EdgeRouter X or Normal Consumer Router?

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Oubadah

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#201646 28-Aug-2016 14:32

I need a new router capable of handling a 200/200 connection. I have a switch and access points, so I don't need those features in the router. The ER-X looks perfect on paper, but I'm concerned about the setup. I know very little about networking. I know it has wizards for the basic setup, but it's not clear to me whether a post-wizard ER-X is as secure as the average consumer router (eg. R7000) is out of the box.

Will the ER-X require any firewall configuration beyond the initial wizard to make it as secure as something like an R7000?

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#1618742 28-Aug-2016 15:42

An excellent choice!

I'm a recent convert to the ER-X - it's a great little 5-port router. (Previously I was using an EdgeRouter Lite and a switch).

Don't let its tiny size and no-frills looks fool you - the ER-X is not a toy.

It will handle a 200Mbps connection, but NOT a Gigabit UFB connection.

The whole point of the ER-X is to use it with a Ubiquiti wireless access point - eg a UAP-AC-Lite.

The 24V power injector that comes with the UAP can also power the ER-X - giving a very tidy installation.

(The ER-X comes with its own (optional) 12V power supply, if you don't want wireless.)

Setup is now relatively easy using the Wizards (but not as easy as a consumer device).

Watch these:

EdgeRouter X at Home - Quick review

Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X Unboxing and Setup

Enjoy!

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michaelmurfy

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#1618753 28-Aug-2016 16:02

I would recommend going for the Edgerouter Lite (which has hardware packet acceleration) for 200/200Mbit UFB. As for configuration the wizard does secure your device to allow nothing in but everything out (just like a general router). They do have a learning curve so be prepared to spend some time with setting it up and learning.

They're very good routers so would recommend them if you're prepared to learn.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
Referral Links: Quic Broadband (use R122101E7CV7Q for free setup)

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Oubadah

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Ultimate Geek

#1618813 28-Aug-2016 17:48

Sideface:

The whole point of the ER-X is to use it with a Ubiquiti wireless access point - eg a UAP-AC-Lite.

I was considering buying some of these new APs. Do you have any comments on lite vs LR vs Pro. It seems like there's less incentive to get the AC-Pro than there was to get the last gen Pro. People said that the last gen LR was a waste of time, but Ubiquiti seem to be saying that the AC-LR has a special antenna to try and improve communication in both directions (the argument I heard against the old LR was that a high power AP is useless if the client device's radio is too weak to match the range).

michaelmurfy:

I would recommend going for the Edgerouter Lite (which has hardware packet acceleration) for 200/200Mbit UFB. As for configuration the wizard does secure your device to allow nothing in but everything out (just like a general router). They do have a learning curve so be prepared to spend some time with setting it up and learning.

They're very good routers so would recommend them if you're prepared to learn.

Has the failing flash drive issue been addressed in newer ER-L units?

michaelmurfy

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#1618815 28-Aug-2016 17:51

michaelmurfy:

I would recommend going for the Edgerouter Lite (which has hardware packet acceleration) for 200/200Mbit UFB. As for configuration the wizard does secure your device to allow nothing in but everything out (just like a general router). They do have a learning curve so be prepared to spend some time with setting it up and learning.

They're very good routers so would recommend them if you're prepared to learn.

Has the failing flash drive issue been addressed in newer ER-L units?

Yes. I personally upgraded my flash drive to a 32gb Samsung drive (faster) however the current units have stable flash drives now.

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#1618829 28-Aug-2016 18:32

Oubadah:

Sideface: The whole point of the ER-X is to use it with a Ubiquiti wireless access point - eg a UAP-AC-Lite.

I was considering buying some of these new APs. Do you have any comments on lite vs LR vs Pro. ...

<snip>

A personal view:

I have tried all 3 UAPs with the ER-X, and with the ER-Lite. Always with (only) one UAP in the same location, in a cupboard in the centre of our wooden single-story house.

I found that the UAP-AC-Lite was enough. The LR worked better on low power, which defeated the purpose of having a long-range unit. The AC-Pro was total over-kill with only one UAP, and I have returned mine.

So after all that expensive-but-fun trial-and-error, I have "downgraded" to the cheapest Ubiquiti combination - the ER-X (plus a switch) and one UAP-AC-Lite.

A bit of a learning curve - consumer units are easier to use, but less fun.

Ubiquiti gear is not designed for consumers (unless they are geeks).

Disclaimer: Wireless performance can vary markedly between locations - what suits my house may not suit yours.

PS The EdgeRouter Lite is an excellent router, as pointed out by @michaelmurfy. The ER-X is smaller and cheaper. I like small and cheap.

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michaelmurfy

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#1618868 28-Aug-2016 20:46

@Sideface How have you found routing performance? I would be quite keen to try one of these as it sounds like they've had some improvements.

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#1618898 28-Aug-2016 21:31

michaelmurfy:

@Sideface How have you found routing performance? I would be quite keen to try one of these as it sounds like they've had some improvements.

I've been using the ER Lite for 2 years and the ER-X for 2 weeks.

I can't detect any difference in their routing performance (using the latest 1.90 firmware).

I bought the ER-X out of curiosity - not because I was unhappy with the ER Lite.

The ER-X is a fine minimalist router with good software.

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UHD

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#1619079 29-Aug-2016 12:51

I've been using my ER-X for a few months now and I think it is great. I'm able to saturate my link (200/200) when required and it won't even break a sweat.

Pretty good for a box the size of a pack of cards. Routing performance is excellent (on par with my olf pfSense box) and both are overkill for the type of traffic I usually generate at home but this little guy is so cheap and small I think it is a better option than any other consumer router. Set up can be a little confusing for newbies but search GZ or elsewhere via Google and you'll find resources.