Looking for advice on upgrade path

[rosekumquat]

I am currently using all in one router (TP-link AX 11000), while it's a great router, it's starting to show it age and constantly restarting. My overall network is connected using Netgear GS116Ev2 x2-using 13 ports each one is homerun , MokerLink POE-G162G in the garage have connected 10 Reolink 810A cameras with NVR in the house. Outside of laptops, cell phones and desktops, i have 33 IOT on 2.4 which i do have set up on guest network with isolation. I guess question is, what should i get, another consumer router if so which one? If not, what my other options to upgrade possible the full network ? The Netgear and MokeLink works fine at the moment but long term is it time to upgrade?

TIA

 

[degrub]

Since you are familiar with consumer TP link, look at the OMADA line of SMB gear.
BTW, the constant rebooting could be from a failing power supply to the router.

 

[rosekumquat]

Since you are familiar with consumer TP link, look at the OMADA line of SMB gear.
BTW, the constant rebooting could be from a failing power supply to the router.

Unfortunately it is probably not power supply as i tried a different one. Is it better to look at Omada or pay a little more for Unifi or combination of Unifi and Omada? Haven't yet looked at either of them much.

 

[degrub]

Stay within one or the other. Either should do the job.
As long as you have wired connection to APs, either will work.

You need to define what your real minimum needs and wishes are and post here.
Try the Ubiquity layout utility to see what it suggests for coverage. A plan view of the building and knowledge of the construction of the walls will help a lot.

 

[tgl]

Yeah, I wouldn't mix wifi systems. One of the main selling points for either UniFi or Omada is single point of configuration. If you have a mishmash of APs, you're giving that up in return for not much.

Also, I believe that you won't get 802.11k/v roaming support except from APs that are managed by the same controller. Smooth roaming is a big deal for most people with multi-AP installations, so this is a way in which a mishmash would be genuinely worse than a single-manufacturer system.

 

[rosekumquat]

Yeah, I wouldn't mix wifi systems. One of the main selling points for either UniFi or Omada is single point of configuration. If you have a mishmash of APs, you're giving that up in return for not much.

Also, I believe that you won't get 802.11k/v roaming support except from APs that are managed by the same controller. Smooth roaming is a big deal for most people with multi-AP installations, so this is a way in which a mishmash would be genuinely worse than a single-manufacturer system.

Understood, eventually will post in router forum as it seems i need router first and AP secondary. What your opinion on running opnsense+unifi or omada? Worth it for security or just avoid it?

 

[tgl]

What your opinion on running opnsense+unifi or omada? Worth it for security or just avoid it?

My own setup has a pfSense router (Netgate), UniFi APs, and Cisco switches in between. So I've pretty much failed at the single-point-of-network-configuration task, but I'm enough of a geek that it doesn't bother me. I use pfSense because I have fairly complicated routing+firewall requirements (two externally-visible servers, multiple static IP addresses). Maybe I could do that with UniFi but I have the strong impression that their software wants you to do things their way, not the other way around.

I have no experience with OPNSense so I can't comment on how it compares to pfSense --- I believe they stem from a common source, but I don't know how far they've diverged.

 

[Tech9]

The Netgear and MokeLink works fine at the moment but long term is it time to upgrade?

TP-Link Omada is a good option:

Nice desktop AP with additional LAN ports and DC power supply:

Omada AX3000 Desktop Wi-Fi 6 Access Point

EAP650-Desktop is an AX3000 Desktop Wi-Fi 6 AP. One fiber to carry wired, wireless, voice, VoIP, data, and HD video services. Supporting PPSK, it's ideal for for retailers, offices, and hotels.

www.omadanetworks.com

I would add this Gateway for up to Gigabit ISP:

Omada Gigabit VPN Gateway

ER7206 supports Gigabit Ethernet connections on both WAN and LAN ports and multiple VPN protocols and high-security, high-performance VPN capabilities, making employees’ remote connections to their main offices as secure as if they were in the main office.

www.omadanetworks.com

Or this one for >Gigabit ISP with two links to every Netgear switch for >Gigabit aggregate throughput:

Omada Multi-Gigabit VPN Gateway

ER707-M2 supports two 2.5G ports, as well as multiple VPN protocols and high-security, high-performance VPN capabilities, making sure that employees' remote connections to their main offices are just as safe as if they were there in person.

www.omadanetworks.com

I would also prefer the hardware Omada controller for simplicity and reliability:

Omada Hardware Controller

With the on-premises Omada Hardware Controller, Omada offers flexible on-premises and free cloud access to centrally manage of the whole network, including access points, switches, and gateways. No need to keep a PC/server running

www.omadanetworks.com

Ubiquiti UniFi has better features Gateways:

This one is a Gateway, Controller and Switch 3-in-1 up to 2.3Gbps WAN/LAN:

Cloud Gateway Max NS - Ubiquiti Store

Compact 2.5G Cloud Gateway with 30+ UniFi device / 300+ client support, 2.3 Gbps IPS routing, and selectable NVR storage.

store.ui.com

I personally use this type of desktop/wall/outdoor AP on my networks, comes with PoE injector:

Access Point U6 Mesh - Ubiquiti Store

Sleek, indoor/outdoor WiFi 6 AP with 6 spatial streams designed for mesh applications.

store.ui.com

Wi-Fi 7 AP options are available from both Omada and UniFi, but with Gigabit uplinks they don't make much sense. Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 will require entire system upgrade including the switches.

Upgrading everything to Omada or Unifi will be very nice for a single pane of glass management, but will be also the most expensive option. OPNsense/pfSense appliance will work as Gateway as well, but will introduce extra configuration complication on perhaps even higher cost.

I would integrate the Gateway and the APs in one system and configure manually the existing switches. The Netgear switches can do VLANs, the MokerLink PoE is good enough for the cameras.

Good luck!

 

[Tech9]

i have 33 IOT on 2.4

All SMB-class APs don't support WPS as it's seen as security vulnerability. Omada and UniFi options included. If you have IoTs requiring this type of initial connection you have to look at consumer market alternatives.