PACKETPERF

Primary Device

Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)
Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)
★ 4.3 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Device Type: UniFi Network Appliance / Gateway
  • Processor: Quad-core ARM (MediaTek MT7986)
  • RAM: 2 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 32 GB eMMC + 1 TB HDD (for protect/video)
  • Network Interfaces: 1u00d7 WAN (2.5G), 3u00d7 LAN (GbE), 1u00d7 Console (USB)
  • Routing Throughput: 3.5 Gbps
  • Switching Capacity: 5 Gbps fabric
  • Max Concurrent Connections: 100,000+
  • VPN Support: IPsec, WireGuard, L2TP
  • Security Features: Built-in IPS/IDS, DPI, threat management
  • Form Factor: Compact Desktop (1U appliance)
  • Power Consumption: 35W typical
  • PoE Output: 1u00d7 802.3af (for optional AP)
  • Management: UniFi OS + Cloud integration
  • Redundancy: Dual WAN capable

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: All-in-one network appliance with built-in UniFi OS, video storage, and robust security; Excellent value for SMBs combining routing, switching, and threat protection; Includes 1TB HDD for UniFi Protect video surveillance; Silent fanless design or passive cooling; Seamless integration with UniFi ecosystem; Low power consumption (~35W)
  • ✘ Cons: Limited to 2.5G WAN uplink (not enterprise-grade 10G); Overkill for very small networks (branch offices with <50 users); Less granular control than dedicated enterprise firewalls (Cisco ASA, Fortinet FortiGate); Storage not user-upgradeable; Noise from HDD if used heavily for video recording; Requires UniFi Cloud account for optimal features
  • Est. Price: $299 - $349

Compare Against

Aruba (HPE) Aruba 9240 Campus Gateway
Aruba (HPE) Aruba 9240 Campus Gateway
★ 3.3 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Firewall Throughput: 40 Gbps
  • Threat Prevention Throughput: 4 Gbps
  • IPsec VPN Throughput: 10 Gbps
  • Max Sessions: 4,000,000
  • New Sessions/sec: 200,000
  • Interfaces: 4x SFP28 (1G/10G/25G)
  • Form Factor: 1U Rackmount

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: High-density performance supporting up to 2,048 APs and 32,768 devices; Flexible 'pay-as-you-grow' licensing model avoids hardware refreshes; Integrated Layer 4-7 stateful firewall with Deep Packet Inspection; High-speed 25GbE connectivity.
  • ✘ Cons: Significant initial investment and recurring licensing costs; Threat prevention (IDPS) throughput is limited to 4 Gbps and only supported on the base model; Low physical port density (4 ports) without expansion.
  • Est. Price: $24,000 - $39,595

Popular Comparisons

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