Learning Networking - New Office Setup Choice

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
B

bmob01

Junior Member
Sep 1, 2015
5
0
0
Hello everyone! (1st post on the forums!)

I am a bit new to networking. I have worked around the environment for a decent amount of time, understand some basic concepts, and have been getting ready to learn more so I can help myself set up my own network at work (I am a CPA).

I have been searching and stressing over my setup for a new office I just opened, where I will have 4 workers (including myself) using basic internet web applications (QB online, gotomypc, etc) and we have 4 VoIP phones. I came across a TON of recommendations to use this set up:

Ubiquiti Edgemax Lite Router (1)
Ubiquiti UniFi AP (2)
Ubiquiti TS-8-Pro ToughSwitch (1)

Our network has 8, potentially 9 wired devices (4 computers, 4 VoIP Phones, and 1 network scanner).

I am unsure of this set up, how to configure, and if I should even be attempting this, or biting the bullet and shelling out a few hundred to have a network professional set it up/ suggest a better set up.

Any thoughts? First time in a long time that I am stressing pretty solidly over this.
 
K

kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
8
76
Well if you want stability, your ubiquiti setup will work just fine. However, getting those setup CORRECTLY also takes a bit of knowledge and skill. Most decent IT/network pros should be familiar enough with ubiquiti products to get them working, but if you don't know much with networking, you may want to either do a bunch of experimenting/reading up on how those work or as you said hire a network pro to set it up.

Most network pros will usually recommend cisco equipment, which I think is still way overpriced. My ubiquiti gear is just as stable and reliable and almost 1/10 the price.

The switch should be easy to setup, the router will depend on what requirements you have and the Unifi AP will simply require knowledge of the unifi controller software.

How do you plan on using your voip phones? Hosted VOIP, on premise voip pbx??
 
B

bmob01

Junior Member
Sep 1, 2015
5
0
0
Hosted VoiP (8x8)

The UniFi software will be easy enough to use. The Wireless network is meant to be guest only (for employee BYOD like phones and tablets).

I can't bring myself to spend the money on a cisco system, especially if a network pro is going to set it up instead of myself.
 
M

Mushkins

Golden Member
Feb 11, 2013
1,631
0
0
From an equipment standpoint, I see nothing wrong (other than why you need 2 wireless APs for four people, unless its a very big and mostly empty office space).

Where I do see a gap is who's going to configure the firewall/router properly. I'm guessing you're not familiar with firewall configs, setting up proper VLANs/Quality of Service for the phones, etc. That's where you're going to want to hire a tech to come in and work out the kinks.
 
B

bmob01

Junior Member
Sep 1, 2015
5
0
0
I am not familiar with that at all.

I am going to get a single AP long range (1,200 sq office that is long).

Is this hardware completely impossible to plug and play to get up and running, and then make adjustments when I can get a pro in?
 
M

Mushkins

Golden Member
Feb 11, 2013
1,631
0
0
bmob01 said:
I am not familiar with that at all.

I am going to get a single AP long range (1,200 sq office that is long).

Is this hardware completely impossible to plug and play to get up and running, and then make adjustments when I can get a pro in?
Click to expand...

If it were just PCs, you could probably plug and play and have someone out to fine tune the firewall stuff a little later. With hosted VOIP phones in the mix you're going to run into all sorts of call quality issues (echo, static, dropped calls, etc) assuming they even function at all if you try to plug and play.

The good news is it shouldn't be too expensive just to have someone come out and configure the router/firewall for your needs. Might be a few hours of consulting tops.
 
dave_the_nerd

dave_the_nerd

Lifer
Feb 25, 2011
17,001
1,628
126
bmob01 said:
Or something along the lines of this, since it has QoS

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=qos_gigabit_switch-_-33-704-204-_-Product
Click to expand...

Might not work. The Ubiquiti switch supports power-over-ethernet, which the cheaper ones don't. The Ubiquiti WAPs, I think, mostly require PoE (no power plugs) but some of them come with PoE injectors you can use instead of the PoE switch.

Either way, that's more wiring than you need. Given the size of your space, I'd save the $100 by just using a single WAP instead of 2.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom