Wifi/Modem setup - replace HG659 for small business

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funnyfela

350 posts

Ultimate Geek

#248615 2-Apr-2019 17:58

Hey team,

My workplace has 3 locations, one of them being the 'main' store.

It has a VDSL connection for the non trading connection (separate connection for internet and all main trading activities). This currently has the HG659 serving it.

We have 3 wifi points currently, a random Ubiquiti unit that was existing when I started (some random one that looks like its meant to be outside on a pole. A cisco unit that was factory reset from the old customer wifi, and a random old wifi router set with DHCP off as a random AP upstairs. The area is quite large to cover downstairs, plus a small upstairs area

We also use the guest wifi on the HG659 for managers free wifi (isolated from the main network)

Currently goes VDSL -> HG659 -> 16 Port switch -> Lan devices/WiFi AP's

I think we're starting to max out the HG659 device limit, when I checked today it said 30 devices on it and the owners phone wouldn't connect to wifi (didn't investigate as it happened earlier, I just heard about it).

Without spending a bomb, as this is for back office use, printers, CCTV, training tablets, manager free wifi, owner wifi, what sort of devices would everyone recommend? I've been looking at Unifi AP's and they look okay for the price, but to replace the HG659 I have zero idea.

Look forward to some ideas so that I can pitch to the boss :)

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SATTV

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#2209661 2-Apr-2019 18:16

Personally I like the Draytek modem / router, rock solid.

However they are not cheap.

If you can lay your hands on a FritzBox that will probably work too.

Using Unifi wifi access points are a good idea, they are the right tool for the job.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

cyril7

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#2209668 2-Apr-2019 18:31

Hi, would you want to create a VPN between the three sites so they can access services at each? how many users at each site, these things indicate what type of router is best suited.

As for wireless with three sites go for the UniFi gear and create a single wireless environment so staff can be at any site and get the same experience.

Cyril

funnyfela

350 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2209675 2-Apr-2019 18:40

cyril7:
Hi, would you want to create a VPN between the three sites so they can access services at each? how many users at each site, these things indicate what type of router is best suited.

As for wireless with three sites go for the UniFi gear and create a single wireless environment so staff can be at any site and get the same experience.

Cyril

No to vpn, we use Google drive for a lot. No servers or anything like that.

2 smaller stores would be 3 lan devices plus WiFi for training tablets (2) and 2 customer reward tablets, and then manager WiFi (up to 8 devices at a time max)

Bigger store, god, 50 devices total maybe? At one time, some of them on manager free WiFi.

Currently have all stores same ssids etc for ease of walking into any store but would definitely like to get same in all stores. Starting with the big one first

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cyril7

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#2209889 3-Apr-2019 06:47

Hi, as all are VDSL I would go with the former mentioned Draytek, good routers and good modems at each site although at the smaller sites you get buy with the Huawei, but be aware they have a client limit of 16 wired, 16 wireless or something like that. If you go with the linked router you will need a switch, just a basic unmangaged one.

And I would recommed Unifi AC-Lites, or AC-LR, probably two at the main branch and a single at each other, if you use the Huawei routers at the small branches, then turn off the wireless in them and just use the UniFi.

The Unifi will require a controller, either a cloud key, or you can just run it on a machine at one of the sites either way you will need to port forward to the controller for the remote sites to access.

Alternatively there are a couple of community controllers about I have one, michaelmurfy has one also.

Cyril

funnyfela

350 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2210353 3-Apr-2019 20:42

Thanks for all your inputs guys.

Looks like I will definitely head down the unifi Road, already have a internal webserver the controller can run on.

Definitely need to get a move on, up to 34 devices at the main store tonight with the new ams music system and jukebox and the hg659 doesn't seem overly happy haha. Did shorten the dhcp lease down to help in the short term.

I'll look at the draytek mentioned, again thanks all :)

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hio77

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Lizard Networks

#2210359 3-Apr-2019 20:57

funnyfela:

Definitely need to get a move on, up to 34 devices at the main store tonight with the new ams music system and jukebox and the hg659 doesn't seem overly happy haha. Did shorten the dhcp lease down to help in the short term.

Just watchout on shortening the DHCP lease, Doesn't do much for fixed connected devices that dont check back in often ;)

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funnyfela

350 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2210366 3-Apr-2019 21:01

hio77:
funnyfela:

Definitely need to get a move on, up to 34 devices at the main store tonight with the new ams music system and jukebox and the hg659 doesn't seem overly happy haha. Did shorten the dhcp lease down to help in the short term.

Just watchout on shortening the DHCP lease, Doesn't do much for fixed connected devices that dont check back in often ;)

Thanks for the heads up.

Should be all okay as all the fixed stuff is on static ip, just phones tablets laptops that come and go during the day that are on dhcp. But if any issues crop up while I sort the rebuild then Ill turn it back up

If you have to run heating in winter, you don’t own enough computers.