Question 1

Can someone explain the main differences between this and EdgeRouter? I'm looking to use this for school w 200 users

Accepted Answer

I use an Edgerouter (ER-POE5). I also use some products out of the Unifi line, like the Unifi Access Points with the Unifi Controller software installed on a Raspberry Pi. I don't specifically use the Unifi Security Gateway.

I would say the main difference though is the way you manage the product. My EdgeRouter is more or less "standalone managed". It has a console port you can connect to, or you can manage it via the built in web interface, or you can SSH into it and use the CLI. Honestly, I really like the EdgeRouter because it does everything I need it to do very easily. It is capable of higher traffic volumes than this security gateway (my model does 2+ million packets per second), and it has great features like DHCP, a built in firewall, QOS, DNS, etc. It's relatively straightforward to figure it out. But it doesn't integrate into the "Unifi Controller" for centralized management.

And that's really the big sell when it comes to the Unifi Security Gateway. You can install a single controller, and use that to manage all your Unifi devices. I have that installed to manage two access points. It may be a bit overkill for that. But, if you are at a school with a bunch of access points and switches (Unifi switches can also be managed through controller), then then Unifi Security Gateway might be nice if you want just a "single pane of glass".

I would just look through the feature list carefully for the USG, and if it has the features you need, and if you are going to be buying all your switches and APs from the Unifi line also, then go for it as it may simplify your life. If this is going to be your only Ubiquiti product, then I probably recommend a standalone EdgeRouter that you manage directly.

Question 2

Can this device be set up in a "transparent" mode? i already have a router/firewall but would like to be able to monitor more things on my unifi ap.

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can set it up in bridge mode.

Question 3

Can the VoiP port be used as a second WAN port?

Accepted Answer

The ability to use the VoIP port as a second WAN has been added to the latest controller software. The feature itself is currently in beta but seems to work in limited testing

Question 4

What can this do that an erx can't do?  security gateway is $100 and erx is $60 and has more LAN ports.  What am I missing?

Accepted Answer

The security gateway is intended to integrate with the UniFi platform and the integration is solid but still a little limited feature wise still. Administration of the gateway is literally done through UniFi; you don't really access the gateway directly. The EdgeRouters are their own standalone platform, development and web based options are farther along but no UniFi development. If you have a heavily Ubiquiti based network and want everything talking to each other, the security gateway is better. If you want to treat your router as a router and nothing more, the EdgeRouter line makes more sense.

ASIN	B00LV8YZLK
Antenna Location	Business, Gaming, Home
Antenna Type	Retractable
Best Sellers Rank	#6,946 in Computers & Accessories ( See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories ) #238 in Computer Routers
Brand	Ubiquiti Networks
Built-In Media	Part
Color	White
Compatible Devices	Personal Computer
Connectivity Protocol	Ethernet
Connectivity Technology	Ethernet
Control Method	Remote
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (5,549)
Data Transfer Rate	3 gigabits_per_second
Frequency	5 GHz
Frequency Band Class	Single-Band
Global Trade Identification Number	00810354020803, 00810354022807
Item Dimensions L x W x H	5.31"L x 5.31"W x 1.11"H
Item Type Name	Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway
Item Weight	12.3 ounces
LAN Port Bandwidth	10/100/1000 Mbps
Manufacturer	Ubiquiti
Maximum Upstream Data Transfer Rate	1000 megabits_per_second
Mfr Part Number	USG
Model Name	USG
Model Number	USG
Number of Items	1
Number of Packs	1
Number of Ports	4
Operating System	UniFi OS
Other Special Features of the Product	WPS
RAM Memory Installed	512 MB
Router Firewall Security Level	Advanced
Router Network Type	wired
Security Protocol	unifi
UPC	817882022996 884201858543 796594801498 810354020803
Voltage	240 volts
Warranty Description	Year
Wireless Compability	802.11b

Ubiquiti Unifi Security Appliance (USG), Single,White

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