IT infra for new build... router, switch, APs and cameras...

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › IT infra for new build... router, switch, APs and cameras...

SumnerBoy

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#285800 18-May-2021 16:36

Hey all,

I am in the planning stages of a new build and am thinking about my IT/LAN infra.

I was all but set on a full Ubiquity setup - UDM Pro, USW-24-POE, 3xUAP-AC-Lites, 3xG4-Bullet-4MPs. This would give me pretty much the whole setup in 2U of rack space.

However I keep reading about how people are no longer happy with Ubiquity, mainly software related concerns, but also their botched handling of the recent hack. And the fact Unifi Protect requires cloud login (although I think this has been reverted now?).

I have been running my own Unifi Controller for years, with a USG, non-POE switch + UAP-AC-Lites. I have to admit I think the Unifi Controller software is not as stable as it once was, and I have noticed a few little oddities with the UAPs after firmware upgrades etc. Nothing I can really put my finger on but just not the same rock solid behaviour.

Just wondering what you would all recommend if you had a clean slate for a new build? Considering I want LAN, WLAN, POE, and an NVR.

The thought of having everything configured thru a single pane of glass and only requiring 2U still appeals but I thought I better ask here for alternatives or suggestions!

Thanks,

Ben

Dynamic

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#2709114 18-May-2021 17:21

The hack handling was embarrassing for them, but the gear is still solid and IMHO works really well for an above-average home. I'd stick with it Ubiquiti.

I really like the in-wall access points. Have a quick look at these if you have not already done so.

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SumnerBoy

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#2709174 18-May-2021 19:09

Thanks, I am still leaning that way to be fair, especially if there isn't a better option out there.

I know there are cheaper options but the tight integration and is hard to go past.

Mehrts

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#2709306 18-May-2021 20:44

Ubiquiti is fine for home use/light commercial, but just like with any firmware updates for anything in general, don't instantly jump on the latest version and think it's going to be fine.

Wait a wee while and keep up with the Ubiquiti forum chats to see who's experiencing issues, and how they've resolved them. I've only had a couple of minor niggles with firmware updates, and if all else fails, simply roll back to a previous version.

I think a lot of people are forgetting that Ubiquiti is a much cheaper networking brand than any of the other major players, and as such the support level is not the same, however what they offer is pretty decent in my opinion. I wouldn't want to use it for very large or complex networks though.

You'll also only tend to hear negative views, or people asking why something isn't working. Most people stay quiet if something is working well.

My 2c.

SumnerBoy

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#2709307 18-May-2021 20:48

Appreciate your thoughts. I am certainly not going to be running anything too complex. Ok, back to plan A...

SumnerBoy

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#2709532 19-May-2021 11:18

Dynamic:

I really like the in-wall access points. Have a quick look at these if you have not already done so.

These do look pretty cool - hadn't considered them before. So you use these instead of the disc shaped UAPs?

Dynamic

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#2709536 19-May-2021 11:21

Yes, these would potentially replace the flying saucers or you can mix and match. You’ve likely already seen these have Ethernet ports underneath for cabled devices. As they are generally located closer to the ground and hidden behind furniture etc you’ll likely need more of them than overhead access points.

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evilonenz

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#2709545 19-May-2021 11:35

+1 for the UAP-IW-HDs, we moved into a new built mid-November last year, and have been using them since, can't fault them at all! The internal switch is also super handy.

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#2709599 19-May-2021 12:26

I used to be a big Ubiquiti fan but after seeing how they threw their partners under the bus with the video cam system I have stopped buying their equipment.

Also had a failure on their EdgeRouterLite after only 2 years of use....

Speedtest 2019-10-14

chevrolux

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#2709668 19-May-2021 14:56

USG and the Unifi Nightmare Machine are just expensive toys IMO. Grab a Mikrotik 4011 or EdgeRouter instead.

The switches are good, but you are stuck with the Unifi portal for management - Mikrotik CRS328-24P is cheaper and significantly more capable.

Unifi AP's are still great (controlled by your own controller). The Inwall-HD's are awesome, and have a built-in switch - perfect for behind a TV. And the new U6-Lite's are super great for the price point.

Haven't touched the Ubiquiti cameras since the early days when the software (and hardware admittedly), was just utter trash. Would never EVER go back, it was really really bad. IMO, you still can't beat a proper hardware NVR (or dedicated machine running something like Milestone), and then use a VPN to connect for remote access. After, yet another, cloud "security" service got hacked, I'd never want anything that can see my house connected to a cloud service.

SumnerBoy

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#2709677 19-May-2021 15:14

Totally agree re. cloud services. As I understand it, you only have to use your Unifi cloud login to initially provision the UDM Pro and Unifi Protect, but after than can revert back to local logins only.

External access would be via a VPN.

I really do like having everything configurable from the one place - setting up VLANs and port forwards etc (not that I have many).

Thanks for your feedback tho. I will have a look at those other devices as a comparison.

timbosan

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#2709687 19-May-2021 15:30

SumnerBoy:

Totally agree re. cloud services. As I understand it, you only have to use your Unifi cloud login to initially provision the UDM Pro and Unifi Protect, but after than can revert back to local logins only.

External access would be via a VPN.

I really do like having everything configurable from the one place - setting up VLANs and port forwards etc (not that I have many).

Thanks for your feedback tho. I will have a look at those other devices as a comparison.

"Totally agree re. cloud services. As I understand it, you only have to use your Unifi cloud login to initially provision the UDM Pro and Unifi Protect, but after than can revert back to local logins only." - No, if you use the controller to manage everything, you cannot individually manage devices (well, you can, but the settings just get overwritten from the controller).

I run a local controller but there is some network magic that lets you control the Unifi hardware from anywhere. So you don't need a VPN, but would love to know if this can be blocked. And yes, having everything in one place is nice, especially so for VLAN's.

I have run various Unifi equipment for a few years, no product is perfect but I find Unifi to be very good. FYI I also run XProtect and I am looking at moving to Unifi NVR just to reduce the number of different vendors, and also to get that magic combination of rich notifications, no reliance on WiFi cameras, PoE, continuous recording and decent resolution. For some reason I cannot seem to find this elsewhere.

SumnerBoy

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#2709689 19-May-2021 15:34

timbosan:

"Totally agree re. cloud services. As I understand it, you only have to use your Unifi cloud login to initially provision the UDM Pro and Unifi Protect, but after than can revert back to local logins only." - No, if you use the controller to manage everything, you cannot individually manage devices (well, you can, but the settings just get overwritten from the controller).

I was talking about the initial setup of the UDM Pro and Protect (might only be one or the other, not sure actually). But basically you have to login to your Unifi cloud account, which allows you to do the initial setup of your device and add it to your LAN - from there you local Unifi Controller will take over management, as you pointed out.

But up until recently you had to enable cloud login to your local Unifi Controller in order to use Protect (again, this is from memory). This restriction has since been removed.