Upgrade your home network for better performance and security.
Upgrade your home network for better performance and security.
Hello, you're evaluating a network upgrade from a TP-Link router to a higher-capacity solution. You're considering the UniFi U6 Enterprise with a 4-port switch, which should support your current setup and future plans for PoE devices. The router offers 1Gbps speeds and fits within your budget of around $300 USD. It seems well-suited for your household size and device count, especially given your need for multiple Wi-Fi streams, parental controls, and the ability to add more devices later. While it's a bit pricier than older models, its features align with your requirements and the capabilities you've seen in Ubiquiti products. If you're open to alternatives, look into options with similar port speeds and PoE support at comparable prices.
You mentioned the U6E is essentially an AP and not a router, so you'll still need a router. Could you share your plans for using it? What’s your home setup like—single floor, two stories, basement? How much space does it cover? I remember running two U6E APs in my house, and it was around 1100 sqft, which is a bit more than necessary. What location are you considering for them? Ideally ceiling-mounted is best, though wall mounting is also possible; ceiling mounts are recommended. It wouldn’t be ideal to keep them on a table like a regular router, even if some people do it.
They can connect straight to a switch, but the router must reach the internet. My configuration is APs → Switch → Opnsense Firewall (Router) → Internet. To be honest, they’re talking about banning TP Link gear recently. If that’s your goal, I’m not familiar with it. I don’t know much about consumer devices displaying device numbers—those are usually on APs.
Would the flex mini function as a router? Currently I only have three wired devices, with one being an AP. Recent research suggests it might not be ideal right now. I’m thinking about needing a server to run the software, then connecting a switch and AP for operation. Running it from my desktop could add extra strain. Perhaps later I’ll consider building a server/nas style setup. It looks like I’ve found some guidance. While I’d love to enter that market, it’s a significant investment. The NETGEAR Nighthawk Tri-Band WiFi 7 Router Show 100 fits my needs well—it supports up to 2500 sqft, has two 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, Wi-Fi 7, and comes with two 2.5Gbps ports. It seems quite modern for a home setup. Thanks for the assistance; it really helped clarify things.
Not enough power over Ethernet to operate an AP either. Checking the specifications of the U6E shows it needs 0.5A, but the mini switch only provides 0.05A. You can run router or firewall software in a VM, but I think a dedicated device would be better. POE injectors exist for powering APs, which is what I did with my original setup. However, the U6E uses a 2.5G connection, and such injectors are rare (almost nonexistent). That’s why I switched to a POE switch instead of injectors. Many people use cheap mini PCs on Amazon or AliExpress, but you should prioritize devices with Intel network hardware for compatibility with solutions like pfSense or OpenNMS. This path still requires an AP and a switch, plus some learning. It’s not as straightforward as just purchasing a router. I’m not the expert on router matters anymore. My home network uses Netgear switches, which are generally reliable. That seems like a much easier option for you.
Absolutely agree on the updates. It’s a common scene when 8 kids complain about the internet not working. I might consider getting some older models later to try them out. I’m pretty comfortable with technology, though I haven’t really worked much on the server side. There’s plenty of desktop support available.
You can also run on any PC with at least two network connections. Some users prefer larger systems like SFF Dell, HP, Lenovo models. The compact devices linked are mainly chosen for power efficiency and compactness. Another point to note is that BSD-based solutions like PFSense and OPNsense don’t support all network cards, which is why I emphasize Intel options. Not every Intel card works, but chances are good with the right setup. With RealTek it’s unclear—some drivers exist but reliability isn’t guaranteed. I’m currently using an Intel NUC with dual network interfaces.
I’m happy I reached out earlier. My investigation shows most people don’t cover everything required for success. It looks good overall, though it does require effort.
I’d purchase the Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Max and a U7 Pro access point, plus a POE injector. This configuration supports up to 2.5GB from the wide area network to the access point. After taxes and shipping, the total comes around $400, which could slightly affect your budget.