In search of a wired router that’s got the features you need, but won’t burn a hole in your pocket? Then Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X is what you’ve been waiting for. It provides cost-effective routing performance in an ultra-compact shape model. Was that enough to pique your interest? Let’s talk more about Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X in the following sections of this article :
The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X is developed by Ubiquiti Networks and is considered one of the most inexpensive networking solutions from the American computer manufacturer. Similar to other Ubiquiti routers, EdgeRouter X has attracted a lot of attention because it offers a great combination of awesome features at an affordable price. Most of the features present on this router are usually found on more expensive brands.
The router is part of Ubiquiti’s EdgeMAX platform. EdgeMAX combines carrier-class reliability with enterprise-level features in a compact and affordable unit. When it comes to shape, the EdgeRouter X is different from the usual consumer-level router in terms of design and functionality, utilizing a more traditional method from the exterior point of view.
Ubiquiti’s EdgeRouter X has a simple and compact rectangular case, so small it can be easily mistaken for a switch. Another interesting feature is its other, metallic case which is a substantial upgrade over the plastic case of the other EdgeRouter variant of Ubiquiti.
The EdgeRouter X is covered wholly by a black matte exterior, great material for a router because it doesn’t retain any fingerprints when you touch it. It also has white accents around the ports, and the LED lights icons and logo of the router are also white. Overall, the EdgeRouter X provides maximum performance in an elegant and innovative design.
Thinking of buying this affordable yet classy looking router to help with your home and office needs? Then you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about Ubiquiti’s router – its pros and cons, premium features, specifications, and quick installation guidelines.
Why Choose Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X?
Do you like wired routers that deliver flexibility and don’t take too much space? If yes, the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X has got you covered! Considering its small dimensions, this router can be placed pretty much anywhere in your home or office without taking up too much space from your shelf, or desk.
If you want to mount it on your wall, you can utilize the two four-way mounting brackets located on the back of the router. However, if you’d like to place it on your table, avoid placing it on its side, especially if you want to use all the ports to avoid it from falling due to its lightweight size.
With Ubiquiti having a different topology as part of their USP, you can use the EdgeRouter X together with single or multiple access points to provide Wi-Fi to different devices in small homes or offices. The EdgeRouter X can usually be mounted in a corner while an access point can be placed on the ceiling or even in the center of the room, providing better overall coverage for everyone using the Internet.
If you want to cover a bigger area, you can integrate several access points as well as cables installed all over your place. By using this setup you can upgrade numerous devices, while keeping costs as low as possible.
One of the most popular features of the EdgeRouter X is the advanced settings access it provides to users. This extra access enables users to use the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X exactly the way they prefer to, without numerous restrictions. This router is for individuals who want to invest in a new router, but don’t want the purchase to hurt too much on their wallets.
The EdgeRouter X is integrated with EdgeOS, this means it’s got all the wonders of a robust and advanced router because it allows its users to configure its functionality in different ways.
For instance, if you have a small business and can’t afford any network downtime, you would require a dual-WAN router to balance the load, or simply act as a contingency plan in case one connection has an error. The EdgeRouter X can be modified to perform such a process by allowing you to select which two ports are going to be WAN.
You can also set policies for port-forwarded traffic exclusion, create policies for LAN-To-LAN exclusion, or configure a watchdog thread to ping the ports to notify you regarding the status of the connections. In other words, EdgeRouter X can easily be configured to match the routing, security, and management features required to efficiently run your network.
Also included in the EdgeOS of the Ubiquiti router is the firewall configuration done through the Firewall/NAT section. It has four subsections with corresponding purposes, like in the Firewall/NAT Groups you can create groups based on network address, port number, or IP address.
With NAT, you can Add Destination NAT Rules and Add Source NAT Rules for certain packets, with Firewall Policies you can create rules which can be useful before SNAT or after DNAT, and with Port Forwarding you can configure Harpin NAT, WAN Interface, Port Forwarding Rules, and LAN Interface.
Pros
Dual WAN Failover Integration
Great Value For Money
High-Level Configurability
High-Quality Metallic Case/External Build
Intuitive And Easy To Use EdgeOS
Users access Advanced Features
Cons
Advanced Settings Require Technical Knowledge
Heats Up When Overused A Little
Not As Intuitive Compared To Other Contenders
Requires A Learning Curve
Key Features
EdgeMAX Software Platform
Ubiquiti’s EdgeRouter X is integrated with the EdgeOS which delivers an easy-to-use and intuitive graphical user interface. It’s a one-stop-shop for users to configure and monitor different basic and advanced router features. It also has an integrated Command-Line Interface in the browser, enabling access to all the advanced capabilities of the router.
Powerful Graphical User Interface
With the combination of the EdgeOS, EdgeRouter X has a web-based GUI with state-of-the-art web technology, delivering functionality with high efficiency. You can monitor interface statistics, open a Command Line Interface immediately from the browser, and rearrange firewall policies using drag-and-drop capabilities.
Configuration via CLI
Command Line Interface offers flexible and quick configuration by command line, which allows access through Telnet, GUI, SSH, and a serial console port. Users can enjoy direct access to standard Linux shell commands and tools. Through CLI, you can monitor, configure, and become a powerful administrator of EdgeRouter X’s advanced features.
Gigabit Connectivity
Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X offers five independent Gigabit RJ-45 ports configurable for switching.
Carrier-Class Reliability
The EdgeRouter X provides uptime performance which equates to leading enterprise or carrier technology solutions.
Other Features
ACL-Based Firewall
DHCP Client And Server
DHCP Relay
DNS Forwarding
Dynamic DNS
IPSec
IPv4/IPv6 Addressing
NetFlow
Network Address Translation (NAT) Firewall
OpenVPN Site-To-Site And Remote Access
PPPoE Client And Server
PPTP Client And Server
Quality of Service (QoS)
SNMP
VLANs Static Routes
Web Caching
Zone-Based Firewall
Specifications
Dimensions | 4.33” x 2.95” x 0.87” | ||
Weight | 175g | 6.17 oz | ||
Maximum Power Consumption | 5W | ||
Power Input | 24V Passive PoE | 12V DC, 0.5A Power Adapter | ||
Power Supply | External AC/DC Adapter | ||
Supported Voltage Range | 9 – 30V DC | ||
LED | Power; Ethernet 0 to 4 | ||
Processor | Dual-Core 880 MHz | ||
System Memory | 256MB DDR3 RAM | ||
Code Storage | 256MB NAND | ||
Wall Mount | Yes | ||
Data/PoE Input Port | 1 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 Port | ||
Data Ports | 3 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 Ports | ||
Data/PoE Passthrough Port | 1 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 Port | ||
Package Contents | 1 x EdgeRouter X; 1 x Power Adapter; 1 x Quick Start Guide | ||
Operating Humidity | 10% to 90% Non-Condensing | ||
Operating Temperature | -10 to 45°C |
How To Use
Think the advanced security, monitoring and management features of the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X belong in your home or business?
Learn more about its features and current price here.
If you’ve already bought this Ubiquiti router, you may follow this simple step-by-step guide to get started:
Hardware Installation:
- Connect the power adapter to the power port of the EdgeRouter X
- Plug the power adapter into the power outlet
- Connect the PoE cable of a PoE adapter or switch to the PoE/eth0 port of the EdgeRouter X
EdgeOS Configuration Interface:
DHCP:
- Connect the Ethernet cable from eth1 on the router to a LAN port that has an existing DHCP server
- Verify the IP Address of the EdgeRouter X using any of the following methods:
– Configure the DHCP server to provide a specific IP Address to the EdgeRouter X based on its MAC address found on the label
– Allow the EdgeRouter X obtain an IP Address - Open a web browser and input the appropriate IP address in the address bar. Press Enter
- Input ubnt in the Username and Password fields
- Read the Ubiquiti License Agreement and tick the box with the statement “I agree to the terms of this License Agreement” and click Login
Static IP Address:
- Connect the Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on your PC to the port labeled eth0 or PoE In on the EdgeRouter X. If you are using PoE, connect your PC to the PoE adapter or switch
- Configure the Ethernet adapter on your host system with a static IP address on the 192.168.1.x subnet
- Open a web browser and input “192.168.1.1” in the address bar and press Enter
- Input ubnt in the Username and Password fields
- Read the Ubiquiti License Agreement and tick the box with the statement “I agree to the terms of this License Agreement” and click Login
About Ubiquiti
Ubiquiti Networks is an American technology company. The company was established in San Jose, California in 2005. Ubiquiti manufactures wireless data communication products, focusing on underserved and emerging markets.
Ubiquiti Networks is sealing the digital gap by building network communication platforms for everyone everywhere. With over 10 million devices deployed in over 180 countries, Ubiquiti is transforming under networked businesses and communities.
Ubiquiti’s advanced and innovative platforms such as EdgeMAX, airVision, airFiber, UniFi, and airMAX, combine state-of-the-art technology, disruptive price performance, and the support of a global user community to reduce barriers to connectivity.
Final Thoughts
In sum, the EdgeRouter X of Ubiquiti Networks has become a product of the company’s innovation initiatives. Overall, this is an excellent router, it’s got a plethora of features and is superbly flexible and customizable, thanks to its powerful EdgeOS software. One of the most notable benefits of purchasing the EdgeRouter X is its incredibly low pricing, and its compact, advanced features which make it an unparalleled alternative in the market.
Why shell out more money when you can spend less and still get more out of your wired router? Indeed, the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X ideally provides you with the best of both worlds.
Having said that, do you have any firsthand experience with this router? What aspect of the EdgeRouter X do you think needs improvement? Let us know in the comments below!
However, if you’d like to know more about other types and brands of wired routers, you may check out the other product reviews on Firewall Guide. We are here to help you find the best router for your home and office networking needs.