Hi Everyone,

I’m in the market for a new WiFi router or mesh system. My previous Asus gaming router often crashed and reset, and I’d like to avoid such issues.

Key Needs:

•	Stability for multiple phones, laptops and smart devices (lights, plugs, cameras)
•	Good Range & Speed
•	User-Friendly
  •     Ability to connect about 8 Ethernet devices

Budget: Reasonable, prioritizing value.

Would love to hear your recommendations, especially if you have a smart home setup. Thanks a lot!

  • 𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙚English
    2•4 months ago

    Does the controller software have to run 24/7 or only when you need to make config changes?

    I’m looking into the Omada ecosystem and wondering if the hardware controller is crucial or a convenience that can be deferred.

    • @[email protected]English
      2•4 months ago

      The controller does not need to run 24/7. The controller configures the devices and the config remains on the devices. Though, when your devices are adapted by a controller, you cannot access any settings on the devices themselves, only via the controller.

      Maybe should add: depending on the network set-up, I’d strongly recommend getting a hardware controller. For me, I have one server hosting all my stuff. I also hosted the controller with docker in this server. Which ends up being a single point of failure, and no way to look into your routing if your server is down/unreachable. I got a hardware controller (oc200) eventually just to separate my interner and network infrastructure from my hosting and service infrastructure.

    • @[email protected]English
      1•4 months ago

      The controller also handles roaming, as I understand it. I have a software controller on a VM. They provide a .deb! I have 3 EAP670s and an EAP-655-Wall. Roaming works perfectly on phones and laptops. I have a hidden SSID on each individual AP that I use to lock dumber stuff. Some devices fight the AP Lock on Omada.

      I see the value in going 100% omada, but I couldn’t justify the cost of the switches I’d need. Their routers look good for the price too, but my use case is a notch or two above their target market.