Unifi router is an enterprise-grade 3-port gateway router, offering an integrated solution with excellent software Unifi network features, amazing performance, and an advanced intrusion prevention system that won’t throttle your network bandwidth. Among Unifi routers, UDM Pro is the most popular choice for its unique features and top-of-the-line performance.
When choosing a Wi-Fi router, you must do your research because each router has a unique advantage over another. The right choice of a router depends on a wide range of factors such as speed, coverage, functionality, enterprise needs, and a lot more.
In this guide, we will be comparing Ubiquiti Unifi routers with EdgeMax routers so that you have a better perspective about which one makes a better choice for your organization.
Read More:
Get Cisco servers and switches at unmatched prices in UAE?
Unifi Routers vs. EdgeMax Routers: What makes them different?
- Design
Unifi
The construction of each component in the Unifi router is of the highest quality and uses USG and Switch connection. Designed with all-metal housing, both USG and Switch Connection provide EMI protection and a sturdy appearance.
EdgeMax
An EdgeMax router uses a two-port design, which is achieved through beamforming. The beamforming process allows it to pass any wireless signal through it to the connected device. To manage Internet traffic more efficiently, it uses the MU-MIMO system.
- Performance
Unifi
Unifi routers are very popular in the network field due to the use of USG, which is the Unifi Security Gateway. It is a 3-port enterprise gateway router that offers a gigabit Internet connection. You need to connect it to the AT&T modem through the WAN port in the router and then connect one of the Unifi switches to the LAN port.
The controller is responsible for unified management and control of Unifi products. Plus, it helps you set up your network. The integrated wizard offers time-zone settings, wireless SSID settings, device settings, and log-in. From there, you can use the controller to launch the dashboard and manage all your Unifi devices independently.
You also have the option to buy the Unifi Cloud Key to operate the controller software without the need for a virtual machine, computer, laptop, or other hardware.
Note that there is no built-in radio in the USG, which means enabling bridge mode will not disable or negatively affect the wireless guest network or other functionalities.
EdgeMax
This router is specifically designed for use in data centers. The credit for the rich functionality in EdgeMax goes to Vyatta—an open-source system. Therefore, if you or your employees are familiar with the Vyatta OS, it makes sense to choose this router.
Moreover, the basic systems in an EdgeMax router include connection management, which helps control the flow accounting and connection tracking system. Additionally, it provides CLI, SNMP, system management, and logging processes for the connected devices. To achieve all this, the router leverages various services such as UBNT discovery, DNS logging, and web caching.
- Speed
Unifi
The Wi-Fi of the Unifi router is great. While the 2.4GHz band offers a speed of 167 Mbps, the 5GHz band offers an amazing speed of 852 Mbps. If your organization uses a lot of mobile devices and if it uses a 2×2 adapter, it is reasonable to expect that the output speed of the router is about 400 to 500 Mbps. This is sufficient to handle a large amount of surfing and demanding streaming needs.
EdgeMax
The 2.4GHz band in EdgeMax implements a 3×3 design and offers a very high overall speed. With EdgeMax, you can expect Wi-Fi speeds ranging from 826 Mbps to 928 Mbps.
What are the Pros and Cons of Ubiquity EdgeMax and Unifi Routers?
Both EdgeMax and Unifi routers are great router options and come with their pros and cons. Knowing the pros and cons of Unifi and EdgeMax will help you make an informed decision.
EdgeMax Routers
Pros of EdgeMax
- It offers advanced routing functionality.
- It includes wire-speed Gigabit routing.
- It is easier to configure.
Cons of EdgeMax
- It is not a plug-and-play device.
- It has limitations in GUI configuration as it has CLI.
- Its documentation is not very easy to understand.
Unifi Routers
Pros of Unifi
- It offers a very reliable and fast Internet connection.
- It offers great coverage.
- It is equipped with advanced, useful applications.
- It is easy to customize.
- No problems are faced with its controller update or firmware.
Read more:-
Cons of Unifi
- It needs users with technical expertise with proficiency in network knowledge.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a Wi-Fi router that can be handled easily by novice users, you can opt for EdgeMax. However, on the other hand, if you expect great performance, fast speed, and advanced security and want to ensure there is no throttling of network bandwidth, then Unifi routers like the UDM Pro would make the ideal choice for your organization.
When choosing between EdgeMax and Unifi routers, it is important to keep in mind that Unifi routers are specially designed for enterprise use. Therefore, if your business involves many mobile and networking devices, opting for Unifi routers will be a smarter and more effective solution.