pFsense Hardware purchase 2020
-
What I would do may only apply to me. We have all learned a thing or two over time. That said, if I could magically replace all of the networking equipment I have now with new equipment I would have this:
Netgate SG-5100
Some fanless switch with at least 24 ports
Some fanless POE++ switch ~8 port
Ruckus r710 access points (3)
UPS (I have and would keep my APS rack mount UPS, it works)I like Cisco small business switches. Maybe it's just because I am familiar with the way you manage them. There are others who absolutely hate them.
I am a huge believer that wired is always best. If you have devices that are stationary they should have a wired connection. I can do that, others may not be able to run cable because they are renting or whatnot.
I would get the access points used. Way too expensive new for a home network. You can get firmware updates and setup Ruckus access points without a physical controller or license fees. It's not obvious, but you can definitely do that. I called them :)
-
This post is deleted! -
@jwj thank for being open, most of us at some point, would have the opinion / option of replacing few gears after we have purchased.. I have learnt few lessons, from my experience and always made mistakes but that has been the best way of learning really!!
I have now started with the network set-up for my rented home, but I want to ensure the gears I buy will fit in my new home where ever I move
of course the day I move to my own house 
I will just do up the wiring and use the old gear which I buy now..But I do want to learn from others experience and advise on my start so I do not make the known error..
In the first step I have avoided DIY build of PfSense, rather look for something efficient .
Second, I have got the advice to pick the right switch, thank you and @johnpoz for this advise..Finally I have got my self registered here, to seek some network advice which is fruitful and I have requested for slack invite, not sure if I am going to get it, have not see one yet its been more than 24hr since my request.
-
@shyam-srinivasan Take care! Happy New year!
-
@jwj
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family.. -
@jwj I have qq, do I have to pay for CISCO license ? if any, to use any, of the switches feature? that I buy.. example SG350 28 port managed switch ?
-
@shyam-srinivasan No. A support license is not required. If a reseller is pushing that or telling you you must pay for some license it's time to look elsewhere.
I noticed that, at least for the new refreshed CBS350 line of switches, that Amazon is an authorized reseller (Amazon as the seller, NOT just sold on Amazon) . At least in the US. I would imagine in other places as well.
If you're unsure about what and who you are buying from I would hit pause, take a breath, and revisit it after a while.
-
@jwj Great, thank you for the assurance, I was thinking after buying I will have to pay additional for license . I was not really sure about the license business model with CICSO, after buying the switch for the first year or two I could use the features and post that I would have to subscribe for license...
Since this is not the case, I feel more comfortable now..
-
Yeah as stated there are no "licenses" or support needed with the small business line of cisco switches. On their higher end switches - if you want to do xyz, that might require a specific license to enable a software feature or specific hardware.
I am not aware of any such licenses that are even available for the sg350 line??
-
@johnpoz Yeah, not in terms of features on the switch. Maybe some of their cloud based asset management has a license but that isn't relevant to a home network.
Prices on the SG line have become really cheap lately.
Deals on the refreshed CBS350 line can be had with a little searching also. Fan-less 24 port POE+, Hmmmm.... Oh never mind. Want better AP's more than a new switch...
This is the SG to CBS mapping:
https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/products/collateral/switches/business-250-series-smart-switches/nb-06-bus-switch-trans-guide-cte-en.pdf
And the CBS350 Data Sheet:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/business-350-series-managed-switches/datasheet-c78-744156.pdf
-
@johnpoz, @jwj Thank you
