3 ms·

I think all of these consumer-grade routers kind of suck. A WiFi access point, a cheap unmanaged L2 switch, and any random cheap x86 machine as a router will wo

I think all of these consumer-grade routers kind of suck. A WiFi access point, a cheap unmanaged L2 switch, and any random cheap x86 machine as a router will work miles better and give you infinitely more flexibility. You can run OpenWRT on x86 if you want, or use OPNSense, or just run Linux or FreeBSD yourself if you want to get your hands dirty and configure it yourself.

xoa 3y ago
Agreed, though worth adding that basic managed switches are so cheap at this point as well, even new let alone used, that probably worth it. Brand new, a basic Omada 8 port gigabit switch starts at $70. Having 4 of those ports be PoE+ is only another $20. UniFi is similar, or Mikrotik for less, and of course can find tons of used stuff that is still fine at bargain prices. An entry level WiFi 5 WAP is $60 or WiFi 6 $100 (again, new). For the HN crowd it'd probably be worth shelling out to be able to have 8+ SSIDs, VLAN support, etc. If you use their routing too can have a single pane of glass for it all, or separate out routing/firewall/services from the rest. I run OPNsense on x86 for my routing and then Omada or UniFi for switching/WiFi and it's definitely nice. While it's somewhat more effort to setup, solid network infrastructure proves very handy over and over for both experiments and self hosting, smart home security etc. In aesthetics as well honestly since dedicated PoE WAPs also just plain look better, no visible antennas just smooth plastic disks (that you can then paint or put decals on to make them blend right into a wall or ceiling) with a single easy-to-hide cable. In houses, coverage can be far better optimized, WAP(s) can go exactly where they need to.
- WirelessGigabit 3y ago
  If UniFi would spend just a little bit more time on getting advanced features out there they would be an amazing product.
  - xoa 3y ago
    Well yeah, though not just "advanced features" but also "basic maintenance and polish of existing features". That's why I moved routing and such to OPNsense and switched a couple hundred switches/WAPs out for Omada kit instead. However in Ubiquiti's defense, and while they've been a total dumpster fire, there have actually been some belated positive moves after years of stagnation except for UI bikeshedding the last few releases. It's finally moved to more modern Java and Mongo for example, and implemented at least basic PPSKs. Granted the latter seems buggy as hell and they've just had a critical security vulnerability. But even so mildly positive signs, maybe they've started to get some of their house in order. I'd be delighted if so, it'd be nice to have two decent local only SMB-tier networking options.

xoa 3y ago

Agreed, though worth adding that basic managed switches are so cheap at this point as well, even new let alone used, that probably worth it. Brand new, a basic Omada 8 port gigabit switch starts at $70. Having 4 of those ports be PoE+ is only another $20. UniFi is similar, or Mikrotik for less, and of course can find tons of used stuff that is still fine at bargain prices. An entry level WiFi 5 WAP is $60 or WiFi 6 $100 (again, new). For the HN crowd it'd probably be worth shelling out to be able to have 8+ SSIDs, VLAN support, etc. If you use their routing too can have a single pane of glass for it all, or separate out routing/firewall/services from the rest. I run OPNsense on x86 for my routing and then Omada or UniFi for switching/WiFi and it's definitely nice. While it's somewhat more effort to setup, solid network infrastructure proves very handy over and over for both experiments and self hosting, smart home security etc. In aesthetics as well honestly since dedicated PoE WAPs also just plain look better, no visible antennas just smooth plastic disks (that you can then paint or put decals on to make them blend right into a wall or ceiling) with a single easy-to-hide cable. In houses, coverage can be far better optimized, WAP(s) can go exactly where they need to.

WirelessGigabit 3y ago
If UniFi would spend just a little bit more time on getting advanced features out there they would be an amazing product.
- xoa 3y ago
  Well yeah, though not just "advanced features" but also "basic maintenance and polish of existing features". That's why I moved routing and such to OPNsense and switched a couple hundred switches/WAPs out for Omada kit instead. However in Ubiquiti's defense, and while they've been a total dumpster fire, there have actually been some belated positive moves after years of stagnation except for UI bikeshedding the last few releases. It's finally moved to more modern Java and Mongo for example, and implemented at least basic PPSKs. Granted the latter seems buggy as hell and they've just had a critical security vulnerability. But even so mildly positive signs, maybe they've started to get some of their house in order. I'd be delighted if so, it'd be nice to have two decent local only SMB-tier networking options.