UniFi Dream Router 7 vs Asus RT-BE88U

[Tech9]

Truly a step above the consumer-grade stuff from ASUS?

Lawrence Systems channel may provide some of the answers to your questions:

Lawrence Systems

In-depth tutorials, discussions on network engineering, security, and technology solutions. Lawrence Systems offers a look at how we run our company, the products we use and solutions we provide for our clients. We discuss and create tutorials for firewalls, storage solutions, MSP tools...

www.youtube.com

 

[tgl]

This is a neophyte's question, but -- what's UniFi's reputation for firmware support, in terms of tenure and quality?

Ubiquiti is ... well ... idiosyncratic. Some points:

• I'd say they get high marks for longevity of support: ten-year product support periods seem routine. See for example this article (the models marked "Legacy" are the ones no longer supported, note that they're all half a dozen product generations back).
• On the other hand, their commitment to documentation is microscopic. They don't publish anything I'd call a proper user manual, just a random collection of knowledge-base articles. The article I just linked is another illustration of that: it used to be a knowledge-base article but one day it disappeared without warning. (My link points to a copy somebody put up on their community forum, which is an incredible resource that you need to participate in if you start using their gear. User-to-user support on the forum is really the main way to learn details about their stuff.) UI themselves seem to think that their target market is networking pros who don't need much hand-holding.
• Firmware quality is, on the whole, erratic. IME their AP firmware is more solid than ASUS', but their forum is just full of complaints about problems in their routing/switching/network controller gear. (Of course, people who are not having problems never come to the forum to say that, so this is necessarily a biased sample.)

FWIW, I use UniFi APs along with switches and a router of other makes, and I've been happy.

 

[Tech9]

For commonly discussed issues with Asus routers and Asuswrt on this forum - Ubiquiti hardware and software quality is stellar.

 

[Metazoan]

Thanks for the comments. I will definitely consider the UDR7 as the successor to my AX86U.

Luckily, I can also source UniFi gear locally. I understand some products are sold out often on their site.

 

[cptnoblivious]

I've been running a CGU for about 4 months now, and compared to the previous 2 Asus routers, it's been rock solid and works as advertised. I'd say the UCG operates at "another level".

My $0.02

 

[Tech9]

I run 2x UniFi networks with total of 12x UniFi devices and all are up and running since installed with one reboot on UniFi OS update (2x UCG-Ultra, 2x USW-Ultra, 6x U6-Mesh, 2x UX). One of the networks runs wireless uplink to the UX units, uptime since installed. Both networks are connected with site-to-site VPN, up and running since created. The only issue is with UX units:

- no option to control the UX screen in AP mode - on/off, brightness, schedule (cosmetic)
- no option to assign UX LAN ports to different VLAN in AP mode, currently main VLAN only (use case related)

Ubiquiti promised to fix with next updates. What I like the most is the ability to update software components and make configuration changes without reboot. This includes creating new networks and moving clients around, changing DHCP settings and traffic filtering, changing AP assigned SSID to networks, channel, channel bandwidth, AP power, etc. The system is just showing "Getting Ready" message and 30sec later it continues working with the new configuration like nothing happened. Saves a lot of time.

To do the same on an Asus router multiple reboots are needed if not reset to defaults at some point because sometimes Asuswrt breaks just with configuration changes up to the point of no return. Asus recommends reset after every firmware update... they know.

 

[Tech9]

I will definitely consider the UDR7

Do your homework first, this is a brand new product. Wait for some user feedback first. It looks like UCG-Max + U7 Pro in one unit, but may have device specific differences. I would approach with caution any just released product regardless of the brand.

 

[Metazoan]

Do your homework first, this is a brand new product. Wait for some user feedback first. It looks like UCG-Max + U7 Pro in one unit, but may have device specific differences. I would approach with caution any just released product regardless of the brand.

Certainly. My mistake with the AX86U was assuming that I'd have an experience similar to the one I had with the AC56U it replaced. The latter did all I asked and rarely needed attention. I rebooted it only after updates and when I wanted to, not needed to.

Regretfully, the AX86U has not worked out that same way.

 

[d5aqoep]

After using Ubiquiti system for more than a year, I can confidently say that it beats the daylights out of Asus, Netgear, Linksys, Eero, etc in terms of:
1. Stability... Yup! it's rock solid
2. Better software updates. Once in 2 months and 2-3 times if on Early Access
3. Better Multi WAN -> Yes you can use all ports on your Gateways as WAN ports. The WAN failover and fallback actually works unlike Asus (Still in EA early access but will be releasing next month)
4. Better Firewall and Static Routes. Custom routes can also be set from shell for not-so-faint hearted.
5. The WebUI is just smooth as butter unlike Asus's Jank displaying low res iconography on 4K screens.

Asus advantages over Ubiquiti
1. Asus has IPv6 passthrough mode which Ubiquiti lacks
2. Asus has WOL support baked in WebUI to remotely wake a pc on LAN/WAN
3. Gamery RGB design principles which some prefer over Ubiquiti's Applesque minimal design asthetics.
4. Asus maybe? cheaper on some mid-low end models compared to equivalent Ubiquiti stuff when added together.

I like things decentralized so my setup consists of following Ubiquiti things
1. Cloud Gateway Fiber -> Managing routing and internet
2. 2 x U7 Pros handling Wifi duties
3. Flex 8 PoE 2.5G switch
4. Flex XG 10G switch

 

[Tech9]

Home All-In-One routers also come cheaper, Asus or other brand. For someone with basic requirements there is no need to pay more for component system. One single device with close to default settings is perhaps good enough and more cost effective option.

 

[NS156]

Ok, it is great I came across this thread after my experience with the BE88U here: https://www.snbforums.com/threads/upgrading-to-rt-ax88u-pro.94221/#post-949955

I was thinking about giving up on ASUS and perhaps going with a UniFi system, so I'm going to have to read this thread closely. The new cloud gateway fiber (when you can get one) looks like they have FINALLY released a non rack mounted product that isn't deliberately scuffed in some way. The company really likes to release products that have glaring omissions just to encourage getting the more expensive gear IMO. The stability of the UniFi system looks like something I will absolutely love compared to the WiFi issues I seemingly like having with ASUS.

I don't do too much advanced stuff with the ASUS kit - setting of static IPs for clients in the DHCP, setting custom DNS instead of grabbing ISP one, and some port forwarding if required. I can assume UniFi will do all of this fine (actually, will the UniFi stuff sort the DHCP IPs in order numerically like ASUS finally does now? That used to annoy me a lot). One thing I also liked about the BE88U was how it created an IoT SSID for compatibility with older devices that didn't like WPA3. I presume you can do the exact same here?

 

[Tech9]

actually, will the UniFi stuff sort the DHCP IPs in order numerically like ASUS finally does now?

The Network Application UI for Client Devices is fully customizable with filters, columns, name, icon, etc. whatever you want to see on your screen. See available options for Filters and Columns below. You can also change the position of columns the way you prefer.

 

[NS156]

The Network Application UI for Client Devices is fully customizable with filters, columns, name, icon, etc. whatever you want to see on your screen. See available options for Filters and Columns below. You can also change the position of columns the way you prefer.

View attachment 64717

View attachment 64718

That's pretty sweet. If I were to eventually grab a cloud gateway fibre, which APs would you recommend? I'm thinking one per floor. This house isn't huge (can't remember sqft off by heart), but it does have old plaster walls which put a dent in the strength through a floor.

Perhaps I can connect one AP to my old AC87U for now since the main router still works OK, just the WiFi is dying. And then wait for a gateway fibre in the meantime.

 

[Tech9]

which APs would you recommend?

Use the Design Center. It can make pretty accurate planning of your space very close to real coverage.

UniFi Design Center

Simulate a complete UniFi system with our powerful visualization and planning tool.

design.ui.com

I'm using U6-Mesh APs, they are omnidirectional with good range, can be used as desktop units or even outdoors mounted on a pole, come with PoE injector and mounting hardware in the box. Run hot because of IPX5 waterproof design, but I have 6x already in use and they are solid. Planning to purchase some more for another project. Hardware inside is similar to U6-Pro, Qualcomm IPQ5018.

I have no interest in Wi-Fi 7 products at the moment. Reason why here.

 

[NS156]

Use the Design Center. It can make pretty accurate planning of your space very close to real coverage.

UniFi Design Center

Simulate a complete UniFi system with our powerful visualization and planning tool.

design.ui.com

I'm using U6-Mesh APs, they are omnidirectional with good range, can be used as desktop units or even outdoors mounted on a pole, come with PoE injector and mounting hardware in the box. Run hot because of IPX5 waterproof design, but I have 6x already in use and they are solid. Planning to purchase some more for another project. Hardware inside is similar to U6-Pro, Qualcomm IPQ5018.

I have no interest in Wi-Fi 7 products at the moment. Reason why here.

Yeah that's fair, and if I skip WiFi 7 I won't need to worry about the whole 'IoT' SSID that the BE88U sets up for you for legacy devices that crap the bed with WPA3 I guess.

 

[Tech9]

cloud gateway fibre

Perhaps I can connect one AP to my old AC87U for now since the main router still works OK, just the WiFi is dying.

Just make sure you don't overpay for equipment. This rarely pays back in user experience. You are jumping from a home router with GbE ports to a gateway with 10GbE ports. It this necessary? And if you need an AP only it doesn't have to be some expensive model with 300 clients support, 16x SSIDs and crazy theoretical amount of VLANs - things you perhaps don't need and can't even configure without the required network controller. Stand-alone AP configuration is very limited.

Fast expensive gateway is asking for a fast expensive switch and fast links to expensive access points. They may make a great system, but the initial investment may jump into thousands really fast. Stay away from so called Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Ubiquiti or some other vendor will take your money for sure, but you may not need to pay this much to cover your needs.

 

[NS156]

I'm mostly looking at the cloud gateway because generally with the lower priced UniFi products they always have some really annoying glaring omission, or the throughput is terrible if you have the inbuilt security stuff enabled. That turned me off them for years, but it seems the Fibre is finally a product that isn't rack mounted that isn't purposefully hobbled to upsell you the rack stuff. At least, that is how I see it, anyway.

In terms of overpaying, I probably already did for a BE88U that has annoyed me within 1 day. At least the UniFi shouldn't have that problem! You're right about the APs, but I would like good range + throughput to get consistent 5GHz coverage (and then I don't have to rely on the 2.4GHz all that much in the first place) in a house not very suited for 5GHz signals, that's for sure. (And you can forget 6GHz because that would require an AP in every room no doubt).

 

[Tech9]

That turned me off them for years

Now they have pretty good UCG-Ultra (GbE), UCG-Max (2.5GbE) and lately UCG-Fiber (10GbE) devices.

but I would like good range + throughput

Then see my post here. Start with few APs, add more as needed, tune your system properly and you'll have it.

 

[Tech9]

in a house not very suited for 5GHz signals, that's for sure

Keep the "want" and "need" in balance. Prioritize reliability over speed.

If the Wi-Fi environment is challenging I would look at products like U6 In-Wall. This is a wall plate style AP with 4x extra LAN ports for wired devices. One AP may cover a room or two for Wi-Fi and provide wired connection to local devices. It has GbE ports, but nothing beats the wire for reliability.

Gigabit network will bring down the costs significantly. Matching gateway is £79.00 only (UCG-Ultra), matching 8-port switch with PoE good for 4x APs is £85.00 (USW-Lite-8-POE). If you don't need LAN ports APs start from £79.00 (U6-Plus). If you do need LAN ports the in-wall APs are £140.00 (U6-IW).

Good luck!

 

[tgl]

I already mentioned this upthread, but: UniFi APs are pretty sweet as long as you can run ethernet cables to all of them. If you have to rely on wireless backhaul then they are less attractive, because they are not optimized for that. They can do it, but performance is not stellar.

I hear you about plaster walls and suchlike, but the truth of the matter there is that all wifi manufacturers are limited by the exact same laws of physics and FCC regulations. It's not the case that one make is going to be a lot better than another at punching through a wall. You're better off going for more APs with smaller coverage areas if you have that problem. If you do follow that advice, UniFi has two advantages over ASUS and other consumer gear: first, they get this idea and are happy to sell you small cheap APs (the $129 U6+ is widely recommended), and second they make it easy to tune the APs' transmit power down to appropriate levels for small-coverage-area usage. Nothing turns your wifi experience into crap faster than an AP blasting out a 30dBm signal when the clients can only answer back at 12-15dBm.

As a real use-case, I currently use 3 UniFi APs running at pretty low Tx power to cover a long narrow apartment, about 85ft x 25ft. I initially tried just two near the ends, but had some poor coverage in the middle; three work better. I don't have plaster interior walls to cope with, just drywall --- but I do have an elevator shaft and some concrete pillars within the floorplan, so it's not exactly wide open. With 3 APs I have solid-as-a-rock service everywhere.