Network Ecosystems

[mdrabble]

I'm having a look at different ecosystems and my brain hurts from looking at the different offerings, especially as just discovered Sophos do APs and Switches!

 

We currently use Unifi Nano HD APs and EdgeMax Lite switches for edge cabs, with a few FS switches - and 2 D-Link DXS-3600 Core switches.

 

Ideally I am looking to try and bring as much as possible under one management interface, such as - Firewall. Filtering, APs, Switching

 

I think ultimately I am going to have to be realistic in terms what we could realisically afford with budgets against what I would like.

 

So, Ive started to look at the following (I know some don't Firewall/Filtering offerings):

 

• Fortinet - looked great at Bett
  
• Sophos - only thought about AV and FIrewall/Filtering and now just discovered they did other things - so need to look at this more.
  
• Zyxel - only seen a brief demo at Bett and the discussions on here.
  
• Unifi - currently use but, use EdgeMax Lite Switches and Nano HD APs and the switches and APs use different management interfaces served from a linux VM running the controllers.
  

 

 

Ignoring Firewall/Filterings for the moment.........

 

If I stayed with Unifi and updated the APs to Wifi 6 and Switches to the Cloud version, so they are on the same management interface, this would be a start but then....... would you then use a Dream Machine (or VM), a couple of Hi-Capacity Aggregation Switches and a EnterpriseXG 24 to bring everything together before going to the Firewall/Filtering box?

 

I know support is a big area for some people, but apart from warranty, I use Edugeek, Google and other Forums for help.

 

From a cost point of view, I would imagine Unifi would win but they are quick to discontinue kit and support is mainly forum based.

 

So, looking at all options - I think a phased change over would be the only option due to cost. unless I managed to persuade SLT for a leased option......

 

Ideally looking for a ecosystem which does not involve any major subscription fees.

 

I've just started reaching out to some companies for demos and for budgetary pricing, but would love to hear other peoples thoughts.

 

Cheers

[Aprice]

Personally I wouldn't bother with adding a Dream Machine, They're a bit limited in terms of what they can do when it comes to firewall / routing etc. If you've got something for filtering like a on premise Smoothwall it likely does everything the Dream Machine can (except CCTV recording and that sort of stuff)

 

Their unifi switching solution for layer 3 I don't think is great or very mature in the market.

we usually recommend something like an Aruba 5400R in at the core, which would handle all the routing between VLANS and aggregation. Unifi switches / Edgemax switches are perfectly OK for the edge.

 

Cambium is another option, priced a little bit higher than Ubiquiti, but does have propper support if you need it.