The router guide - what to look for and what is best.

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › The router guide - what to look for and what is best.

1 | ... | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | ... | 34

meow
13586 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10931

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1951413 4-Feb-2018 14:14

Updated list to include the Cambium E600 access point (Link) as it has recently come down in price and is a darn fast access point. I have been running one since before public release and it has been good enough to ditch my UniFi AC-Pro.

It is the only access point I have successfully gotten a full Gigabit over and its firmware is rock solid as well as the cloud management via cnMaestro. May not suit everyone since it is still an expensive access point but for some out there it may be just what they're needing if they want speed.

Also included both the Fritz!Box and the Edgerouter 4 amongst other things.

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

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? Please consider supporting us by subscribing.
Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

BlackHand

135 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 19

#1952292 6-Feb-2018 09:56

Any feedback on the Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC HD?

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80682 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41136

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#1952295 6-Feb-2018 10:02

I'd add the Synology RT2600ac. The UI is really nice (based on the Synology NAS experience), not as many apps as the Synology NAS (but not as powerful) but it includes a torrent client, RADIUS server, VPN (SSL, IPSEC, OpenVPN) as well as UPNP/DLNA media server. USB 3.0 for storage, SD card reader, USB 2.0 for networked printer. Easy to install certificates process, parental control (filtering, time management) and more. Also ssh access with root if needed. Dual WAN (primary and fallback, or load balancing). Hardware-based QOS and software-based IDS.

Currently using one as a replacement for a Fritz on a gigabit connection.

This should replace the RT1900ac in your list.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

michaelmurfy

meow
13586 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10931

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1952303 6-Feb-2018 10:20

@BlackHand I've never personally tried this access point however a few people around here have. If you've got a supported device it should be a really fast AP.

@freitasm Thanks! Updated.

MSwitch

40 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1953295 7-Feb-2018 20:35

I'm investigating a second router to buy to setup as a VPN router. I'm just a beginner so don't need anything too intense.

I was thinking Grandstream GWN7000 would be good for this? I've pulled it from the list on the front page and it seems to be a cost effective router to run a VPN.

Would there be anything better than this without getting too costly?

michaelmurfy

meow
13586 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10931

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1953360 7-Feb-2018 22:41

@MSwitch The GWN7000 is quite a good choice. I've not personally tried a VPN on this router but it did look pretty straight forward. Otherwise even consider the Edgerouter Lite (@JohnK has a brand new one for sale Here at a good price). With the Edgerouters they're a bit better to tinker around with and have a few VPN options and plenty of guides on the internet. To get you set up with the basics I've got a guide Here. Personally, I'd think also the Edgerouter may be better for you due to the amount of documentation around them available on the Ubiquiti Forums especially if you're just getting started and want to tinker around.

When I first got the Edgerouter Lite there wasn't much documentation online, the WebUI was quite limited and it was an absolute headache trying to get things going - I have learnt just by simply playing around. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty (I've thrown a few users around here like @mdf in the deep end to get them to learn!).

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

mdf

3567 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1524

Trusted

#1953671 8-Feb-2018 14:46

michaelmurfy:
@MSwitch The GWN7000 is quite a good choice. I've not personally tried a VPN on this router but it did look pretty straight forward. Otherwise even consider the Edgerouter Lite (@JohnK has a brand new one for sale Here at a good price). With the Edgerouters they're a bit better to tinker around with and have a few VPN options and plenty of guides on the internet. To get you set up with the basics I've got a guide Here. Personally, I'd think also the Edgerouter may be better for you due to the amount of documentation around them available on the Ubiquiti Forums especially if you're just getting started and want to tinker around.

When I first got the Edgerouter Lite there wasn't much documentation online, the WebUI was quite limited and it was an absolute headache trying to get things going - I have learnt just by simply playing around. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty (I've thrown a few users around here like @mdf in the deep end to get them to learn!).

I'd endorse this. "Simplest" isn't the same as "easiest". You're better off going with something popular and plenty of support and instructions online rather than having to figure something out yourself, even if it appears simpler to play with a GUI than type some commands into a CLI.

muppet

2650 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1673

Trusted

#1953710 8-Feb-2018 16:10

BlackHand:

Any feedback on the Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC HD?

Well I just bought 2 UAP-AC-LR's and they're amazing. I mean I was coming from some pretty cruddy gear, but the coverage of these things is amazing. I really didn't actually need two, one would have been enough. It covers nearly half of our 4000sqms.

My home router just got upgraded too, farewell Cisco SRP527.

Bought a MiniPC with 4 x Intel NICs. Installed Proxmox and then pfSense as a virtual machine. One of the NIC talks PPPoE towards my ISP, one other port is the LAN port towards the GigE Switch (PoE to power the two APs)

Having done this, I'd never go back to an off-the-shelf router again.

ushare99

66 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

ID Verified

#1989609 6-Apr-2018 16:24

Hey guys,

I am looking to replace my Spark provided modem router, and am trying to decide which to go for. I am looking to purchase a router with a fibre modem built in (not interested in bridging the HG659 with a WiFi router). With this in mind, I am looking into the Asus DSL-AC68U and the Synology RT2600ac.

I am primarily leaning towards the Asus. I see that the Asus was actually released several years ago now. Is it still a decent router for the price? or should I be looking to purchase something newer?

Sorry, my knowledge in this department is somewhat limited and would appreciate some advice. :)

michaelmurfy

meow
13586 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10931

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1989630 6-Apr-2018 17:19

@ushare99 There is no such thing as a "Fibre Modem" - If you're looking for something to use on Fibre than anything from the 2nd or third category will do you nicely. Personally I think the Synology or something like the Ubiquiti Amplifi if you're primarily WiFi will work well for your needs.

ushare99

66 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

ID Verified

#1989640 6-Apr-2018 17:48

michaelmurfy:

@ushare99 There is no such thing as a "Fibre Modem" - If you're looking for something to use on Fibre than anything from the 2nd or third category will do you nicely. Personally I think the Synology or something like the Ubiquiti Amplifi if you're primarily WiFi will work well for your needs.

Apologies for sounding clueless - I truly am. I am essentially looking for something that I can plug straight into the fibre OBT (like the current spark provided modem/router). I can do this with both the Synology and the Asus(the dsl version) right? I've found a decent deal for the Asus ($250ish), is there any reason I should be spending more for the Synology? With regards to the Asus, since it was released so long ago, would it be considered old/outdated?

Thanks for your help, really appreciate it. I plan to look into this more closely this weekend.

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

ushare99

66 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

ID Verified

#1989655 6-Apr-2018 18:34

Follow up question - Is it possible to connect the ONT straight to a normal WiFi router (with no modem)?

Thanks again for your help :)

cyril7

9075 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2499

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#1989658 6-Apr-2018 18:45

ushare99:

Follow up question - Is it possible to connect the ONT straight to a normal WiFi router (with no modem)?

Thanks again for your help :)

Hi, assuming the WiFi router is infact that, ie it has routing functions, then yes, but typically (depending on ISP) it will be required to tag traffic on Vlan10 and use either PPP or DHCP to get access.

Not all routers will let you access traffic on a tagged vlan nor tag it outbound.

Not too sure what you see wrong with the Spark provided router, its a good piece of kit and in 99% of domestic situations is perfect. If you want something better then I would recommend a Mikrotik or Ubnt Edge router.

Edit: I also see you are interested in the Synology or Asus router, I would avoid the Asus, whilst its probably a good router, there are many better options as mentioned above. As for the Synology, I have not dealt with that, but understand its a good piece of kit, however its not Synologies primary game, NAS's are and I have dealt with literally hundreds of them from little ones to $25k ones, they are good stuff, but not sure if I personally would do a Synology router.

As mentioned above, exactly what is wrong with the Spark provided router, I deal with these in situations both residential and small business everyday, and they work just fine, unless you have some complex requirements, if more than that I would look at Ubnt/Unify Edge router, or Mikrotik, but both of these will require a bit of network knowledge to get the most out of them.

Cyril

Jase2985

13746 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6230

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#1989737 6-Apr-2018 20:35

@ushare99 you dont use a modem when it comes to fibre, the ONT is the "modem"

define normal wifi router?, the one from spark that you have is a normal wifi router, it has a WAN port that can tag and untag VLAN10 which is required on spark. as long as the device you buy can do this then you are fine

what are you looking at the DSL version of the ASUS? you dont have DSL, you should be looking at the RT version, its also cheaper.

ushare99

66 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

ID Verified

#1989740 6-Apr-2018 20:48

Jase2985:

@ushare99 you dont use a modem when it comes to fibre, the ONT is the "modem"

define normal wifi router?, the one from spark that you have is a normal wifi router, it has a WAN port that can tag and untag VLAN10 which is required on spark. as long as the device you buy can do this then you are fine

what are you looking at the DSL version of the ASUS? you dont have DSL, you should be looking at the RT version, its also cheaper.

I was not aware that the ONT served that functionality - that's pretty cool! How does one find out if a particular router tags and untags VLAN10?

1 | ... | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | ... | 34