I'm setting up a restaurant with new fiber internet and I'm looking for advice on networking equipment. I don't need anything overly complicated—basically a good Wi-Fi router with a mesh network. We're also going to have ethernet cables installed for areas with POS systems and credit card terminals. I've been looking at Ubiquiti products, but there are so many options that I'm feeling a bit lost. Ideally, I want something that I can just set up and forget about it after the initial installation.
3 Answers
If you’re not familiar with IT or networking, I’d suggest going with what your ISP offers instead. A simple misconfiguration can leave your network vulnerable, and ISPs usually don’t support third-party equipment. But if you're eager to learn, you might want to try this setup yourself! Just make sure to do some research on the settings you choose.
For a basic setup, a UniFi Dream Router combined with a couple of access points should do the trick. It’s a straightforward solution that can handle the needs of a medium-sized restaurant without too much fuss.
That's pretty much what I had in mind—put the Dream Router in the equipment room with the access points placed around to cover the whole space.
I've been using Ubiquiti gear for about 15 years now, from RV setups to small enterprises. For your restaurant, I'd recommend getting the UniFi Dream Router Pro instead of the regular home version, depending on your internet speed. This router is great for handling not only your Wi-Fi needs but also for adding security cameras if you ever think about that.
You’ll want a PoE switch to support future growth and a few UniFi U-5 Pro Wi-Fi access points. The U-7 models are pricier without offering enough benefits except in specific situations.
Don't forget the patch cables to connect everything! The Monoprice SlimRun cables are popular and reliable. Lastly, consider a battery backup for power stability and a rack to keep everything organized. This setup should provide you with strong and dependable connectivity without requiring constant maintenance!
Thanks for the detailed advice! About the Dream Router Pro, is that the same as the [Dream Machine Pro](https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/cloud-gateways-large-scale/products/udm-pro)? I’m hoping the setup won’t be too complicated.
I don't have much IT knowledge—my ISP won’t provide any end equipment, just the fiber connection. I’ve used an eero mesh network at home, but I'm considering Ubiquiti because I've seen lots of positive recommendations.