Unifi Security Gateway vs. Ubiquiti Edgerouter – Which Wi-Fi router is the best fit?
Selecting the most suitable Wi-Fi system in your home or office entails looking at the chipset and other tech-specs. Here is a look at Unifi Security Gateway and Ubiquiti Edgerouter that have a lot going on for them to help you find the best one for you.
Between chipsets and software features, finding the right router system for your home or office can be quite the chore. For pros and amateurs alike, it can get quite confusing with all the quality router products in the market.
This article has narrowed down to Unifi Security Gateway and Ubiquiti Edgerouter that are easily the top contenders for the best router systems in the market. For Unifi Security Gateway, it shines out in itshigh-speed Ethernet ports that comes at a reasonable price. Ubiquiti Edgerouter on the other hand, has a cutting-edge design as well as the latest router technology like its scalability and MU-MIMO technology. It also has enterprise-level features jammed into the consumer level version.
Given that they are well-reviewed and trusted by many users, you are assured of their good-standing. However, there is need to have an in-depth analysis of both to easily choose between the two. This article has been designed to simply help you choose which networking device better suits you.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Unifi Security Gateway and Ubiquiti Edgerouter?
Features |
Unifi Security Gateway |
Ubiquiti Edgerouter (Winner) |
Chipset |
CLI management, 802.11b wireless type |
PoE, CLI management, 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports |
Speeds |
1 million packets per second (64-byte packets) |
Up to 1000Mbps |
Dimensions |
1 x 1 x 1 inches |
4.33 x 2.95 x 0.87 inches |
Technology |
Unifi Controller software (for tech-savvy users) |
Advanced user interface |
Unifi Security Gateway vs. Ubiquiti Edgerouter- How do they compare to each other?
Design
The latest Unifi Security Gateway models have been designed to be friendlier as well as easy to access. For instance, the network details are easy to follow through in their logical arrangement. The Unifi rather high-performance interface is described simply.
While it is jammed with enterprise-like features, the Ubiquiti Edgerouter has a rather sleek and modernized design. It is quite sturdy and seems durable, but it is not an eye sore. It is also not too technical in its look making it an even better fit for home placement yet it has all the high-powered features. It primarily comes in black with a bespoke rectangular shape. It also has a matte finish keeping away any fingerprint marks. The LED lights and logo make good accents on the unit. Unlike other modern routers, it is also compact sized (4.3 x 3 x 0.9 inches)
Hardware and Software Specs
Unifi Security Gateway comes with the Unifi Controller that comes with network and traffic management features. It offers stable and reliable security features with this software. Unifi Security Gateway also has a rather advanced firewall that protects your network and data from cyber threats. The VPN (site-to-site) also encrypts thereby securing your communication when online.
Ubiquiti Edgerouter on the flipside is spruced up with the router technology that is often found in enterprise level routers. For instance, it comes with a VPN as an added bonus. This protects your network and personal data at all times. The firewall interface is also able to offer security features against all kinds of cyber-attacks.Ubiquiti Edgerouter also comes with MU-MIMO and scalability technology.
The only drawback with this router as to its software is that its interface can be a tad hard to figure out given its technical aspects. For pros and amateurs alike, the user-interface can take quite a bit of time to get the hang off. If you are looking for simple configuration, this might not be the right option but it is well worth the effort to understand.
Performance in speed tests
Beyond the theoretical speeds, there is need to know how Unifi Security Gateway and Ubiquiti Edgerouter perform in throughput tests. For the Unifi Security Gateway it can deliver on, 450Mbps depending on your internet service plan.
When put to the test, the Edgerouter also has a rather decent performance. At close range, it can deliver more than 700Mbps also depending on the kind of internet service you have.
Setup Process
Unifi Security Gateway set up process entails quite a few technical specs. This is because gateway devices that have a static LAN IP like this one requires pre-configuration. The Unifi-USG website has clearly outlined the steps to follow through in an article named “How to adopt a USG into an already existing network”.
For the Ubiquiti Edgerouter, the installation process is quite easy. All you need to do is plug in the power adapter to a power outlet. You can then connected your devices like a computer using the Ethernet cable on the Ethernet port. Once done, access the user interface to launch the network. It will request a username and password which ought to be “ubnt” for both. For added configurations, the guide and online videos can guide you through.
Unifi Security Gateway vs. Ubiquiti Edgerouter- A comparison overview
Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway (USG)
- 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports, CLI management for advanced users
- 1 million packets per second for 64-byte packets
By Ubiquiti Networks, the Unifi Security Gateway is a quality networking device that comes with CLI management as well for pro users.
Sold as a single node, it has 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 million packets (per-second) for its 64 packets. It is also designed with the Unifi Controller that has a whole load of benefits and does not require any extra pay. The Unifi Controller does device management as well as provisioning of the network on a single interface. This streamlines all functions on the security gateway as well as any other Unifi devices.
To add, Unifi Security Gateway offers security features through its advanced firewall. This firewall protects your network from all kinds of cyber-attacks, including those that might have compromised on your data. For added network traffic and security management, Unifi Security Gateway has the option of creating virtual network segments.
Regarding its design, it is rather compact sized in a sleek design. It weighs 12.3oz and has 1x1x1 inches as its dimensions. It is also fan-less making it a good fit for silent environments like offices.
Pros
- Comes with a 1 year warranty
- Has wall mounting options
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The primary WAN port may start lagging after some time
- Some users have complained about the customer service support
Ubiquiti Edgerouter
- Product Type:Networking Router
- Item Package Dimension:7.112 cm L X 10.16 cm W X 14.986 cm H
The Ubiquiti Edgerouter is with advanced Gigabit Ethernet is a good quality router. It comes with 5 Gigabit ports (RJ45) and 256MB storage. All this is jammed in a compact sized model with added specs. With the dimensions of 6.2 x 5.1 x 2.1 inches it can be a good blend with wherever you place it in as its design is quite eye-catchy.
To get the most out of this router, consider digging further into its system. If you are tech-savvy, you can tweak this router to run as you would want it to. For instance, if you do not need QoS you can easily enable the Gigabit speeds instead.
The only downer with this router is that it can be quite hard to configure if you are not tech-savvy at all. The firewall, for example, needs configuration with the GUI that commits with every change you make. It can be quite the chore to have this router running exactly how you would want it. However, given the high tech-specs it comes with, the learning curve seems well worth it.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Solid and sturdy design
- Comes with high tech features in a personal level router
- Advanced configuration options
Cons
- Set up can be a tad complicated
Conclusion
This article has analyzed Unifi Security Gateway and Ubiquiti Edgerouter that are both premium quality networking devices. They offer decent coverage and fast data transfer speeds as well. Depending on your needs, both these networking devices can enhance the overall performance of your network. The Unifi Security Gateway, for example, acts as a filter or gate on two networks. Ubiquiti Edgerouter on the flipside, delivers on its router system features.
Verdict: So which is better? Unifi Security Gateway or Ubiquiti Edgerouter
While both Unifi Security Gateway and Ubiquiti Edgerouter have a lot going on for them you might have to choose between the two. When it comes down to picking one, the Ubiquiti Edgerouter is the better option. While it has its own drawbacks like the rather technical user-interface, it is well worth the investment. It is good value for money given the advanced tech-features it comes with. With the aide of the guide, YouTube videos and customer support, you can easily customize the Ubiquiti Edgerouter to work as you would want it to.
FAQ’s
-
If you have a large household/office should you go for a gateway or router?
To find the best router system for large areas, say those with 200 users, you ought to go for one with fast data transfer rates and good capacity. The Unifi Security Gateway for example can handle 200 users.
-
How do you upgrade your firmware?
Both Unifi and Ubiquiti send out periodic firmware updates to the devices. Once logged on, the updates can run automatically.
