Home network architecture
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Hello,
My home router just died and I have been thinking for a while I need something more secure and was looking at pfsense after talking with someone at work. So now seems like a good time to do it :-)
I came across the SG-1100 and it seems to be ideal for what I need. My next quandary is; what else do I need?
Can I just use an AP like this (Ubiquiti Unifi Ap-AC Long Range - Wireless Access Point - 802.11 B/A/G/n/AC (UAP-AC-LR-US)) plugged into the SG-1100? Or do I need a switch too?
I am not wanting to spend too much so any advice you can offer would be great.
Cheers.
Dan. -
Yes you can use Ubiquiti APs with pfsense/netgate firewall. I have a Ubiquiti AP HD plugged into my SG-5100. Ubiquiti APs are configured with their controller. Ubiquiti sells dedicated systems for their controllers but they also make their controller software available as an app/service that you can run from any windows/mac/Linux PC. So if you are short on cash and the only Ubiquiti equipment you have is a couple APs, then I would just download their controller software and only run it whenever you need to configure or reconfigure the APs.
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You will need to go via their PoE injector to power it but other than that, yes, you can connect an AP directly to a port on the SG-1100.
Steve
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I can't speak for their AP AC but their AP HD does come with a POE injector (at least it does when buying direct from Ubiquiti). If you have a need for more LAN ports than what the SG-1100 offers you could get one of their POE switches to power the AP.
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I have the UAP-AC-LR and it did come with the injector. Though that is the 1st gen 24V model the newer ones are 802.3af compliant I believe.
Steve
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Thank you very much for your replies, they have all been very helpful.
As far as I can see the AP comes with a Gigabit PoE (24V, 0.5A) so I assume this acts as a pass through for the network cable and adds in power?
I think I know what I will be buying later.
Cheers,
Dan. -
Actually for home use rather than an AP would something like this behind the SH-1100 be better?
https://store.amplifi.com/products/amplifi-instant-router
Or even a google wifi?
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Yes, that is the PoE injector, it passed data and adds power as you say.
As an access point the UAP-AC-LR is better. It's a dedicated access point.
Steve
