Upgrade your home network for better performance and security.
Upgrade your home network for better performance and security.
Good evening everyone, I'm currently exploring options to enhance my home network setup. My setup includes an ASUS RT-AX86U, which works well except for limited Wi-Fi coverage and some connectivity hiccups with my Samsung Q80T TV—turning it off often requires restarting the router. I have a PC/server and NAS all equipped with 2.5GB Ethernet ports, along with several Wi-Fi 6 devices that currently use a 1GB connection. Looking ahead, I plan to add more PoE CCTV cameras. After researching, I'm considering the Dream Machine Pro USW-16-POE but have mixed feedback. I'm concerned about its long-term viability given the expected faster internet in the next five years and the limited port speeds (only 1GB with no 2.5GB Ethernet). Is there a more cost-effective alternative I can explore?
Yes, it's possible. You can assemble your own pfSense setup or buy a firewall device that works with pfSense and supports multiple gigE ports. This approach lets you upgrade NICs and other parts as required. It offers a good mix of affordability and flexibility. You can still use Ubiquiti/UniFi gear alongside a pfSense firewall. In fact, pfSense may have more advanced features than the UniFi Controller for complex configurations. Some smart TVs only connect to Wi-Fi within specific channels. Restarting your router can automatically pick a new channel for the TV to join. However, this detail isn't always listed in the manual—you'll need to try and note which channels function. Also, verify that your TV's wireless security and encryption support the network settings you're using. I've encountered older Samsung TVs that couldn't connect to WPA2-only networks; I had to switch them to WPA/WPA2 for compatibility.
Thanks for your response, Falcon. PFSense is indeed frequently discussed in my studies. Regarding your additional point, I should note that you also manage a game server hosted remotely.