Ubiquiti EdgeRouter - Carrier-Class Routing and Performance for Demanding Users
The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter series is the centerpiece of the EdgeMAX® platform and is aimed at network professionals, Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs), and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that demand the highest levels of performance, reliability, and granular control.
Unlike the UniFi line, which relies on centralized, cloud-based management, EdgeRouters offer standalone configuration per device with maximum flexibility.
The core of the EdgeRouter is the powerful EdgeOS™ operating system, based on Debian Linux. It combines an intuitive graphical user interface (Web GUI) with an extremely powerful Command Line Interface (CLI) that allows direct access to advanced functions.
Main Features and Functions of EdgeRouters
EdgeRouter models, such as the EdgeRouter X (ER-X), EdgeRouter 4 (ER-4), or EdgeRouter 12 (ER-12), are optimized for demanding routing tasks and offer carrier-class features at a competitive price.
1. High Routing Throughput and Hardware Offloading
Modern EdgeRouter models are capable of routing millions of packets per second (Mpps) thanks to powerful MIPS processors (e.g., Dual-Core 880 MHz or Quad-Core 1 GHz). Crucial here is hardware offloading, which allows the router to handle basic routing and switching tasks directly via hardware to offload the CPU and achieve maximum throughput rates (up to 4 Gbps or more, depending on the model).
2. Extensive Routing and Security Functions
EdgeOS offers a variety of enterprise functions:
- Dynamic Routing Protocols: Support for OSPF, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), and RIP, essential for complex network topologies and connection to backbone networks.
- Firewall & NAT: Advanced ACL-based firewall rules and Zone-Based Firewalls, as well as comprehensive NAT rules (Source/Destination NAT) for traffic protection and control.
- VPN: Diverse and robust VPN options, including IPSec (Site-to-Site and Remote Access), OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP.
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Network Segmentation: Flexible configuration of VLAN interfaces (802.1q) for logical separation of networks (e.g., Guest WiFi, Management Network).
3. Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Flexibility
Many EdgeRouter models offer integrated PoE functions, making them ideal for WISPs who need to power Ubiquiti airMAX devices (CPEs and Rocket base stations):
- EdgeRouter X (ER-X): Supports 24 V Passive PoE Passthrough on the last port.
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EdgeRouter X SFP (ER-X-SFP): Provides configurable 24 V Passive PoE Out on all five RJ45 ports and also features an SFP port for fiber backhaul connections.
Important EdgeRouter Models at a Glance
| Model | CPU Cores / Clock | Max. Throughput | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| EdgeRouter X (ER-X) | Dual-Core 880 MHz | 1 Gbps | Compact, cost-effective, 24 V PoE passthrough. |
| EdgeRouter 4 (ER-4) | Quad-Core 1 GHz | Up to 4 Gbps | High routing performance, 3x RJ45 + 1x SFP port. |
| EdgeRouter 12 (ER-12) | Quad-Core 1 GHz | High | 10x RJ45 ports (PoE capable), 2x SFP ports, internal switch chip. |
| EdgeRouter Infinity (ER-8-XG) | 16-Core 1.8 GHz | 80 Gbps | Flagship, 8x 10G SFP+ ports for carrier applications. |
The EdgeRouter series enables network architects to build highly available, scalable, and high-performance routing infrastructures that can be centrally monitored and managed via the UISP™ (Ubiquiti Internet Service Provider) management system.