Hi, I hope its appropriate to ask this here, considering this is the most active community closest to this topic (Networking). I am moving places shortly and will need to start from scratch will all networking equipment. Including router and wifi-extenders. Am wondering what the general consencus is around networking gear, what brands are good and homelab friendly? I’ve heard great things about Ubiquity, but know nothing about their products. I do wish to buy a mesh system, as I do have 2 floors and concrete walls in the new place. I am looking for something easy to maintain, yet customizable for when I get more comfortable with playing around with networking equipment.

I have some experience with TP-link + decos, but really dont like their app and default settings. Blocks mullvad.net by default for instance…

If it matters, there will only be 2 people connected normally ~ approx 8 devices or so in total.

  • 2 phones,
  • 2 laptops (wired if possible)
  • 1 desktop comupter (wired)
  • server (wired)
  • Nvdia shield (wired)
  • RaspberriPi (wired)

Am also aiming to buy a 1000/1000 Mbps connection :)

Lemmy know what you would recommend in this scenario, and please feel free to ask about further details if I have missed anything, Thanks as always!

  • @[email protected]English
    2•23 days ago

    What would you recommend as a replacement with same level of novice-friendly UI/setup? I was looking to go down that route specifically because it seems like an easy way to get a solid network setup without being a network pro.

    • @kata1ystEnglish
      1•23 days ago

      I can recommend Grandstream. They have a great UI, tons of features explained in plain English, and powerful Access Points for a fair price. Zero cloud features necessary. Also a US based company, if that matters to you.

      But even cooler, the controller is built into the Access Point and is peer-to-peer if multiple APs are in use.

      I switched a month ago from a full Unifi network and couldn’t be happier. Do note that they need PoE injectors to power the APs, but unlike Ubiquiti’s they don’t ship with them.

      • @[email protected]English
        1•23 days ago

        Hmm, they’re not easily available in the EU it seems.

        Also a US based company, if that matters to you.

        I would consider that a downside TBH, but it’s hard to avoid unfortunately.