Top router/AP options for a unified network setup.
Top router/AP options for a unified network setup.
Hey there. I'm seeking some guidance on the right products for my setup. I've been getting recommendations for Unifi, which has a solid reputation, but there are some concerns and questions I need to address before making a decision. With only about an hour and a half to decide, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
What I've been exploring over the past year and a half includes smart home IoT devices like the ring doorbell, smart plugs, smart lights, robot vacuums, Echos, and more. However, I haven't fully optimized my network for this kind of setup. My main worries are ensuring the network can support these devices and preventing my doorbell or smart plugs from going offline occasionally. With 15-25 2.4GHz devices, my router struggles to keep up, and even the ASUS 86U gaming model didn't quite work as expected—possibly due to a 2.4 band limitation. The range isn't a big issue since my home is only one floor and spans three rooms, though I'm renting so I can't install an AP myself.
Some suggestions have pointed me toward Ubiquiti's Unifi products, which seem promising given my background in consumer electronics. I'm curious if they're better suited for this situation because of their hardware quality. Others have suggested using multiple APs to ease the load from the 2.4GHz devices, which brings up more questions for me.
Specifically, I'm wondering: Should I go with the LR or PRO AP? I've heard the LR offers better 2.4GHz connectivity, while the PRO is faster on the 5GHz band (with around 5-10 devices) and has a 3x3 configuration for both bands. Would it be worth investing in the USG or Edge Router along with a switch? I'm considering using a non-POE gigabit switch connected to my current ISP router, possibly placing the APs inside it. If that's not feasible, would a USG with a gigabit switch be the better choice?
I'm also thinking about adding an injector to protect my devices from power loss, especially since I'm new to this setup. I'm not sure if multiple APs would help reduce connectivity problems, even though range isn't the main concern here.
Lastly, I'm curious about connecting an external HD stream to the network so it's accessible from any device. Any thoughts on this? Thanks in advance for your help!
The nearby shops are preparing a "Cyber Monday" discount soon, and I'm trying to act fast. Anyone have any help?
It hinges on whether you prefer a ready-to-use product or something you can customize. If you need a straightforward solution, consider Netgear Orbi or Google WiFi. I assisted a friend with Eero setup, and it was remarkably simple—almost effortless for me. For those wanting a build-your-own system, choosing what to purchase can be challenging. That’s why much of the excitement comes from defining your requirements clearly. If you’re comfortable with that, a PFSense router on an older but reliable PC paired with a Netgear PoE switch running Ubiquiti access points is ideal. It may cost more, but you can adjust configurations to save money.