Two Day project - new Unifi Router and Wifi

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ZollyMonsta

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#207670 7-Jan-2017 18:05

Thought I'd share a little project that has been worked on the last couple of days (with help from @michaelmurfy )

Was using a Linksys E3000 for main router on a UFB connection I have. Main source was cable using a Huawei 659.
After the Huawei fell over while I was away on Holiday (taking off air www.thecheese.co.nz which is run from a home studio) @michaelmurfy suggested a more stable router. In the process also installed a seperate Wifi Access point for better coverage.

That router is the Ubiquiti Networks Unifi Security Gateway https://www.ubnt.com/unifi-routing/usg/ and Ubiquiti Networks Unifi AP AC LR https://www.ubnt.com/unifi/unifi-ap-ac-lr/

Both set up via the Geekzone Unifi Controller mentioned here -> http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=204413

Not only has the Wifi improved dramatically, meaning I can retire the TP Link Wifi Access point, but now I have redundacy fail over switching being performed by the USG between UFB and Cable.
DNS is updated to noip.com via the USG itself.

So very pleased. Thanks for Michael for pushing me in the right direction and helping get this all up and running!

Future plans: Add another Wifi AP in the garage to further extend the coverage.

Here's some photos of the newly wired router cupboard and the hallway wifi access point.

Router Cupboard:

Wifi Access Point in house hallway:

Close up of Wifi Access Point with soothing blue led.. Accompanied by pet fly Floyd.

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

michaelmurfy

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#1699969 7-Jan-2017 18:19

That is a damn tidy setup and also seeing your cable management through your house and the pride you've got to keep it tidy is really refreshing given the installs I've done where there was no cable management plan at all.

Throughout the house @ZollyMonsta has got everything labeled nicely for anyone to follow including neat printed diagrams on each patch panel door showing where everything is connected. This is a prime example of how to do a proper home setup and I am completely jealous of his setup :) Hopefully the USG improves reliability and it was an absolute pleasure assisting you with this setup!

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

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DarthKermit

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#1699970 7-Jan-2017 18:21

I hope that your wifi is password protected, Floyd might be trying to freeload off ya!

Resnick

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#1699974 7-Jan-2017 18:30

Tidy, I like it :)

Where did you get the wall conduit thingy (technical, i know) running the coax below your ont?

ZollyMonsta

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#1699976 7-Jan-2017 18:31

DarthKermit:
I hope that your wifi is password protected, Floyd might be trying to freeload off ya!

Yep. Perhaps I can enable the guest network and provide him a 3 day pass.

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

ZollyMonsta

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#1699977 7-Jan-2017 18:35

Resnick:
Tidy, I like it :)

Where did you get the wall conduit thingy (technical, i know) running the coax below your ont?

That was an early learning curve. I used plumbing pipe and a 90 degree bend, which made it near impossible to feed Ethernet down from the attic. I pulled out the Ethernet today, which now goes down a large hole on the right. Leaving that pipe for cable only.

There's also a 50mm pipe running from under the house, right up the wall into the attic. Cables are pulled through from the garage studio for Ethernet, alarm, Sky/Cable/Freeview and terminate from a wall cabinet in studio to a cabinet in the attic of the house.

I went overboard. LOL

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

Resnick

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#1699980 7-Jan-2017 18:40

Overboard? No such thing :)

Looks great, you've just inspired me!

Sideface

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#1700006 7-Jan-2017 20:05

A very tidy setup. Respect.

I have a similar Ubiquiti SOHO setup to @ZollyMonsta, but without the cable management (I have no shame ).

Technicolor cable modem > EdgeRouter Lite router > Cisco smart switch > Ubiquiti ToughSwitch > 3 x Unifi AP AC LR.

The significant difference is that I have an EdgeRouter Lite (ERL) router rather than a Unifi Security Gateway (USG).

What are the differences/advantages of the USG over the ERL?

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michaelmurfy

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#1700009 7-Jan-2017 20:14

Sideface:

What are the differences/advantages of the USG over the ERL?

Originally we were going to go towards the ERL for this setup but then I thought that Grant would like the ability to configure his router with ease and see pretty graphs etc. You lose features with the USG (compared to the ERL) and it requires a controller to work as its webUI is only for configuring it to connect to the internet.

USG = Ease of use, same hardware as the Edgerouter Lite.
ERL = More for geeks who don't mind learning a new router platform but has far more features.

Both are powered by EdgeOS and feature the same performance. For Grant the USG was the perfect router for the task.

froob

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#1700024 7-Jan-2017 21:13

That is a thing of beauty.

I also have a Unifi AP mounted in the hallway. The blue led doubles as quite a good night light...

Guide: Installing Network Cabling in New Zealand Homes

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#1700026 7-Jan-2017 21:18

froob:

That is a thing of beauty.

I also have a Unifi AP mounted in the hallway. The blue led doubles as quite a good night light...

The blue LED can be turned off by the controller - better Wife Appeal Factor.

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ZollyMonsta

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#1700027 7-Jan-2017 21:26

Sideface:
froob:

That is a thing of beauty.

I also have a Unifi AP mounted in the hallway. The blue led doubles as quite a good night light...

The blue LED can be turned off by the controller - better Wife Appeal Factor.

I find it quite soothing. The 'everything is working fine' indicator,

I'll tell the wife that it helps the wifi strength by using LED lumens as a booster. ;-)

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

ANglEAUT

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#1700101 8-Jan-2017 01:31

froob: I also have a Unifi AP mounted in the hallway. The blue led doubles as quite a good night light...

Too true. Also nice visual indicator that all is right in the world of Wi-Fi.

Sideface: ... - better Wife Appeal Factor.

Same here

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