Ubiquiti Vs Cisco Router – which one should I buy?

Seamless forwarding of information is best achieved by using routers; the latter are normally adopted in a network system to assist in the forwarding of data packets between computer networks. Wireless routers, on the other hand, combine the networking functions of a router and a wireless access point.

While routers are effective devices to enhance the networking activities of a business environment, some of them lack the necessary features to offer a comprehensive service. For one, your router should be able to offer wireless network connections to all the devices that have been equipped with Wi-Fi adapters and this includes the PCs.

If you have been using routers for long then you must have noticed that there are some that don’t have a USB port. Well, this feature is especially important as it allows users to share the USB printer or the external drive with the network.

There is also the Guest Wi-Fi option, a very convenient feature for routers used at home and in a business setting, because it allows users to broadcast a separate wireless network. You can, therefore, invite guests to your network without compromising the security of your private network.

What are the differences between Ubiquiti and Cisco Routers?

Model	Ubiquiti	Cisco
Speeds	Ethernet ports support 10/100/1000 Mbps connections	4-Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch
Dimensions	9 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches	9 x 8.8 x 3.4 inches
	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

Ubiquiti vs Cisco- how do they compare?

Ubiquiti

Ubiquiti does have a couple of effective routers under its brand that are accompanied by powerful features and software. So for users who wish to access updates on the performance of their units then Ubiquiti has provided them with an intuitive user interface in its edge router. And apart from managing your router from your mobile phone, users are also able to customize some of the router settings to suit their needs.

For example, they will be able to configure the routing security and management features necessary for the efficient running of the network. Other significant features are such as the VLAN interfaces, the latter does come packed with some major benefits, such as confinement of broadcast domains, reduced broadcast traffic and ease of administration. VLAN, therefore, it helps in improving network performance by separating large broadcast domains into smaller ones.

And when it comes to the management of Ubiquiti’s edge router, users have been provided with two options, the centralized control, via Ubiquiti’s Network Management Systems (UNMS). The above offers complete management control that also features a graphic user interface. Another option is the mobile application, available in either Google Play or the app store.

UNMS therefore, allows users to manage the router using their devices either a tablet or a mobile phone, where they can display or configure a variety of settings like the throughput per port system, system settings, and interface information.

Cisco

Each of the Ubiquiti routers has been configured differently, with regard to the number of ports and the number of packets transferred per second. Cisco, on the other hand, came up with a comprehensive solution for its routers, the Internetwork Operating System, (IOS). The latter technology was later integrated into most of Cisco’s networking devices such as the Cisco Catalyst switches.

The IOS, therefore, carries out most of the functions on the routers, some of which are to ensure the connection of high-speed traffic between the networking devices. The application also controls and prevents unauthorized access to the network, blocking all forms of threat to your data, and most importantly it offers scalability.

The above makes it easy for businesses to grow their network without investing in other separate devices. Still, on scalability, the Cisco routers, come in two designs, one is the fixed chassis and the other one is the modular chassis. The two options are meant to serve two categories of users, so if you don’t have any plans of expanding your network then the fixed chassis will be a good fit for you.

But if you have plans to expand your network then the modular chassis is your router and here you are free to add ports and interfaces but remember you cannot get rid of the existing ports or interfaces. As we mentioned earlier Cisco routers are devised to offer solutions to your networking problems.

To which end the IOS has been configured to connect two different types of networks that utilize different media types. Remember that each media type uses different formats to transfer data, the IOS is, therefore, able to understand the formats of all the modern media types and even covert them.

For example, it enables the connection of a wireless network to a wired network, or the connection of a LAN network to a WAN network. Security features of the Cisco routers are also under IOS, however, users have been given the liberty over the control of the security features to suit their policies. For example, they can configure the IOS to either allow or deny access to a specific application.

The IOS operating system is, therefore, comprehensive thus reliable in the running of your routers, and given the stability offered by IOS, the enterprise networks including the ISPs utilize the Cisco products in a variety of ways.

Ubiquiti vs Cisco routers overview

Ubiquiti

Ubiquiti Networks EdgeRouter X, 4-port Gigabit Router

The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter x offers users fast Gigabit Ethernet data speeds, which, therefore, enhances productivity with regard to where it is being utilized. The fast data speed also ensures that users have a seamless experience when carrying out various tasks on the routers. For example, individuals who are using the units for online gaming or live streaming will rarely experience latency.

The router has integrated up to 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports meaning that your users are not limited to the activities with which they want to engage in the EdgeRouter X. And given that the ports are independent, they are, therefore, configurable for switching.

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Ubiquiti Networks EdgeRouter 4 Ethernet LAN

The  Ubiquiti’s edge router 4 offers the most advanced features, such as the incorporated USB port, Ethernet, and SFP port in the same unit. This next-generation routers will give you a transfer rate of 3.4 million packets per second processing; the router has also been equipped with an internal power supply and works a lot faster using the web interface.

Setting up the router does not need a networking background; the router can pretty much handle the difficult tasks that you throw at it. And better yet is that you can adopt it either for home or business use.

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What we like

• Setting up the router is easy
• The units offer high speeds and are powerful
• The routers are reliable
• Features advanced security features

What we don’t like

• Has limited hardware options
• Use and management involves a steep learning curve

Cisco Routers

Cisco Systems RV215W Router (RV215WAK9NA)

Cisco routers are known to transform a customer’s experience, and one of their most significant features is the security of the network. They have thus equipped the router with a strong encryption option and a secure authentication feature, meant to protect a user’s data and applications.

The RV215W also features an intuitive browser-based device manager, complete with a high-speed wireless access point.

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Cisco Systems VPN Router (RV320K9NA)

Any entrepreneur wishing to scale their businesses then this is the right type of router for your needs because it features a dual gigabit Ethernet WAN ports that encourage load balancing. What’s more, is that the unit is not only budget-friendly but has been equipped with high-performance Gigabit Ethernet ports, which will comfortably support multiple users engaged in rapid transfer of large files.

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What we like

• Are scalable thus enable the growth of a network
• Uses the IOS application to prevent and control unauthorized access
• Set up and installation is pretty easy
• Routes traffic between the subnets

What we don’t like

• Might need an IT expert to achieve the perfect installation
• Initial installation cost is pretty high

Conclusion

Both the Ubiquiti and Cisco routers are great options for networking however, you will have to match your needs with the type of router that you want to adopt. Because they are all uniquely significant, however, if you want to adopt the above routers for business purposes then best you go with the Cisco because it is scalable.

Verdict

The Cisco router has stack up well when compared to the Ubiquiti router first because it has equipped its networking devices with one functional solution via the IOS application and offers scalable options for entrepreneurs.

FAQ’s

How far will my Cisco router signal reach?

Cisco’s wireless routers or access points signal will cover a range of about 300 feet.

How many Ubiquiti access points do I need to give my home or office a Wi-Fi hug?

The number of Ubiquiti access points needed to conveniently cater to the Wi-Fi needs of your home is solely dependent on the layout of your home or office, the number of floors, and wall distribution. You will, therefore, have to use the comparison chart and the provided devices datasheet.