Ubiquiti Unifi Vs Meraki
New advanced technology in the development of IT and networking equipments has led to better utilization of the internet across the board. Companies are now more productive and offices can carry out their networking activities in a seamless fashion.
Many companies are now offering networking solutions; some have, therefore, carved out a niche in IT while others are into manufacturing the business and home networking devices. And as much as the markets are now flooded with varied equipment including knock offs, finding the right product for one’s needs from a trusted brand has become an uphill task for many people.
We, therefore, sampled two brands the Ubiquiti Unifi and Meraki, to see how they stack up and what solutions they offer people in terms of networking and IT management. Read on, as we share our discoveries.
Ubiquiti has been around since 2005, and is known to offer quality wireless data communication devices for the wireless broadband providers and the enterprises. However, the most common products from Unifi are developed for the business, and home wired and wireless networking. Meraki, on the other hand, has been in existence since 2006 and offers wireless networking products, security cameras, switching, and enterprise mobility management among others.
Model |
Ubiquiti Unifi |
Meraki |
Speeds |
300 Mbps, at 5 GHz450 Mbps, at 2.4 GHz |
State firewall throughput is 100mbpsAdvanced security throughput is 50mbps |
Dimensions |
8.7 x 8.7 x 1.9 inches |
11.8 x 10.5 x 3.5 inches |
Table of Contents
Ubiquiti Unifi vs Meraki- How do they compare?
Both Unifi and Meraki manufacture network solution devices, but Unifi is more inclined to producing home and office Wi-Fi solutions while Meraki is mostly focused on simplifying IT management.
Ubiquiti Unifi
Ubiquiti offers Wi-Fi systems that are scalable and easy to deploy and manage. The Wi-Fi devices have, therefore, been configured to cater to a broad category of users, we therefore, have the indoor Wi-Fi models designed to either be attached on the walls or ceiling, and come with all the accessories. The units have also incorporated a LED provisioning ring or square meant to provide administrator location tracking.
The indoor models have been equipped with the Power over Internet (PoE). The above is so that power and data can be transmitted via a single Ethernet cable to the device. And better yet is that the models from Unifi are provided in either single or multi-packs. The above will, therefore, work with the layout, size, and the needed range that a user needs.
The multi packet Wi-Fi indoor devices are meant to cater to individuals with expansive homes and want coverage in the whole home including the back and front yard, and the rooms upstairs. And while you can practically deploy the units anywhere including the ceiling, it is important to ensure that you keep off elements that can obstruct the Wi-Fi signals such as heavy walls, metal surfaces, and objects or placing them close to other electronic devices.
The outdoor models
Wi-Fi signals can also be utilized in the outside environment, to which end Unifi has provided users with models to cater to this specific deployment needs. You will, therefore, be able to either mount your Wi-Fi device on the pole or the wall, as the units have incorporated the relevant design and they are also provided for with the necessary accessories.
And for as much as you may want to install your Wi-Fi units outdoors there is always the challenge of dealing with the changing weather patterns. Not to worry though because the Unifi Wi-Fi devices outer casings are made of weather-resistant material, thus specially designed for outdoor deployments.
And to ensure that users are taking complete advantage of the device, the units have been equipped with omnidirectional antennas that offer an efficient 360° wireless coverage. Users who opt to invest in the outside models have been given the option of either choosing between the 2G or the 5G models. And even more interesting is the fact that each of the Unifi models has incorporated a Power over Ethernet adapter.
The latter can still be powered by either a tough switch PoE or an Unifi Switch, other installation options are such as the use of external antennas.
Meraki
Meraki has been able to offer IT solutions by providing its users with wireless routers, switches to security and communications. The units feature an intuitive web interface that can be deployed from any location; users are, therefore, at liberty of customizing their Wi-Fi devices from different locations. Management of the units has been made easy as the company provides firmware and security updates without necessarily having users install any type of software or hardware.
And through their tablets or phones, users can isolate issues and roll out the new functionality features via the open APIs. With the rise in the number of cybercrimes and the risks posed through the use of the various networking equipment in organizations, companies, and businesses. Meraki in all its networking devices has enabled the end to end encryption a conclusive solution specially designed to safeguard the modern workplace.
Other products offered by Meraki under its IT networking solution umbrella are such as the security cameras, the latter are a security solution for businesses, which also offer invaluable analytics. The units are pretty simple to deploy, manage, and configure. And better yet I that users will be able to utilize the advanced features such as object detection and heat maps.
The brand also provides users with powerful networking switches, designed to promote remote troubleshooting, easy management, and enhanced visibility. The networking devices also feature an effective endpoint management system that gives users insight into the activities of their network. They can, therefore, invite guests into their network, and tweak their connectivity settings, and monitor their activities via their locating and tracking devices.
Ubiquiti Vs Meraki –Overview
Ubiquiti Overview
Ubiquiti UniFi HD 802.11ac Wave 2 Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point
The Unifi access point wave 2 enterprise features a sleek and easy to deploy design. The unit is a high-performance wireless device and with regard to the layout of your home, you can either install it in your ceiling or any wall surface. At the top part, you have been provided by the led provisioning ring necessary for simplifying deployment and configuration.
The Unit has been equipped with scalability options via the virtual control plane. The Wi-Fi access point offers long-range links of either 400 or 600ft, it is also a dual-band meaning that it can operate two frequencies. Users also get to use the Unifi application for free thus no charges for the software that comes with advanced features like WLAN groups, and custom maps, and Google maps.
- Connectivity technology: Ethernet
Ubiquiti Networks Unifi Security Gateway, USG-PRO-4
- Ubiquiti Networks USG-PRO-4 Enterprise Gateway Router with Gigabit Ethernet 2 Combination SFP/RJ-45 Ports
- The UniFi Security Gateway Pro offers two optional SFP ports for fiber connectivity to support backhaul...
The Ubiquiti Unifi brands offer solid networking units that provide cost-effectively, reliable routing, and advanced security for the devices connected in your network. The Gateways have also been configured to create virtual network segments necessary for security and the network traffic management, the above is achieved via the VLAN support.
The Ubiquiti networks Unifi Security Gateway have been equipped with a VPN server that helps provide secure communications. Another significant feature available in the Ubiquiti Gateway is the Qos, which is the technology that manages data traffic to help reduce packet loss, latency, and jitters on the network.
What we like
- Have a helpful and responsive support team
- The equipment are not very expensive
- No money needed for the controller license
What we don’t like
- Doesn’t have many advanced features when compared to competitors
- The hardware options are limited
Meraki Overview
Meraki MR55 802.11ax 3.50 Gbit/s Wireless Access Point
- Dual-band 802.11ax compatible access point with separate radios dedicated to security, RF management,...
- 5.9 Gbps dual-radio aggregate frame rate. Full-time Wi-Fi location tracking via dedicated 3rd radio.
Meraki access points are super easy to install as you will not need to use any controller hardware or management software. And in case of issues with the working of the unit, you don’t necessarily have to reach out to support but rather utilize the remote troubleshooting tools and fix the issue in fewer minutes.
The access points offer users real-time location statistics via the Meraki dashboard, the above helps users to improve customer engagement and loyalty. Better yet is that the access points can sync to the Cisco Meraki cloud, to which end you will be able to get automatic reports on your traffic trends and visitor interaction.
Cisco Meraki Cloud Managed Switch – MS220-24P
- 24 port gigabit Ethernet, 4 × SFP for 1G uplink, shared
- Voice and Video QoS, Non-blocking switch fabric
Users who want to build robust high-performance networks then the Meraki switch will offer that and more. For example, the equipped multigigabit Ethernet has been designed to deliver maximum speeds. Users are also provided with an intuitive dashboard, and you can also enjoy increased bandwidth, modular uplinks, and choose between the mGig and non-mGig models.
The units have been equipped with a cloud management architecture, making it easy for the units to be configured, thus you can set up an entire collection of switches in one go.
What we like
- Features an intuitive user interface
- The network diagnostic tools are convenient and effective
- The application allows customization of the network to suit the user
What we don’t like
- Licenses need to be obtained
- The user’s interface features a steep learning curve
Conclusion
Both Ubiquiti and Meraki offer solid networking devices however, Meraki does offer its users more advanced features when compared to Ubiquiti. Also, the Meraki web interface does not feature a steep learning curve thus can be used by anyone.
Verdict
Meraki has outdone Ubiquiti because it has equipped its Wi-fi networking devices with the latest advanced features, more so the cloud option.
FAQ’s
Can I use my Meraki networking device without a license?
No, you cannot as you need the cloud system and must keep the licenses current to gain access to the system
What is a hybrid cloud in Ubiquiti?
A hybrid cloud is a deployment that allows for a combination of the on-premise and cloud-hosted controller deployments.
