This type of setup is also ideal for upgrading different devices (you can replace the router without replacing the access point and vice-versa), thus keeping the cost as low as possible. Furthermore, you can also add multiple access points to cover a larger area, but, of course, you need to have cables installed all over your house (some powerline adapters can be really useful in this scenario). This solution offers a lot more flexibility since the common consumer-type router is usually positioned in a corner, while an access point can be mounted on the ceiling, in the centre of the room, therefore delivering a better overall coverage. As I said before, in the introduction, Ubiquiti encourages a different topology, which implies that, instead of using a single router that has built-in WiFi capabilities, you could use a EdgeRouter (such as the ER-X or the ER-Lite for home users or small offices) and one or more access points to deliver the much-needed WiFi to your devices. If you decide to keep the device on the desk, you should be aware that it is quite lightweight (6.17 oz), so it’s best to keep it away from the edges especially if you plan to use all the ports (the four rubberised feet help to a certain extent, but why risk breaking it). The ER-X is covered entirely by a black matte finish (that does not retain any fingerprints) and it has the characteristic white accents around its ports (the logo and the LED lights icons on top of the device are also white).Ĭonsidering its small proportions (4.33 x 2.95 x 0.87 inches), the EdgeRouter X can be positioned pretty much anywhere in the room without eating up too much space from your desk or shelf, but, if you want to wall-mount it, you can use the two four-way mounting brackets from the back of the router. What’s interesting is that the case is now metallic, which is a significant upgrade over the plastic exterior of the EdgeRouter Lite and it makes the device feel more expensive than it actually is. So, Ubiquiti steered clear of the spaceship and alien heads pattern that most modern routers adhere to and instead, we get a simple, compact rectangular case of surprisingly small proportions, which can easily be mistaken for an unmanaged switch. Note: The EdgeMAX series also includes the EdgeRouter PoE (suitable if you have more than a couple of access points – supports 24/48V passive PoE), the EdgeRouter X SFP (a more inexpensive solution than the EdgeRouter PoE, but it only supports 24V passive PoE), the aforementioned EdgeRouter Lite, the EdgePoint (an intelligent WISP Control Point – it uses FiberProtect) and the more powerful EdgeRouter and the EdgeRouter PRO.ĭesign The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X is unlike the usual consumer-type router, both in functionality and design, taking a more traditional approach from the appearance point of view. So, on one hand, it offers a reasonably priced device for the tech-savvy people to fiddle with, while, on the other hand, it challenges the highly-priced consumer-type routers, encouraging an alternative model consisting of the router unit itself, a switch (if you need more ports to connect to your clients) and an access point (the EdgeRouter lacks any built-in WiFi capabilities).ĪLSO CHECK OUT: THE BEST ETHERNET SWITCHES OF 2017

Once again, Ubiquiti has a bad habit of disrupting the market flow and challenges both the established networking manufacturers (such as Cisco) and the consumer market at the same time.

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