Access Point Recommendations
I've recently ordered a Firewalla Purple and I am looking to set up wireless access point, and I am looking for some recommendations.
My plan is to run the purple as the router, have that run into a switch, and then have a access point running into that (adding a second if required).
Ideally, I would like to set up isolated SSIDs with VLAN tagging for guests, IOT devices, etc.
Various searches have made me lean towards either Unifi S6 Lite / Pro, or maybe something like a TP-Link EAP610 or 670. Not sure what would be better, or if the higher spec'd models would be overkill for a simple home install.
Has anyone had any experience / problems setting up with the Ubuiqiti or TP-Link access points with the Purple like this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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I run TP-Link in my home. I currently have a Indoor EAP 245, Outdoor EAP225, and indoor wall EAP235. They are all connected to a Omada Software Controller installed on a Ubuntu VM. Make sure your switch you buy is a smart switch (or managed switch) and it supports VLAN.
Currently running a primary (non vlan) SSID, a VLAN for IoT devices, and a VLAN for Guest Network. I've had no issues with the TP-Link APs and even installed 2 outdoor ones at my parents home that link back to my Omada Software via WireGuard VPN.
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I have the Unifi. Rock solid and great performance. I implemented the TP-Link GS108PE so that I could power the APs from the switch. The management of the TP-Link is strange, but functional.
Similar to James above, the Unifi requires an external management platform. A simple Ubuntu VM works for me. -
At the risk of threadjacking, I'm a newbie and trying to learn while waiting for my FWG. I'm in exact same scenario with same questions and trying to select hardware now. I really want a couple tabletop units so leaning toward TP-link TL-WA3001. Is the managed switch mentioned by James required if APs have multiple SSID and vlan tagging? I thought managed switch was only necessary if your APs don't have these features.
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What ever switch you have needs to be VLAN compatible. As long as the switch doesn't remove the VLAN tag you'll be fine.
I do find Managed Switches to be faster as they hold a MAC Routing table so it knows what port to route the packet vs unmanaged which floods the ports to find out where it needs to go.
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