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Aruba vs Cisco vs TP Link Omada vs Unifi Access Points

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C

ChaoscripT

Regular Contributor
Hi all,
I need your help, based on my requirements I want please suggestion of network gear.
I want access points that I can connect all of them with ethernet cable (sort of cluster) then control on all of them in 1 place.
I prefer company who don't everyday make a new firmware, looking for stable software, and prefer if I control on all of them in 1 place to upgrade them once in one click.
I prefer company who don't need to pay monthly subscription to use their services or connect to my access points.
What's prefer, external on internal controller?

I still don't decide if control them via web/phone (from anywhere) it's good or not? (open to hack)
What do you think about it? it's prefer or not? Or just control on them locally?

Not all the models sell here in Israel, but there are various companies like,
Aruba (Aruba AP22/AP25 and more), Cisco (150AX), TP Link Omada (EAP610 etc), Ubiquiti (U6-LR, U6+ etc), Netgear (WAX610, WAX615 etc)

The APs will be connect to POE Switches so I have more LAN ports for other wired gear.
The router will be something like Deco X20/X50 or so, just to connect to ISP internet and transfer to the APs (PPPoE connection)

Regards.
 
You have to be careful with an external controller and not let it be on a bottle neck network segment or you will choke yourself if you push your network hard. Internal would be better in my way of thinking.

I would not buy Omada. But I would not use TP-Link either.
 
coxhaus said:
You have to be careful with an external controller and not let it be on a bottle neck network segment or you will choke yourself if you push your network hard. Internal would be better in my way of thinking.

I would not buy Omada. But I would not use TP-Link either.
Click to expand...

I know that Omada have external,
who have internal?
 
I've been reasonably happy with the Ubiquiti U6 Enterprise APs I bought six months ago. UniFi APs require a controller (yeah, there's a configurator phone app, but it's really bare-bones). You can run the controller software on dedicated hardware bought from Ubiquiti, or on bring-your-own gear such as a Raspberry Pi, or in a VM on some machine you own. Or you can use their cloud services, but it sounds like that option is a no-go for you. One thing to note is that the controller app doesn't need to run 24x7 once the APs are configured, unless you want continuous monitoring or a wifi guest portal (that is, something guest users get redirected to before they can access the internet). The only downside I'd mention is that you have to be a little careful about which firmware version you choose. Plenty of info available in their community forums. (While reading those, bear in mind that only people encountering problems bother to post.)

I cannot recommend Netgear's APs --- you have no control over firmware updates with them, at least per my experience with Orbi units a couple years ago.

I don't have experience with the other makes you mention, but I believe @coxhaus is a strong Cisco proponent, and there are several people here who like Omada.

Also, if you've not seen it already, do check out Evan McCann's website. He's got a ton of information about several of these product lines.
 
tgl said:
I've been reasonably happy with the Ubiquiti U6 Enterprise APs I bought six months ago. UniFi APs require a controller (yeah, there's a configurator phone app, but it's really bare-bones). You can run the controller software on dedicated hardware bought from Ubiquiti, or on bring-your-own gear such as a Raspberry Pi, or in a VM on some machine you own. Or you can use their cloud services, but it sounds like that option is a no-go for you. One thing to note is that the controller app doesn't need to run 24x7 once the APs are configured, unless you want continuous monitoring or a wifi guest portal (that is, something guest users get redirected to before they can access the internet). The only downside I'd mention is that you have to be a little careful about which firmware version you choose. Plenty of info available in their community forums. (While reading those, bear in mind that only people encountering problems bother to post.)

I cannot recommend Netgear's APs --- you have no control over firmware updates with them, at least per my experience with Orbi units a couple years ago.

I don't have experience with the other makes you mention, but I believe @coxhaus is a strong Cisco proponent, and there are several people here who like Omada.

Also, if you've not seen it already, do check out Evan McCann's website. He's got a ton of information about several of these product lines.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply.
Which APs do you own?
What is your internet connection map? (like the APs connect direct to router? they connect each other wifi? wired?)

I surprise about Netgear, no on recommends them.

Sure I know McCann website, I read there reviews also.
 
ChaoscripT said:
Thanks for the reply.
Which APs do you own?
Click to expand...
Uh, I told you.
ChaoscripT said:
What is your internet connection map? (like the APs connect direct to router? they connect each other wifi? wired?)
Click to expand...
My APs are wired through assorted switches to a Netgate (not Netgear!) router running pfSense software, which connects to a Verizon FiOS ONT.

If you need wireless backhaul then the conversation is quite different, because SMB gear like UniFi (and I believe also Aruba and Cisco) is not really designed for that. They can all theoretically do it but the hardware is not optimized for it, plus there tend to be bugs because they don't consider it a core use-case. I'd say run an ethernet cable if you possibly can. If you must do wireless backhaul then you would be better off IMO with consumer gear that's specifically designed for that, eg ASUS.
 
tgl said:
Uh, I told you.
Click to expand...
Oopsi :)
I thought that the enterprise means Unifi enterprise but forget that there is model with this name :)

tgl said:
My APs are wired through assorted switches to a Netgate (not Netgear!) router running pfSense software, which connects to a Verizon FiOS ONT.
Click to expand...

pfSense is the next level, currently I will choose "regular" router, like Deco X20/X50 or other just not use the WIFI option.

tgl said:
If you need wireless backhaul then the conversation is quite different, because SMB gear like UniFi (and I believe also Aruba and Cisco) is not really designed for that. They can all theoretically do it but the hardware is not optimized for it, plus there tend to be bugs because they don't consider it a core use-case. I'd say run an ethernet cable if you possibly can. If you must do wireless backhaul then you would be better off IMO with consumer gear that's specifically designed for that, eg ASUS.
Click to expand...

No, I need wired backhaul, each of the AP will connect to POE Switch then to the router.
They all will have same SSID for roaming in the house.
I don't if I can set the same SSID but different channel (for example) but even with the same channel it's ok.
 
I would never think of Unifi as enterprise level. It is business level but not enterprise level. There are way too many bugs in their software and their equipment is not at that level. Enterprise level you can depend on no matter what. There may be bugs once in a while but very few and the hardware will be cutting edge not run of the mill hardware.
 
coxhaus said:
I would never think of Unifi as enterprise level. It is business level but not enterprise level. There are way too many bugs in their software and their equipment is not at that level. Enterprise level you can depend on no matter what. There may be bugs once in a while but very few and the hardware will be cutting edge not run of the mill hardware.
Click to expand...

From the companies that I mention, who with enterprise level?

tgl said:
UniFi has no problem with that --- my APs are all set on different channels, but same SSIDs.
Click to expand...
Great, thanks to know.
 
Cisco, Aruba IMO.

But if this is residential with a limited number of users, the cost and features are way beyond affordable for "enterprise" gear. The SMB level gear is more than enough and accomplishes your stated goal of reliable and maintained until EOL listing. i've been running Cisco 371 APs since they first came out. The only re-boots are from power loss to the house. The Cisco 150s are a solid product from what i hear. The controller is built in to each AP and they can act as a cluster rather than rely on an extra box. Config replicates across all APs in the group. They can also be configured independently, but that may affect roaming for latency sensitive users - phone, video.
 
Last edited:
I see the words Unifi and enterprise level too much. They do not go together.

And Cisco small business is not enterprise level either but a lot closer than Unifi. Cisco's small business networking equipment software is great. Their hardware is reliable but not enterprise like Cisco's enterprise equipment. Yes, the cost would be too high for home use plus Cisco will not sell you support for home use. Support is how you get new IOS firmware's for your enterprise equipment and with no software updates your equipment is worthless. You have to be a business to buy enterprise level gear. Buying is not the hard part but support and knowing what to do is the hard part. Cisco does not hold your hand. They have Cisco certification for learning how to use their equipment.
 
Last edited:
degrub said:
Cisco, Aruba IMO.

But if this is residential with a limited number of users, the cost and features are way beyond affordable for "enterprise" gear. The SMB level gear is more than enough and accomplishes your stated goal of reliable and maintained until EOL listing. i've been running Cisco 371 APs since they first came out. The only re-boots are from power loss to the house. The Cisco 150s are a solid product from what i hear. The controller is built in to each AP and they can act as a cluster rather than rely on an extra box. Config replicates across all APs in the group. They can also be configured independently, but that may affect roaming for latency sensitive users - phone, video.
Click to expand...
coxhaus said:
I see the words Unifi and enterprise level too much. They do not go together.

And Cisco small business is not enterprise level either but a lot closer than Unifi. Cisco's small business networking equipment software is great. Their hardware is reliable but not enterprise like Cisco's enterprise equipment. Yes, the cost would be too high for home use plus Cisco will not sell you support for home use. Support is how you get new IOS firmware's for your enterprise equipment and with no software updates your equipment is worthless. You have to be a business to buy enterprise level gear. Buying is not the hard part but support and knowing what to do is the hard part. Cisco does not hold your hand. They have Cisco certification for learning how to use their equipment.
Click to expand...
Cisco enterprise is too much for home user, I don’t need and want it, I assume it’s also need a monthly subscription/license.

So the Cisco 150 is recommend?
Or because it’s SMB it’s prefer to get other gear?

Regards
 
I am all for Cisco. I am running an SG350 with 4 WAP571 AP's and once configured, it just runs and you kind of forget they are there. If i am to upgrade, it will definitely be Cisco again.
 
ddaenen1 said:
I am all for Cisco. I am running an SG350 with 4 WAP571 AP's and once configured, it just runs and you kind of forget they are there. If i am to upgrade, it will definitely be Cisco again.
Click to expand...
WAP571 is a business/enterprise gear? or SMB?

From what I read, the WAP 150AX is SMB gear and not the business/enterprise Cisco gear

Regards.
 
SMB. The 150 and 5xx are solid . Just stay within the EOS/EOL time period if you want updates. My previous generation APs have been set and forget. Home use is a low exposure environment for me. IF you have more varied users or small business, then you should stay within EOS times. Use of VLANs and switch/router supporting VLANs can help restrict guest traffic from your other devices.
 
degrub said:
SMB. The 150 and 5xx are solid . Just stay within the EOS/EOL time period if you want updates. My previous generation APs have been set and forget. Home use is a low exposure environment for me. IF you have more varied users or small business, then you should stay within EOS times. Use of VLANs and switch/router supporting VLANs can help restrict guest traffic from your other devices.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.

So just make sure,
If I buy a 3 APs of Cisco 150 AX I connect each of them direct to POE Switch then direct to my router (or another POE Switch then to router), and I can control all of them with Web GUI?
It's have support outside the house?

Also maybe you can answer me, what is different between the versions?
CBW150AX-E-EU and CBW150AX-B-NA?

Thanks.
 
That is how i manage my 371s. But search here for Cisco 150. There is at least one user that has them in their home lan.
The difference is the region for sales and likely different radio regulation and power input.
Do recognize that these are designed for corporate environment where more lower power APs are used for coverage rather than the typical home where the intent is one router/AP blasting out RF power to cover the maximum area.
i use 4 AC371 APs to cover 300 sqr meter (2x150) , two story, wood/gypsum board house. Most of my AP radios are running reduced power and i only use 5Ghz band. 2.4 Ghz is turned off as there was too much overlap in coverage and interference between the APs.

i do not understand your question "It's have support outside the house?".
 
Last edited:
What severely limits @ChaoscripT eventual success is the fact he lives in a bomb shelter style reinforced concrete home in an active war zone. Nothing is guaranteed to work there and taking advice from people in North America may result in huge waste of money for products impossible to return or exchange. Building materials aside the entire area is constantly monitored for RF transmissions and scanned by radar 24/7. RF violation may lead to actual jail time. The reasons I have no recommendations.
 
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If only the exterior walls/roof are reinforced concrete with only a couple reinforced concrete interior structural walls, the rest nonstructural walls with typical metal or wood framing, then low power 5Ghz can work. Where i used to work we built blast resistant buildings with interior wifi. Exterior roof and walls heavily reinforced concrete and interior was typical office build out walls. Windows, if any, and doors were designed for the blast load as well.
If the interior walls are also structural load bearing and reinforced concrete, then what you say is very likely going to be an issue. i would look for wall outlet based, 5Ghz APs with low power and adjustable. i think maybe Ubiquiti has some ?
 
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