Top choice for a two-story townhouse...
Top choice for a two-story townhouse...
I recently moved into a new two-story townhouse with the cable drop at one corner. I’m considering installing a router in a central spot and have a big budget. I’m curious if Ubiquiti devices are worth the buzz. I was thinking about a ceiling-mounted model on the first floor to boost coverage on the second floor—would that make a difference? Thanks for your help!
I believe Ubiquiti products often have issues. Their release strategy seems rushed; they tend to launch before everything is perfect, then address complaints after they arise. While some users enjoy Ubiquiti’s UniFi lineup, this is just one view. Personally, I prefer Aruba Instant On, a brand under Aruba Networks and formerly part of HPE. Starting simple with an Aruba Instant On PoE switch paired with an AP works well for basic needs. It lacks advanced features like L2 switching or QOS, but those are usually reserved for larger setups. They do seem to follow a “it functions” approach, which can be practical in certain situations. If you’re okay with that, a Nighthawk router is another straightforward option.
I began buying Ubiquiti equipment around a year ago, and it has proven to be quite effective. The items are built to last and function consistently each day. I feel a bit let down by my phone's difficulty in changing bands in areas with weak 6 GHz signals, such as my front and back yards. I suspect this issue lies with the network hardware itself. The software setup is satisfactory, and there’s plenty of support and tutorials available on YouTube. It’s wise to carefully consider your requirements before joining the ecosystem. Think about whether the smaller "shelf" models—typically white in color—will meet your needs. You can easily connect using a gateway, POE switch, and two WiFi7 access points for roughly $1,000. However, I chose to dive deeper into the system and opted for cameras instead. I purchased the UDM SE and am completely satisfied. It’s an all-in-one device priced at $500, though you’ll still need additional APs to reach around $1,000 to start. The key advantage of a Ubiquiti setup over a standard router is the physical customization. My home offers 6 GHz coverage with 6E speeds throughout every room and floor. Even a well-placed Nighthawk would eventually hit 2.4 GHz. Switching to a mesh router isn’t the same—multiple APs let devices move freely between them. If you’re unsure whether this is necessary for a home setup, yes—it is. However, I appreciate the control over VLANs, the single WiFi broadcast, and the ability to segment users by password. The security features are impressive, with traffic blocked from or to specific countries. It’s definitely an investment. Proceed only if you’re prepared to invest significant time in learning initially. You can get everything set up quickly, in 15–20 minutes, but fine-tuning will take longer if you prefer hands-on adjustments.
I haven't noticed it before on my old ASUS devices. I wasn't aware it was widespread.
Asus typically lack many features... I often ran out of RAM and didn’t have VLAN support (though I thought that was the most basic thing). I could even restrict certain IP addresses, not just countries—my current motherboard seems capable too. They now appear to hide most IPs in online games. P.S.: I’ll likely stick with my current board forever; it’s sleek and black is much better than their usual gray/red. It also has everything else, though the range isn’t great—you’d probably need another AP for a large house. But I don’t use Wi-Fi or Ethernet.)
You're looking at setting up a PoE network using a cloud gateway max. The idea of injecting PoE into an access point like a TP-Link is possible, but you should verify compatibility with your specific hardware. Using PoE switches from brands such as Netgear or Cisco can work well if they support the same PoE standards. With your 1 Gbps service and a 2.5 Gb port, keeping everything in the 2.5 Gb range could help maintain performance and reduce latency. For coverage across your townhouse (about 600 ft per floor), a single AP or a few strategically placed ones might suffice depending on the environment. The U7-pro or U7-pro-max are solid options, but ensure they meet your power and distance requirements. Always check the documentation for your devices to confirm compatibility and optimal placement.