Dream Router 5G Max

The UCG-Max is a great router. However, you're limiting your capabilities using the Wifi 5 APs. If cost is a constraint, you might consider two Express 7 routers. They're all-in-one devices and support Wifi 7. Alternatively, consider the UCG-Max with better APs...at least ones that support wifi 6.

We have a hosted Omada controller, as well as a hosted Unifi controller. The Omada controller is much harder to admin, update and generally keep stable. The only reason we have it is for a set of ER706W-4G router/firewalls, which we’d like to replace with the new Unifi Dream Router 5G Max.

I had the archer GE800 ( first and last TP-link) and it was an awful experience. The firmware was extremely buggy since they added the AI QOS. The fan was also annoying, it runs really hot too. I switched to UniFi cloud Gateway Fiber with one access point WiFi 7 2 weeks ago. And no problem. There is a leaning curve with UniFi OS ( so many different things) but it’s all good now. And I don’t have to pay a subscription to access simple options. The UCG Fiber is small but as powerful as the GE800.

Any router will work with any ISP. If you want the least friction (and you don't mind paying a monthly fee per access point) you can get Spectrum's leased router. It's fine. But if you don't want to ever have to think about your router it's an option. Beyond that you could go with a mesh from someone like Tp-link, Netgear, or Eero. If you're buying today, I would go with WiFi 7 and then you'll be set for the next few years at least. You could go with WiFi 6 for a slightly less expensive option but you'll eventually run into limits with it if you have a higher speed (above 500mbps) internet connection or if you live in an area with a lot of wireless congestion (like if you have lots of neighbors nearby). Or if you really want control over your network you could go with some business grade stuff, something like a Ubiquiti dream router paired with their Unifi 7 APs. But that's pretty unnecessary unless you real like to tinker with network stuff.

I would agree that hardwired is ideal, but I've been having excellent results meshing dream router and ap lite. The distance is only one flight of stairs plus 30 horizontal feet, but device roaming is generally consistent with proximity to the ap. Strangely, some devices have bounced to the ap pro, 150 feet away in a separate building. I expect to see more, more easily with 9.1, probably upgrade tomorrow.

Skip all of those and grab a Dream Router or Unifi Express 7 from Ubiquiti. I’d opt for the Dream Router over the Express for growth, such as adding security cameras and such or additional access points for expanded coverage. If you don’t plan on any of that, then an Express 7 will meet what you need.

Get a solid Ubiquiti Dream Router and configure it yourself with the QOS settings to match a 'gaming' router. You get a far superior product for less money that has much better security.

The Dream router supports multiple Vlans and SSIDs. I'm using my old Asus router as a repeater downstairs and it works well like that. The Asus router is linked to the DR7 via its mesh function.

You should replace the time capsule with a proper NAS. Apple has not issued any security or big fix updates to that device in several years and it is a security risk to continue to use that on your network. I would recommend a Ubuqiti DreamRouter. This will allow you to centrally monitor and control your entire network from a central dashboard. You can add more APs, switches etc easily.

Ubiquiti. I have one of their Dream Routers at home and it runs both network and security cameras.