topic Re: Hub 2 FTTC bridge mode, UniFi or other VPN router recommendation? in My Router

Hub 2 FTTC bridge mode, UniFi or other VPN router recommendation?

eok01923 — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:15:37 GMT

Would anyone have experience or recommendation for UniFi VPN router model in the above config mode?

I’m leaning towards UniFi but also open to suggestions.

Looking towards using Hub 2 in bridge mode and VPN router/server for local network access, some streaming, 1-2 remote connnections max, potentially interested in the UniFi Wi-Fi mesh support if needed later for better area coverage but relatively small area to be covered, approx 1K sq feet.

Any suggestions welcome!

Re: Hub 2 FTTC bridge mode, UniFi or other VPN router recommendation?

corringham — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:32:10 GMT

I use UniFi kit - I cover several buildings and 2 acres with 5APs. I don't use mesh as my APs are wired, but UnFi kit just works very well and I'll keep using it.

I have altnet FTTP so don't use an ISP supplied router at all, but I'm sure a Hub2 in bridge mode would be fine.

Something like UniFi UCG-Ultra would probably be suitable, combined with some APs.

Re: Hub 2 FTTC bridge mode, UniFi or other VPN router recommendation?

eok01923 — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:16:40 GMT

Thanks corringham! Anything comparable to that model you could recommend that includes Wi-Fi support? Not seeing it there unless missing it. I would like that on the main router and don’t want to run Cat cable to separate APs.

Re: Hub 2 FTTC bridge mode, UniFi or other VPN router recommendation?

corringham — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:28:54 GMT

There is the Dream Machine but that is a little old now, and expensive. Most UniFi gateways don't have WiFi as they tend to be used in semi-pro setups where there are multiple APs.
I would recommend getting a separate UniFi AP and just putting it next to the router so you only need a very short patch cable. Depending on your environment you should choose an AP with the needed characteristics - the LR (long range) have good distance but lower bandwidth, the WiFi 7 are very fast but shorter range. The Swiss-Army-Knife is a good all round AP, and is good value - although you would need a PoE injector.

Re: Hub 2 FTTC bridge mode, UniFi or other VPN router recommendation?

eok01923 — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:15:22 GMT

Thanks, much appreciated! Would you consider the Unifi Express as a possible option here or still prefer approach below? It is a bit higher price but has Wi-Fi and same CPU/memory.

Re: Hub 2 FTTC bridge mode, UniFi or other VPN router recommendation?

corringham — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:29:43 GMT

Actually I've never looked at the details of the Unifi Express before, but having taken a look I'd suggest it is exactly what you need - it has the controller built in with all the VLAN and multiple WiFi SSID support, Wifi 6 or 7 depending on the version, and supports up to 60 clients (not enough for me, but should be enough for most home users)

I note that some reviews from 2024 are negative, but recent ones are favourable so maybe there were some teething problems.

Re: Hub 2 FTTC bridge mode, UniFi or other VPN router recommendation?

eok01923 — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:48:18 GMT

Thanks corringham! will take a closer look at these options