Thought the first: my current setup is just one old Unfi AP pro covers whole house plus a pi running controller and a protectli running pfsense. Would I go with just an express as router and Wi-Fi 6 AP and ditch everything else, or maybe mesh the old AP to improve coverage upstairs and the garden?
Thought 2 - same as one - but keep pfsense (or the other one - still in quandary over that)
Thought 3 is 2x2 enough - current AP is 3x3 - clients - dozen or so…
Thought 4 Security- pfsense vs UniFi firewall? At £120 that makes the low end netgate boxes look way expensive
Thought 5 Express is limited to 5 devices - not an issue for me, but could be close to breaking that if I swap my 3 old net gear switch for UniFi - think 10 would be a better number - hack anyone?
For most homes and even small offices this is all that might be needed. I currently use Pfsense and Unifi Cloud Key Plus controller, switches, access points, and cameras. I just bought an express to become familiar with the routing/firewall portion and to see how effective the express is overall. I can always deploy it as an access point.
Considering one for my parents on a CGNAT / IPV6 900/900 service in the UK. Currently there is a pfsense 2.7 install and a three tp-link deco S4 units.
Considering as it’ll be easy to manage via the UniFi portal, equally managing pfsense is a bit more tricky due to CGNAT, but it works.
Is the above the best performance for my parents, no. Is it reliable and meets their needs, yes.
I could but the tp-link into router mode, but rather pfsense/Opnsense option.
For me it’s about manageability and simplicity and the express may tick that. Problem is I’d have to purchase more APs for coverage if I wanted 100% UniFi eco system. So it’d still be a hybrid express/tp-link…
Waiting for the reviews and UK availability. Not wasting money on extra shipping and a PSU. Heard it could be end of Jan for availability.
Re the original post, can you do wired backhaul to existing AP? Can the express be placed in a location for good coverage,
Backhaul - don’t think I can do it tidily - did have a Cat 5 (?) link installed to my “office” about 20 years ago, but office is now kids room and I can’t get to the blanking plate to re-instate it - small room, big bed!! Would be great as she has an Xbox!
What connection speed are you on, as we all look at shiny stuff and then find we’re on a 60/20 connection or something. I’m currently on a 500/50 Virgin connection / £23pm, so that’ll suffice.
On a 1Gb FTTP connection - because I can and I WFH (+kids etc) - might drop it down a bit when I retire. But work kit + gaming PC are wired - so only possible need is to get faster wifi for girls Xbox upstairs - that’s a “just because” thing though - she says she’s way faster than her mates!
The other bit of interest if replacing of the shelf routers in my Mums or Mother-in-law - latter doesn’t yet have internet - but if we have to enable streaming to get her Rugby coverage sorted (Ok on Sky at moment, but…) and/or BT rip the copper to her house…
Still puzzling over this gadget. Couple of points which maybe you can confirm?
It must be all or nothing - router/gateway + controller it can’t be a controller for the APs etc only - e.g. with pfsense as firewall? Or it’s just another AP.
Also seems that it’s CPU is on the strangled side - 1Ghz, dual core. And so wireguard specificly is slow…
Correct on your first point. It’s either a controller/router/access point OR an access point for an existing UniFi system where the gateway/controller already exists. If you just need a network controller, get a cloud key.
Regarding the cpu/memory…it’s fine. Takes a bit longer to boot up, about 5 min, but once running it performs as well as most home routers.
I like it. I wouldn’t replace my Pfsense, but I installed it at my girlfriend’s apartment. I love the fact that I can remote in and change everything. Auto update is good (until Unifi messes up something.)
I agree with the boot time. It’s quite slow, but other things are ok. Surprisingly, it has much better coverage than some consumer equipment with external antennas.
VPN speed is ok, I was able to saturate the 10 Mbits/sec upload speed.
