Ubiquiti UniFi Express 7 to replace my AX86S

[bottos]

I just saw the Ubi Express 7 on sale for 154 Euro, and after reading all the comments here about Ubiquiti, it seems to be a good change.

My setup is simple, no ethernet, around 20 devices (about 5 are iot) all through wireless. The majority is Wifi 6, with 5 WiFi 7.

60% of the current AX86S use is streaming, 20% browsing and 20% gaming. I have one openVPN server setup in VPN fusion, with three devices going through it.

Just as additional info, I got my AX86S refurbished for 92 Euro about four years ago.

 

[Tech9]

This new device 154 Euro later will do exactly the same thing like your existing device. RT-AX86S is still supported by ASUS and RMerlin and good enough for your needs. If your Wi-Fi 7 devices are mostly phones/tablets - don't even bother. Don't expect great range on 6GHz band, you'll be using 2.4GHz/5GHz bands most of the time anyway. UX7 doesn't have a Switch, the moment you need to wire a device - extra expense. If you really want to spend money for complete mini UniFi system in one device - get UDR7 instead.

 

[bottos]

This new device 154 Euro later will do exactly the same thing like your existing device. RT-AX86S is still supported by ASUS and RMerlin and good enough for your needs. If your Wi-Fi 7 devices are mostly phones/tablets - don't even bother. Don't expect great range on 6GHz band, you'll be using 2.4GHz/5GHz bands most of the time anyway. UX7 doesn't have a Switch, the moment you need to wire a device - extra expense. If you really want to spend money for complete mini UniFi system in one device - get UDR7 instead.

OK, I get that. I searched the UDR7 but there is no deal for it. My thought was since I have a simple need, maybe the change would bring some benefit. If not, I will stay how I am, until the AX86S breaks, or there is a real need. And yes, all the Wi-Fi 7 devices are phones and tablets. I was thinking to get a PCIE Wi-Fi 7 board to use it on the PC, but to be honest, I don't think I need, I was more creating a case to replace my device for a newer one.

 

[Tech9]

My thought was since I have a simple need, maybe the change would bring some benefit.

Ubiquiti devices run better quality software with advanced features, but if all you need is AIO home router and the one you already have works properly - no need to replace it. Obvious benefits of such 2.5GbE Gateway and Controller with 100+ VLANs, 30+ UniFi devices (access points, switches) and 300+ clients support will show in a larger network. For around 20 clients and usual household Internet activities it will work the same way like your existing router. The only real benefits for you will be perhaps better looks, physically smaller size, expected longer support. User experience will remain basically the same.

 

[bottos]

Ubiquiti devices run better quality software with advanced features, but if all you need is AIO home router and the one you already have works properly - no need to replace it. Obvious benefits of such 2.5GbE Gateway and Controller with 100+ VLANs, 30+ UniFi devices (access points, switches) and 300+ clients support will show in a larger network. For around 20 clients and usual household Internet activities it will work the same way like your existing router. The only real benefits for you will be perhaps better looks, physically smaller size, expected longer support. User experience will remain basically the same.

Good to know. Going from a dual core to quad core I thought it could help with the VPN side of things, and newer software maybe could make things go a bit better. But I hear you. I don't even have QoS enabled to optimize my PC gaming experience (mostly Destiny 2 and No Man's Sky). I just got caught by the discount . I almost bought a Flint 2 for 84 Euro, but didn't for similar reasons you mentioned. Either I replace my setup for an upgrade, or let it be.

 

[Tech9]

The VPN and QoS capabilities are going to be about the same. You may like the customizable user interface, abundance of network stats and graphs, monitoring with customizable push notifications to your phone, even the tiny LCD screen... I don't know. It is going to be Christmas Time for your own satisfaction, but your clients will work the same way and your family members may not even notice the change. If you want something new and 154 Euro is not much - go ahead. Sometimes people can't resist the itch.

Just to warn you UniFi networks don't support WPS and if you have IoT devices with this type of initial connection it won't work for you. UniFi OS also won't allow you much of customizations outside of Network application. In case you have intentions to play with Debian Linux appliance - you can't, it's locked and protected.

 

[bottos]

The VPN and QoS capabilities are going to be about the same. You may like the customizable user interface, abundance of network stats and graphs, monitoring with customizable push notifications to your phone, even the tiny LCD screen... I don't know. It is going to be Christmas Time for your own satisfaction, but your clients will work the same way and your family members may not even notice the change. If you want something new and 154 Euro is not much - go ahead. Sometimes people can't resist the itch.

Just to warn you UniFi networks don't support WPS and if you have IoT devices with this type of initial connection it won't work for you. UniFi OS also won't allow you much of customizations outside of Network application. In case you have intentions to play with Debian Linux appliance - you can't, it's locked and protected.

Even though very tempting (I like to customize and tweak everything I can, to the point that reinstalling my OS is something I consider 'therapeutic'), if I can avoid it for certain things, or if the result won't be a noticeable, why bother. I came to the point that if I can simplify it, I will go for it. However, I will monitor the prices of the other Ubiquiti option you gave me.

 

[Tech9]

I like to customize and tweak everything I can, to the point that reinstalling my OS is something I consider 'therapeutic'

In this case UniFi is definitely not for you. Once set it just works and you have absolutely no action in life. Your ASUS is the ultimate tweak, reboot, reset, start over machine.

 

[bottos]

In this case UniFi is definitely not for you. Once set it just works and you have absolutely no action in life. Your ASUS is the ultimate tweak, reboot, reset, start over machine.

I am doing a lazy job though. I reseted and rebooted it only after the latest update, but haven't done it in the last almost four years . Don't get me wrong, I still make sure to check the logs, set proper IPs and rules, and do some security checks. But that's all the tweaking for sure. I live on a two store apartment, thin walls, so the AX86S covers the entire space without issues.