Source
r/HomeNetworking•
PIGLINE

Would a Ubiquiti Dream Machine be the best option for my network?

Advice

Hey all! I'm moving soon, and am planning on starting from scratch with my network at the new place. Currently I'm using an ancient modem/router combo that I should've ditched a while ago. I want to make sure I'm not missing anything or going overkill for my needs, and ask for general advice I may have missed in my own research.

We're moving to a townhouse that has a small footprint, but three levels: basement, main floor, upper floor. The basement is going to be used as our living room, and the upper floor has the bedrooms and office. There are three of us living together, and I'd say typical internet usage for us would be a 4k streaming connection, a 1080p stream, two gaming connections, and a couple phones, and a laptop. Most hours would be less than that, but on days where we are all home that's fairly realistic.

I had been considering a USG and AP Lite, and controller from Ubiquiti, but I've heard the tech is somewhat outdated, and the cost of a UDM isn't too much more, and seems like a more unified package. Would this be overkill for us? We currently have a 300mbps plan with our ISP, but I want to make sure our LAN at least is gigabit as I'm going to run a local Plex server for 4k movies. Also how strong is the access point in the UDM? The page for it on Ubiquiti's site seems to make it out to be stronger than any of their other APs, but my concern is if I keep it in my office it won't reach the basement. I know there's a lot of variables here, but I don't have much experience with access points aside from a router combo.

Thank you in advance for the advice. Even any keywords to research would be helpful, as I'm sure there's plenty I still have to learn.

Posted Jul 20, 2020, 12:56 AM UTC

59
awraynor•

I have a two story, 2700 sq. ft. home, traditional construction. The UDM is downstairs on one side of the house, a nanoHD upstairs on the other end, connected via MoCA.

I have a SimpliSafe video doorbell on the front and back that report a medium connection with the UDM. The wireless on the UDM is good, but I do not believe it could cover the house by itself.

I have AT&T symmetrical gigabit fiber. Wireless and wired speeds are good, but oh how I despise that required AT&T modem.

2
PIGLINEOP•

Will I see a lot of benefit in using my own modem? Spectrum will let me use my own with some convincing.

1
awraynor•

Probably not as long as they are providing a DOCIS 3.x and above. Getting your own modem is more about saving the monthly rental fee.

AT&T mandates their crappy modem/router that you have to bypass to use the Dream Machine.

1
maxafritz•

The AP built into the UDM is identical in specs to the FlexHD (or NanoHD). Based on the size of your location, I’m going to guess you’ll want a second access point as well for full coverage. Best way to know is to try it out though!

Ive got a UDM and love it. Highly recommended. Personally I’m likely going to upgrade to the UDM Pro and sell the UDM; Starting to get interested in the Protect functionality.

Also check out r/Ubiquiti. Great community with lots of advice.

2
PIGLINEOP•

I hadn't heard of the Beacon/Flex/Nano HD series by Ubiquiti. Are they an improvement over the APAC Lite/Pro access points? Like you said, I'll just have to test the UDM, but I'm guessing I'll need an access point in the basement, and had seen the APAC Lite for like $70.

1
maxafritz•

Everyone says something different, but here’s a good breakdown: https://evanmccann.net/blog/unifi-ap-breakdown

1
gwicksted•

Absolutely UDM over USG. Then add an AC-AP-* or BeaconHD if needed

1
PIGLINEOP•

Is there a big difference between the ACAP access points and the Beacon/Flex/Nano HD series? I hadn't heard of the latter until now.

2
gwicksted•

Beacon is wireless uplink only (like a mesh point, not wired in).

I think the Nano HD is newer and probably a better value (?) not too sure. I have an AC-AP-Pro and it’s awesome. There’s also the lite which is also newer but not sure how it compares to the pro.

I don’t know much about Flex.

1