Future proofing a network is difficult as tech keeps changing.
My recent network upgrade goal was to get:
vlan and multiple wifi networks and be able to separate all the IOT crap from everything else
intrusion prevention
encrypted dns
VPN server and client options
I ended up with a UDM-Pro Max, 2 Wifi 7 AP’s, and a POE switch with 2.5 and 10g.
Added bonus to all this was I was also able to add the ubiquiti protect app and get some kick ass cameras with loads of features and smart detection all stored and processed in house and not in some cloud server somewhere and no monthly or yearly fee.
I would hightly suggest looking into some of the ubiquiti stuff. One thing I found with ubiquiti is, if you think you may need the product with more throughput, or faster ports, just get it now… it’ll save you money in the long run.
Moved apartments 8 months ago. Took the opportunity to upgrade WiFi at the same time. Went with an Asus ZenWifi BQ16 WiFi 7 system basically for the plethora of 2.5 and 10 g ports. Have 2gbps fibre connected to the “main” router in a small utilities room. This is connected to a 10gbps unmanaged switch with the in wall Ethernet cabling connected to the switch. Each of my satellites are connected to the wall outlets via one of the 10gbps ports. All endpoints are connected to 2.5gbps Ethernet ports on routers. Assigned priority to endpoints and my MacBook Pro which connects via WiFi to the satellites. Not had a single issue/dropout in 8 months. Routers are set to a 3am reboot once a week.
Must admit I love the ZenWifi system. Previously used TP-Link or Netgear Orbi’s. The security software is free with the Asus boxes, not a yearly subscription that it is with Netgear or TP-link. Also like the fact the Asus routers run significantly cooler than the Orbi or Deco’s did and no yellow heat staining on the shell which was significant with the Deco’s. Both latency and throughput is extremely good with the system as measured with test equipment and software. Recommended
We’re not getting anything yet, just thinking ahead. When Fiber service makes it to our area we’ll opt for the 2gb service and upgrade the internal network to WiFi 7 and the faster Ethernet to go with it.