I'm getting rid of my Unifi Dream Router…

TechTalk with Samir
17 Oct 202212:50

TLDRIn this tech talk, Samir discusses his decision to replace the UniFi Dream Router (UDR) with the UniFi Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE). He highlights the UDM-SE's advantages, including more PoE ports, a 2.5 gig RJ45 WAN port, and better performance with 4GB DDR4 RAM and a quad-core CPU. Samir explains that while the UDR is great for average users, the UDM-SE suits his needs for a more advanced home network setup, with plans for rack mounting and potential future expansion.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The UDR (UniFi Dream Router) was initially considered a complete home network solution, but the speaker is switching to the UDM SE (UniFi Dream Machine Special Edition).
  • 🔄 The UDM SE is a network controller, router, switch, and NVR all-in-one device, but unlike the UDR, it is not an access point.
  • 📦 The UDM SE comes with a small LCD touchscreen for displaying IP addresses and troubleshooting information, and a hard drive slot for surveillance footage storage.
  • 🚀 The UDM SE has a built-in 128GB SSD and supports expansion with a 3.5-inch hard drive, offering more storage options compared to the UDR's micro SD card limitation.
  • 🔌 The UDM SE has eight Ethernet ports, six with regular PoE and two with PoE Plus, which is a significant upgrade from the UDR's limited PoE ports.
  • 💡 The UDM SE is designed for small business network admins or enthusiasts, while the UDR targets the average consumer looking for a simple home networking solution.
  • 💻 The UDR has lower internal specs, with 2GB of RAM and a dual-core CPU, which can cause limitations when running multiple UniFi applications simultaneously.
  • 🔍 The UDM SE has 4GB of DDR4 RAM and a quad-core CPU with higher clock speeds, offering better performance for more advanced networking tasks.
  • 🏠 The speaker is switching from the UDR due to the lack of PoE ports, the desire for a rack-mountable device, and the need for better performance.
  • 📈 The UDM SE supports multi-gig internet with a 2.5G RJ45 WAN port and SFP plus ports, which can be beneficial for future-proofing a network setup.
  • 🔄 The speaker's home network now includes the UDM SE as the central device, with access points and other devices connected via PoE and 10G SFP plus ports.

Q & A

  • Why is the speaker getting rid of their UniFi Dream Router (UDR)?

    -The speaker is switching from the UDR to the UniFi Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE) due to its additional features and capabilities that better suit their needs, such as more PoE ports and a 2.5 gig RJ45 WAN port.

  • What are the main differences between the UDR and the UDM-SE?

    -The UDR is designed to be a single device for most home networking needs, including an access point, while the UDM-SE is more geared towards small business network admins or enthusiasts, lacking a built-in access point but offering more PoE ports, a 2.5 gig RJ45 WAN port, and better internal specs like 4GB of DDR4 RAM and a quad-core CPU.

  • Why does the speaker mention that the UDR might not be the best choice for them despite its features?

    -The speaker finds the UDR's interface sluggish and its RAM usage high, which can be frustrating for their usage patterns that involve frequent interaction with the UniFi dashboard and settings. Additionally, the UDR's built-in access point causes Wi-Fi coverage overlap in their home.

  • What is the purpose of the LCD screen on the UDM-SE?

    -The LCD screen on the UDM-SE is used to display information such as IP addresses, port information, and other troubleshooting details. It is a touch screen, unlike the one on the UDR, allowing for navigation to see different information.

  • How does the UDM-SE expand storage compared to the UDR?

    -The UDM-SE can expand storage using a 3.5-inch hard drive, whereas the UDR is limited to micro SD cards. This gives the UDM-SE more options in terms of drive types and storage capacity.

  • What is the significance of the SFP Plus port in both the UDM-SE and the UDM-Pro?

    -The SFP Plus port can support up to 10 gigabit speeds, allowing for future-proofing against multi-gigabit internet services. It can also serve as an uplink connection to minimize bottlenecks in the network.

  • Why might someone choose the UDM-Pro over the UDM-SE?

    -One might choose the UDM-Pro over the UDM-SE if they do not require the additional PoE ports, the 2.5 gig RJ45 WAN port, or the extra built-in storage, as these features come at a higher price point.

  • How does the speaker plan to organize their network closet?

    -The speaker is planning to incorporate a network rack to tidy up their network closet, making use of rack-mountable devices like the UDM-SE to improve organization and cable management.

  • What is the speaker's current home network setup after switching to the UDM-SE?

    -The speaker's home network now includes the UDM-SE connected to their ISP's modem, three access points connected directly to the UDM-SE via PoE, a 10-gig switch for high bandwidth devices, and a 24-port gigabit switch for other wired devices.

  • What are the speaker's reasons for considering an upgrade to a faster internet service?

    -The speaker is considering an upgrade to a faster internet service due to the capabilities of the UDM-SE, which can handle threat management at higher speeds, and their recent acquisition of fiber internet that supports speeds up to 5 gigabits.

Outlines

00:00

🔄 Transition from UDR to UDM SE

The speaker discusses their decision to switch from the Unified Dream Router (UDR) to the Unified Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM SE). They initially praised the UDR for its all-in-one functionality as a network controller, router, switch, access point, and NVR. However, they are now opting for the UDM SE due to its expanded capabilities, such as additional PoE ports and a 2.5 gig RJ45 WAN port. The UDM SE is more suited for small business network administrators or enthusiasts, while the UDR targets the average consumer looking for a simple home networking solution. The UDM SE also includes a touchscreen LCD for easier navigation and a hard drive slot for expanded storage, unlike the UDR's reliance on micro SD cards.

05:00

🛠️ Differences and User Experience with UDR and UDM SE

The video script contrasts the UDR and UDM SE, highlighting the UDR's appeal to the average consumer due to its built-in access point and ease of setup. The UDR is designed to be a complete home networking solution, but the speaker finds its performance limited due to its lower specifications, such as 2GB of RAM and a dual-core CPU. The UDM SE, with 4GB of DDR4 RAM and a quad-core CPU, offers a smoother user experience and is better suited for more complex networking tasks. The speaker also mentions the UDR's slower interface and the limitations of its threat management feature, which can affect internet speeds. The UDM SE is presented as a more robust option for those looking to expand and optimize their network beyond basic home use.

10:02

🏠 Personal Reasons for Upgrading to UDM SE

The speaker outlines their personal reasons for upgrading from the UDR to the UDM SE. Firstly, the location of their networking gear in a closet results in suboptimal Wi-Fi coverage, and the inability to disable the UDR's access point causes overlap and confusion for connected devices. Secondly, the speaker is planning a network closet revamp and values the UDM SE's rack-mountability for a neater organization. Lastly, the speaker's interest in exploring advanced networking features and the recent upgrade to fiber internet with speeds up to 1 gigabit make the UDM SE's higher performance and threat management capabilities more appealing. The speaker concludes by detailing their current home network setup with the UDM SE and expresses excitement for the new possibilities it brings for future expansion.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Unifi Dream Router (UDR)

The Unifi Dream Router, referred to as UDR in the script, is a network device that integrates multiple functionalities such as a network controller, router, switch, access point, and NVR into one. It is designed to cater to the needs of most home networks, providing comprehensive solutions for internet connectivity and network management. In the video, the UDR is initially praised for its all-in-one capabilities but later compared with the UDM SE, indicating a shift in the creator's preference due to specific requirements.

💡Unifi Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM SE)

The Unifi Dream Machine Special Edition, or UDM SE, is another network device that consolidates a network controller, router, switch, and NVR, but unlike the UDR, it lacks a built-in access point. It is distinguished by its additional features such as more PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports and a 2.5 gig RJ45 WAN port, which are suitable for small businesses or enthusiasts looking to expand their network capabilities. The script discusses the UDM SE as a preferred upgrade over the UDR due to its advanced features and suitability for the creator's specific network needs.

💡Network Controller

A network controller is a device that manages and directs data traffic within a network. It is a critical component in both the UDR and UDM SE, allowing for centralized control over various network functions. In the context of the video, the network controller is part of the all-in-one solution offered by the UDR and UDM SE, enabling the user to manage their home or small business network efficiently.

💡Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Power over Ethernet is a technology that allows network cables to carry both data signals and electrical power to devices such as wireless access points or IP cameras. The script highlights the UDM SE's advantage of having more PoE ports, which can power additional network devices directly, contributing to a cleaner and more efficient network setup.

💡Surveillance Footage

Surveillance footage refers to video recordings captured by security cameras for monitoring purposes. The script mentions the importance of storage for such footage, with the UDM SE offering a hard drive slot for expanded storage compared to the UDR's limitation to micro SD cards, emphasizing the need for robust storage solutions in network devices with NVR capabilities.

💡SSD (Solid State Drive)

A Solid State Drive, or SSD, is a type of data storage device that uses flash memory to store data persistently. Both the UDR and UDM SE come with a built-in SSD for storage, with the UDM SE allowing for expansion with a 3.5-inch hard drive, providing more flexibility in storage options for network devices.

💡Rack Mounting

Rack mounting refers to the practice of installing electronic equipment in a standardized rack, facilitating better organization and space utilization in network closets or server rooms. The script discusses the UDM SE's rack mountability as a desirable feature for those planning to revamp their network setup for better organization and scalability.

💡Threat Management

Threat management, in the context of network devices, involves the detection and prevention of potential security threats within a network. The script contrasts the UDR's limited threat management capabilities with the UDM SE's more advanced features, indicating the importance of robust security measures for network administrators and enthusiasts.

💡User Interface

The user interface of a device is the point of interaction between the user and the system, allowing for control and monitoring of the device's functions. The video script notes the UDR's slower and more clunky user interface compared to the UDM SE, which can impact the user experience, especially for those who frequently access the dashboard for network management.

💡Multi-Gig Internet

Multi-Gig Internet refers to internet connections that offer speeds exceeding the traditional gigabit Ethernet speed, typically ranging from 2.5 Gbps to 10 Gbps. The script mentions the UDM SE's multi-gig compatibility as a future-proof feature, allowing users to take advantage of higher internet speeds as they become more widely available.

Highlights

Switching from the UniFi Dream Router (UDR) to the UniFi Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE).

UDR serves as a network controller, router, switch, access point, and NVR all in one, making it ideal for most home networks.

UDM-SE, unlike the UDR, lacks a built-in access point but includes advanced features for networking enthusiasts and small businesses.

UDM-SE comes with a small LCD touchscreen for displaying IP addresses and troubleshooting information.

A front hard drive slot on the UDM-SE allows for expanded storage, unlike the UDR's limitation to micro SD cards.

UDM-SE distinguishes itself from the UDM Pro with eight Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, six regular PoE and two PoE+.

UDM-SE includes a 2.5 gig RJ45 WAN port, future-proofing for multi-gig internet, unlike the UDM Pro's gigabit RJ45 port.

UDM-SE and UDM Pro both feature SFP plus ports for up to 10 gigabit speeds, catering to high bandwidth needs.

The UDR's built-in access point may not be ideal for users with networking gear in a closet, leading to Wi-Fi coverage issues.

UDM-SE's rack mountability is a key feature for those planning a network closet revamp.

UDR's user interface can be sluggish, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously.

UDM-SE's higher internal specs, including 4GB of DDR4 RAM and a quad-core CPU, offer better performance for power users.

UDR's limited RAM and CPU capabilities can affect the performance of advanced UniFi applications.

UDM-SE is more suitable for those who frequently interact with the UniFi dashboard and require high-speed internet support.

The UDR remains a recommended device for average users due to its all-in-one convenience and competitive pricing.

UDM-SE opens up possibilities for future network expansion and is particularly appealing for small business network admins.

The video provides a detailed comparison between UDR, UDM-SE, and UDM Pro, guiding users on the best choice based on their needs.