Networking Gear Recommendations? (starting from scratch)

Sunny' 🌻@slrpnk.net to Selfhosted@lemmy.world – 47 points –

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!

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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.

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.

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.