Router featuring WAN failover, IPS/IDS protection, and both Smart and Simple QoS capabilities
Router featuring WAN failover, IPS/IDS protection, and both Smart and Simple QoS capabilities
Seeking a compact gigabit router meeting specific requirements. Needs two Ethernet WAN ports under 1Gbps with failover security features and QoS support. Must include active updates, avoid rackmount design, fit in a small storage unit, powered by a small UPS. Not building or buying old hardware. Desired additions: speed & usage analytics (e.g., Omada), USB 3 port, Windows 3x WAN support for multiple ISPs. Network setup includes two users with ~25 devices mainly smart home devices, plus a NAS for storage. Primary WAN: 5G home internet (<200 Mbps down, <10 Mbps up). Secondary WAN: DSL (<10 Mbps down, <1 Mbps up). Current hardware is Edgerouter-X with missing IPS/IPD and analytics. Wi-Fi coverage relies on four ASUS ZenMini AX APs in AP mode; three via Ethernet powered by UPS for the router, one via TP-Link AP’s wired gateway. Some options lack clear simple QoS features unless documentation is vague. Please suggest alternatives.
You’re already using the Unifi platform. Consider upgrading to a device like the Cloud Gateway Max—it’s designed to handle your requirements and offers more storage options. Your future NAS plan should address the USB limitation. Note: I don’t have clear info on your WiFi access points or router-x setup.
I only have the ER-X model, so I considered alternatives that aren’t unified. There are advantages to the pricier Max compared to the budget Ultra, aside from the licensing needs for a security system and similar services. At this stage, you don’t need additional APs.
High IDS/IPS speed of 2.3 Gbps on WAN/LAN ports is supported, all video ports run at 2.5 Gbps. Video features are not included, so the extra bandwidth might not be useful for your internet use. It could still help with NAS file transfers if needed. I missed mentioning your APs earlier.
If my NAS could handle 2.5 Gbps, it wouldn't be an issue. Actually, HDDs usually don't reach 1 Gbps because most backup files are small. I'm using a Synology NAS that needs resetting or cleaning—it's probably too cluttered to work optimally. Appreciate the advice!
Absolutely! You’re on the right track with your upgrade plans. I’ll note that current spinning drives can approach nearly 2.5 Gbps speeds. On my end, I achieve transfer rates of around 285 MB/s between devices using SSDs, while HDD to HDD transfers max out at about 225 MB/s. That’s significantly higher than a 1 Gbps connection. Still, it does add up to a substantial investment for a Synology upgrade.
I chose the Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Ultra because it offers 2.5 gbps downstream, which would cost around $400—worthless for my personal backup needs at home and another room. A 2.5 gbps switch in my office could run my PC and NAS; normally it’s over $100 even without management, but a TP Link model is on sale for $70 right now. I have three MoCA adapters supporting 2.5 gbps, one for the office, another for a second room, and possibly one for the router area. I suspect only one fits that spec. Upgrading to a switch might be cheaper than buying new adapters, which could run $100 or more each. Switching to Ethernet would save money but would require rewiring coax with my own effort or hiring an installer—costly. The Cloud Gateway Max is about $100 more expensive than the Ultra. I recently bought a 4TB WD Red Plus drive and don’t remember any drives near 312 MBps sequential speed (2.5 gbps / 8). Are you talking about high-end or enterprise storage? Most of my backups are photos and music, so file transfers would be slower and less reliable than expected, especially under higher loads.
I think the Plus model operates at 5400 rpm. WD claims a speed of 180 MBps. I bought used drives for my NAS, including enterprise models from Seagate and WD. You're right, smaller files won't keep up with those rates. Mostly I move big files—20 to 50 GB each—and they always transfer at full capacity. One drive is over 90% full and it can't handle that anymore. The ones around 50% used still work fine. Great pick for the UCG Ultra!