Ubiquiti Edgerouter vs. Security Gateway- An in-depth router comparison
When setting up your connectivity system, find the best Wi-Fi router is one of the most important elements you should consider. Ubiquiti Edgerouter and Security Gateway are two viable options that have many quality features- with Ubiquiti Edgerouter standing out because of its chipset and reliable performance.
Before you settle on one Wi-Fi router, there are a number of factors you need to consider. Beyond the structure and outward design of a product, the software and tech-aspects highly matter. For example, if the chipset is recent and it comes with other accessories to match, then you need to consider it. When going for a Wi-Fi router, the performance you can expect is what will make one product stand out from the others.
As it can be quite hectic trying to understand all these specs to find the right router for you, this guide has been created to be a one-stop read for all you need to know about the best Wi-Fi routers. It has narrowed down to Ubiquiti Edgerouter and Security Gateway that are both highly-rated and reviewed. For Ubiquiti Edgerouter, one of its impressive features is durable and sturdy chassis while Security Gateway stands out because of its security and operational features.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Ubiquiti Edgerouter and Security Gateway?
Model |
Ubiquiti Edgerouter (Winner) |
Security Gateway |
MU-MIMO &Beamforming |
Yes |
Yes |
Chipset |
|
1GHz processor |
Speed (Long range) |
|
59.52 – Download speed
83.94 – Upload speed |
Antenna |
1 external |
1 dual-band |
Ubiquiti Edgerouter vs. Security Gateway– How do they compare?
Hardware Specs
Ubiquiti Edgerouter is fitted with a dual-core processor that clocks in at 880MHz with 256MB RAM and flash memory. It is designed with the MediaTek MT7621AT chipset as well as the same switch chip. It is built for consumer-use as long as the environment it is placed in is quite demanding otherwise such a router would be overkill in a small home set-up.
Security Gateway on the flipside is a rather compact sized device that still comes with formidable hardware specs. It has 1 dedicated Gigabit WAN port and 1 dedicated Gigabit LAN port. Both have the 10/100/1000Mbps specifications. It also has an extra Gigabit port that can be configured to your preferences. You can either have a second WAN or LAN port.
Technology/ Software features
Ubiquiti Edgerouter is designed with the latest Wi-Fi technology features. First, it entails a mesh system that is slowly replacing the traditional single router system and range extenders. Ubiquiti Edgerouter is also designed with MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input and multiple-output) technology. This assures you that even with multiple connected devices you still get to enjoy simultaneous roaming with minimal interruption and buffering.This router also has scalability that adds to its pro features.
Regarding software features, the USG has the same networking and security capabilities as the Ubiquiti Edgerouter like the EdgeOS software. It is also jammed with other quality software features like the Deep Packet Inspection and IDS/IPS. Its throughput speeds are also rather impressive with 3Gbps on large packets and 1 million pps on 64 bytes packets. This simply means that the Security Gateway can easily handle the traffic demands of homes as well as small enterprises. Keep in mind that if you want to configure your router, all your settings can be overwritten by the Unifi Controller management software. To be sure that all your configurations stick, make sure you do the changes on a JSON file. This is the only way that Security Gateway allows for customized changes that are not on the GUI interface.
Design
The Ubiquiti Edgerouter is quite different from other routers that are built for consumer users. First, it comes in a practical design that is more traditional for enterprise routers. It is also designed for functionality that is better than what you would expect from regular routers used in homes. Regarding its design, it has a metallic cover that primarily comes in a matte black finish. This keeps off unwanted fingerprint marks. To add, Ubiquiti Edgerouter has LED lights on it that let you know on the status of your network at all times.
Security Gateway on the other hand has the dimensions of 1 x 1 x 1 inches and it weighs 12.3 ounces. This makes it rather compact sized with all its hardware neatly jammed like an Apple-product. The only downer with this device is that it does get quite warm with extensive use. The LED lights on the device are also quite bright and a tad obnoxious.
Range
Ubiquiti Edgerouter entails the use of an Edgerouter and the additional access points to ensure your entire home or office area is covered with the much needed Wi-Fi signals. It effectively replaces the use of a single Wi-Fi router that is jammed with all the Wi-Fi specs. Wherever you place it, you are assured of overall range coverage which is also boosted with additional nodes.
Security Gateway on the flipside can offer up to 600 square feet coverage with its Gigabit ports.
Ubiquiti Edgerouter vs Security Gateway- A comparison overview
Ubiquiti Edgerouter
- Product Type:Networking Router
- Item Package Dimension:7.112 cm L X 10.16 cm W X 14.986 cm H
As one of the most reasonably priced products from Ubiquiti, the Edgerouter is a router that stands out for impressive qualities that are not too expensive to get. First, it comes with all the high-tech features that you would expect in a device placed in an enterprise. For example, Ubiquiti Edgerouter is designed with the Edge OS user interface with all its added and advanced capabilities.
Secondly, the Ubiquiti Edgerouter is a rather compact sized router making it a great blend wherever you place it in. It is also small-sized enough so as to not take too much space from your shelf or desk. Keep in mind that you can also choose to have it wall-mounted if you want it out of the way.
In terms of its design, Ubiquiti Edgerouter is rather compact sized making it a good fit for wherever you place it. If you want it out of the way, you can have it wall-mounted. It also has other quality elements in its design like the white LED lights on top of the device to let you know on the status of the network at all time. For example, a flashing LED light means there is activity on the network
It also has many ports. The front of Ubiquiti Edgerouter for example has five 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports that act as interfaces.
Pointer: The package comes with the unit as well as a quick start guide that lets you know on everything you need to be aware of when using this networking device.
For the set-up process, it is easy for novices too. All you need to do is plug in the power adapter to the power outlet and connect the computer. The installation process is pretty straightforward and can be done within minutes.
The only drawback with this networking device is that it tends to heat up after continuous use. The access point lines especially do tend to run quite hot with every use of this router. However, the vents that are placed on the device do help in reducing some of the heat build-up. Also, if you want to have all the software features on this router working, you do have to pay an additional fee.
Pros
- Durable and sturdy chassis that can be wall-mounted
Cons
- Tends to heat up with prolonged use
- Some of the features come at an additional cost
Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway (USG)
- 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports, CLI management for advanced users
- 1 million packets per second for 64-byte packets
As one of the highest rated devices by Ubiquiti, the Unifi Security Gateway does have a lot going for it. First, it entails the use of 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports that come in handy for advanced users to do CLI management. For its performance, it delivers up to a million packets (64 bytes). It also has 3Gbps line rate that is for use for packets that are around 512 bytes or more. It does all this in near-silence as the Unifi Security Gateway does not come with fans to reduce the amount of noise generated during the working of this device.
To add, this Security Gateway comes with additional features. For instance, it is compatible with the Unifi Controller for management of your router at all times. It also has secure off-campus monitoring and management of systems.
Unifi Security Gateway also comes with security features to keep your network secure at all times. First, it has a rather powerful firewall that works at all times to protect your personal data as well as your network and connected devices. For traffic management as well as security, this Security Gateway has the option of the virtual network segment. This rather convenient VLAN support system comes in handy. With Security Gateway, you can also enable the Intrusion Prevention System which identifies any potential cyber threats like malicious traffic or suspicion traffic patterns.
The only downer with this router is that it does cost quite a lot. It also lacks clear and detailed documentation on the functioning of the Security Gateway. The website is also not helpful enough if you are not tech savvy. However, it is well worth the splurge as it will be a one-time investment for your connectivity needs.
Pros
- Comes with security features like the Intrusion Prevention System and Site-to-Site VPN
Cons
- Documentation does not come detailed with all you need to know
- Quite costly
Conclusion
This article has given a comparison overview of Ubiquiti Edgerouter and Unifi Security Gateway. When setting up your connectivity system in your home or office, you will not go wrong with either of these options because of the quality features they come with. Ubiquiti Edgerouter, for example, is can comfortable handle internet connections of up to 1 Gigabit per seconds. Keep in mind that some of the features that come with Ubiquiti Edgerouter need to be paid for. SQM and DPI are some of the impressive features that come at an additional price. Security Gateway on the other hand is not short of a nice list of features. For example, it has the ability to set the square foot coverage on your WAN connection. The utilization of the Unifi Controller also adds to the full network performance you get with the Unifi Security Gateway.
As for their prices, Ubiquiti Edgerouter and Unifi Security Gateway do cost quite a bit of money. The Security Gateway also costs considerably more than the Edgerouter. Nonetheless, you get formidable features with both routers as well as performance that is almost neck-to-neck. They are both great value for your money.
Verdict: So, which is better between Ubiquiti Edgerouter and Security Gateway?
Ubiquiti Edgerouter does stand out for a number of reasons. For instance, it comes with all the tech-features that will please even the most critical router users. To add, it comes with all these features for tech-savvy people at a reasonable price. It is definitely great value for your money if you decide to go for it.
Frequently asked questions
-
How do you make sure the routers are running to their fullest abilities?
Both Ubiquiti Edgerouter and Unifi Security Gateway have regular firmware updates. To ensure your router works at all times even with combo cable providers, make sure you are running on the latest versions. For Ubiquiti Edgerouter, the latest versions give you more wizard options like a basic setup option.
-
How do you know the number of units you need?
For both Ubiquiti Edgerouter and Unifi Security Gateway, one node is more than enough for households as well as average sized offices.
Do keep in mind that the size, design and building material of your home or office highly matter. The number of floors and wall distribution also might trigger the need of additional needs. You can conduct the wireless site survey to get a true sense of the Wi-Fi signal strengths around your home or office to find out if you need additional access points. You can also use the Map Feature to find out if there are any weak spots that need additional nodes.
