Introduction:

This article will evolve as we build out more networks. As things currently stand we are using almost exclusively Ubiquiti hardware for most of our production network components up to, and including:

• Gateway and relay switches (EdgeMax)
• Primary wireless backhaul links (AirFiber)
• Relays and Sector Antennas (AirMax / AirMax LTU)
• Generic Equipment (Server racks, out door cabinets, mounts, UPS’s, etc.)
• Solar power management gear (SolarMax)
• Open community wireless access points (Unifi)

This article will list out all the components that we will be using for the building of our core network and extraneous systems. The architecture of how these components fit and work together will be covered in a separate article.

Gateway Hardware:

While the standardized set of equipment for our gateways is still being refined, this is the general hardware that we are using as things currently stand.

Firewalls / Althea Gateway

• The QNAP QGD-1600P has yet to be evaluated for it’s potential as an AIO solution. The specs suggest that it should posses the needed hardware resources to run a PFsense firewall, the Althea Gateway, and the attached switch includes 4x PoE++ (60W) ports and 12 PoE (30W) ports that should provide the needed power to run a number of relay antennas. Further evaluation and testing is required to verify both it’s functionality and total wireguard throughput.
• • The Traverse Ten64 is a 64bit 8-core ARM networking appliance with main-line OpenWRT support that could also serve as a high-speed Althea gateway, or potentially a high-end business-class customer router / relay. But as the device has yet to be released further research and evaluation will be needed to determine it’s potential applications.

Wired Switches

Radio Equipment: