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dimme

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Feb 14, 2007
3,445
35,968
SF, CA
I running a edgerouter X and I happy with the setup. The unit has been working in the background for years with no issues. I have two wifi access points. I am looking over my home networking and file storage setup and identifying part that may need to be addressed in the next few months and realized that if the edge router died I don't know what to replace it with. I know about the TP link ER605 but I seen a few issues with it and I don't want something where I need to run a controller on a separate box. Anyone have any ideas? But hopefully my edge router still has plenty of life in it just need a backup plan.
 
Anyone using the TP-Link ER605 without the add-on controller?
 
I've configured the TP-Link ER605 once in a small business (along with a TP-Link Omada AP and a managed PoE switch). Will be doing another identical install in a couple weeks.

I was pleased to discover that you do NOT need a controller for any of this gear. It's entirely optional + you can configure everything thru a web interface. And generally, I was very impressed with the ER605's capability for its price. Ubiquiti is nice and all, but I'm not sure it's worth the premium compared to TP-Link unless you have very specific needs.

My customer bristled at the Ubiquiti pricing, and in retrospect, I'm very glad they did!
 
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Moved from an ER-X to a UniFi Dream Machine Pro, and love it. If you like the Unify stuff, that is.
Thanks for the recommendation I have looked at the UDMP and it over kill for my setup, but yes its nice stuff.
 
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I personally use the Unifi Dream Machine Pro with Unifi AP Lite and it works good and never had any issues with the setup. I also set up a Unifi Dream Machine, which is cheaper than the UDM Pro and has built-in Wifi at my parents house when the Apple Airport Extreme AC that was there since Dec 2013 started to become unstable in 2020 and had no issues. I also have a Flex HD AP installed in the kitchen to improve the reception on the first floor.

I don’t trust TP-Link because of ties with the Chinese government, which is a big no for me.
 
I don’t trust TP-Link because of ties with the Chinese government, which is a big no for me.
Solid call-out. I don't think I'd want this TP-Link stuff in an office that had a server on-site or had unencrypted PII going over the network. These two I've referred to though are satellite offices that just need their web browsers to work; I'm not too concerned about it in this use case.

Generally, I have enjoyed the Ubiquiti / UniFi gear I've rolled. The need for the controller with even the smallest deployment is a bit annoying though, as is its needless hand-holding through everything. I swear every time I need to change a setting, I have to go Google the real terminology to translate it to UniFi-speak. Still, it's cheaper and just as good as any of the other "enterprise" or "business" network kit I've ever encountered.
 
Just curious...if happy with the Edgerouter X, why not buy another for backup?

If you want change, what about the newer Synology routers...with file-sharing management built in? You would still need to manage APs, but no difference from now.
I am probably going to do that but just seeing if there is anything out there I should look at.
 
Just curious...if happy with the Edgerouter X, why not buy another for backup?

If you want change, what about the newer Synology routers...with file-sharing management built in? You would still need to manage APs, but no difference from now.
Just switched to a Synology AX6600 - great device, great features, I absolutely love it so far. I'm going to add a WRX560 to extend range and hardwire it, but the features are great. Absolutely love the additional software packages (threat prevention, remote access, etc).
 
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How have your adventures been going @dimme?

Today, I was doing a check-in with my Edgerouter 4 via ssh, and screened this "top" while in the session:

Screenshot 2024-12-24 at 08.29.28.png

255 days of 1Gbps symmetrical uptime with no hiccoughs :)
 
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How have your adventures been going @dimme?

Today, I was doing a check-in with my Edgerouter 4 via ssh, and screened this "top" while in the session:

View attachment 2465419
255 days of 1Gbps symmetrical uptime with no hiccoughs :)
Sadly I could not keep my Edgerouter 4 going. It served me well for many years, but I think I just wore it out. One of the best hardware pieces I have owned. I replaced it with a Unifi UCG and it it working out well.
 
Sadly I could not keep my Edgerouter 4 going. It served me well for many years, but I think I just wore it out. One of the best hardware pieces I have owned. I replaced it with a Unifi UCG and it it working out well.

Yes; my ER4 has been fantastic (I have an additional pristine unit here, waiting for the potential replacement (if the need arises)).

I have a UI PoE+Controller+2xNanoHd's downstream to the ER4, and all-is-good.

I've been toying with the idea of fully-moving into the Unifi System with a UCG-Max (purely for the m.2 slot).

If it weren't for the fact that I use the ER4 to get-around the need for the AT T router...
 
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Take a look at Firewalla. From the AI summary:

Firewalla routers are advanced cybersecurity devices designed to protect home and business networks while offering robust networking features. They combine firewall, router, and security functionalities with models like Firewalla Gold, Gold Plus, and Gold Pro supporting multi-gigabit speeds (up to 10 Gbps). Key features include:

- **Intrusion Detection & Prevention**: Blocks cyberattacks in real time.
- **Behavior Analytics**: Detects abnormal network activity.
- **Parental Controls**: Restrict internet access, block apps, and monitor usage.
- **Advanced Routing**: Supports VLANs, Multi-WAN, and link aggregation.
- **Privacy Tools**: Includes DNS over HTTPS and built-in VPN for secure browsing.

These devices are easy to install and managed via an intuitive app or web interface[1][2][3].

Sources
[1] Firewalla Gold Plus: 2.5G Cyber Security Firewall & Router Protecting https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-gold-plus
[2] Firewalla Gold: Multi-Gigabit Cyber Security Firewall & Router Protect https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-gold
[3] Firewalla Gold Pro: 10G Cyber Security Firewall & Router Protecting ... https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-gold-pro
[4] Firewalla Gold SE: Multi-Gigabit Cyber Security Firewall & Router Prot https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-gold-se-firewall
[5] Firewalla Purple: Gigabit Cyber Security Firewall & Router with WiFi P https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-purple
[6] Firewalla Gold Pro 10GB Multi Wan Router - B2B - Blackwire Designs https://www.blackwiredesigns.com/store/firewalla-gold-pro-router-white/
[7] Firewalla Purple SE: Cyber Security Firewall & Router Protecting Your https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-purple-se
 
Last edited:
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Take a look at Firewalla. From the AI summary:

Firewalla routers are advanced cybersecurity devices designed to protect home and business networks while offering robust networking features. They combine firewall, router, and security functionalities with models like Firewalla Gold, Gold Plus, and Gold Pro supporting multi-gigabit speeds (up to 10 Gbps). Key features include:

- **Intrusion Detection & Prevention**: Blocks cyberattacks in real time.
- **Behavior Analytics**: Detects abnormal network activity.
- **Parental Controls**: Restrict internet access, block apps, and monitor usage.
- **Advanced Routing**: Supports VLANs, Multi-WAN, and link aggregation.
- **Privacy Tools**: Includes DNS over HTTPS and built-in VPN for secure browsing.

These devices are easy to install and managed via an intuitive app or web interface[1][2][3].

Sources
[1] Firewalla Gold Plus: 2.5G Cyber Security Firewall & Router Protecting https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-gold-plus
[2] Firewalla Gold: Multi-Gigabit Cyber Security Firewall & Router Protect https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-gold
[3] Firewalla Gold Pro: 10G Cyber Security Firewall & Router Protecting ... https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-gold-pro
[4] Firewalla Gold SE: Multi-Gigabit Cyber Security Firewall & Router Prot https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-gold-se-firewall
[5] Firewalla Purple: Gigabit Cyber Security Firewall & Router with WiFi P https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-purple
[6] Firewalla Gold Pro 10GB Multi Wan Router - B2B - Blackwire Designs https://www.blackwiredesigns.com/store/firewalla-gold-pro-router-white/
[7] Firewalla Purple SE: Cyber Security Firewall & Router Protecting Your https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-purple-se
I have a Firewalla Gold+ 2.5gb and love it. Totally configurable and customizable. Great product and company. Decided to get a couple of the Access Point 7's to replace my eero Pro 6e's. The Zero Trust Network with VqLAN/Microsegmation feature is so cool. All seamlessly controlled via the Firewall app. Note* The AP7's are available in US only for now.
 
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