than the standard USG, enabling full security features while maintaining 1Gbit speeds. If you purchase the USG alone, you'll still require a switch; consider adding a nanoHD or AC Lite for improved central speed, and keep a device to host the controller if continuous operation is desired. The UDM costs $350, whereas purchasing the components individually totals around $350 for just the USG, switch, and Cloud Key without extra APs.