Home network architecture

dansell · Jul 2, 2019, 2:29 PM

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.

gfeiner · Jul 2, 2019, 6:15 PM

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.

stephenw10 · Jul 2, 2019, 6:22 PM

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

gfeiner · Jul 2, 2019, 7:12 PM

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.

stephenw10 · Jul 2, 2019, 10:32 PM

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

dansell · Jul 3, 2019, 11:40 AM

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.

dansell · Jul 3, 2019, 12:05 PM

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?

stephenw10 · Jul 3, 2019, 1:06 PM

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