What's the current Best Soho router/firewall.(ignoring wifi)

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daleos

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I'm having some problems finding a rock solid router with some modest firewall features. It's going to be used to piggyback on a Virgin Hitron CGNV4 router set to modem mode on a 350Mbps fibre line.

There's loads of reviews on the net for SMB/Soho routers but almost without exception, they concentrate on Wifi capabilities which is wayyyyyyy down my list of priorities. In fact I'm not even sure we need it other than to keep the staff happy with their mobile phones.
So assuming reliability > performance > features (SNMP/iPsec VPN, etc) > wi-fi what are the best SoHo router out there?

It's for a studio of about 15 'creative' staff so I don't want it to be a bottleneck in any way.

I am toying with going with a Ubiquti EdgeRouter X/UAP combo too but want to see what the SoHo/Home router options can come up with first and then go from there. Thoughts on moving up to 'real' routers would be greatly appreciated too of course.
 
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boosted1g

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Ubiquiti EdgeRouter is a very good SoHo router, although it is not for the novice in regards to configuraton. It cant be topped though for the $100 price point.

If you want something that does include wifi in it then my next choice would be an ASUS AC68_ router flashed to asus merlin. Tons of features and can customize iptables rules via CLI and the wifi performance is also very good.
 
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varis

varis

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Need to get a router for home quickly as well, similar priorities (though with VSDL2+ connection). Security is #1 I think; if I can get Linux CLI for configuration that would be great! Do I understand you get that with Asus?

Regarding real routers, I think they would be possible in your case only if:

1) You have staff with enough networking etc skills to configure Cisco, Linux, whatever the interface is. There is a learning curve when you move up from just connecting Linux/Windows boxes with ethernet cables and "dumb" switches, eg. the configuration interface is often a little bit exotic, some brands build (used to build) their system on top of BSD unix etc.

2) You find a good source for 2nd hand gear. A "professional" router from 5-10 years back would most probably satisfy your needs - you can attach a dirt cheap access point for Wifi and just make sure there's a good firewall configured into that direction. One option is to look at realization outlets that sell gear from companies that have ceased operation and don't need their routers anymore... you can sometimes find good stuff for 50% of going market price.
 
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boosted1g

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You can use telnet or ssh with Asus for a linux CLI

You can do most things in GUI of AsusMerlin as well:
network-service-filter-jpg.2842

 
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daleos

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I've got an Asus AC87U at home with the latest stock firmware. It's great 'when' it works but SNMP is flaky as hell and it randomly reboots. I'm happy with it as a home router but don't like the reliability aspect for work. I've seen the AC68U and AC88U mentioned elsewhere quite a bit and would probably go for the one that's going to result in the least support calls once it's all set up.

I've note really dealt with the CLI much but I am not a novice when it comes to setting up firewaals and UTM devices so the terminology won't be too much of a problem, just the implementation.
 
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boosted1g

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Sounds like from what you are saying then the ubiquiti edgelite router would be better for your needs.
Then either get a good ubiquiti AP or even an AC68U configured as an AP.
 
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