? Message us on In today’s fast-paced digital world, network performance isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a growing enterprise, a tech-savvy home user, or an Internet service provider, you need reliable, high-performance equipment to handle increasing data loads and complex configurations. That’s where Ubiquiti’s EdgeRouter 4 ( ER-4 ) comes into play. Designed for robust routing with enterprise-grade features, this Ubiquiti router delivers exceptional speed, flexibility, and management options at a competitive price point.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4. From its technical specs to its practical applications, port configuration, and comparisons with similar models, we’ll cover it all. By the end, you’ll understand why the ER-4 is an excellent choice for IT enthusiasts and businesses alike.
Why You Should Consider the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 ER-4 for Your Business Network
The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 (ER-4) is part of Ubiquiti’s EdgeMAX series, renowned for providing professional-grade routing at a fraction of the price of high-end enterprise equipment. Featuring a quad-core 1 GHz MIPS64 processor and 1 GB DDR3 RAM, the ER-4 is engineered to manage complex routing tasks and maintain stability under heavy network traffic. It offers a maximum throughput of 4 Gbps and supports routing of up to 3.4 million packets per second, ensuring seamless performance even for demanding applications.
A major selling point of the ER-4 is its dedicated SFP fiber port, which allows for fiber-optic uplinks—a critical feature for businesses requiring high-speed, low-latency connections. Combined with three Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports, the router supports diverse connectivity scenarios, from standard copper cabling to high-speed fiber links.
Physically, the ER-4 sports a compact, fanless metal chassis, ensuring silent operation and making it perfect for offices or home labs where noise is a concern. At just under 800 grams, its lightweight yet durable design is easy to deploy on desktops, racks, or network closets.
Another standout feature is the EdgeOS software, Ubiquiti’s proprietary operating system. EdgeOS combines an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) with a command-line interface (CLI) for advanced configurations. This flexibility allows both beginners and seasoned network engineers to tailor the router’s settings to their specific needs.
Applications and Use Cases
The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 ER-4 is built for versatility. Its advanced routing capabilities and high throughput make it suitable for a wide range of applications:
Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Perfect for businesses needing advanced routing, VPN, VLAN segmentation, and firewall configurations without investing in expensive hardware.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Ideal for edge routing and customer premises equipment (CPE) deployments where performance and reliability are crucial.
Home Labs and Enthusiasts: Advanced users and tech enthusiasts can harness the ER-4’s powerful features to simulate enterprise networks, conduct security testing, or manage complex home setups.
Educational Institutions: Schools and universities requiring secure, high-speed internal networks for both staff and students.
Ports and Connectivity
Understanding the port configuration is essential for integrating the ER-4 into your network. Here’s what it offers:
(3) Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 Ports: Provide high-speed LAN and WAN connections with full duplex support, ideal for connecting switches, servers, or internet uplinks.
(1) Gigabit SFP Fiber Port: Enables direct fiber connectivity for ultra-fast uplinks or connections to fiber switches, significantly reducing latency and increasing bandwidth.
(1) RJ45 Serial Console Port: Allows for direct console access, ensuring secure and easy device management when remote access is unavailable.
This combination of ports allows for flexible deployment in diverse environments, supporting everything from standard copper wiring to high-speed fiber connections.
Advanced Features and Management Tools
The ER-4 isn’t just about hardware; its software capabilities elevate it to a professional-grade router. Key features include:
EdgeOS Operating System: Intuitive GUI for basic management and advanced CLI for power users.
Dynamic Routing Protocols: Supports OSPF, BGP, and RIP, enabling the creation of complex network topologies and routing policies.
Firewall and NAT Policies: Allows the creation of detailed firewall rules and custom NAT configurations to secure and control network traffic.
VPN Support: Offers site-to-site and remote access VPNs using IPSec and OpenVPN protocols for secure connections across multiple locations.
Monitoring Tools: Built-in system log, ping, trace, and packet capture tools assist with network troubleshooting and performance monitoring.
UNMS (Ubiquiti Network Management System): Mobile app and cloud platform support for centralized management of multiple Ubiquiti devices.
Custom Use-Case Highlights
1. Seamless Network Segmentation with VLANs: The ER-4’s robust VLAN support enables businesses to segment their networks, improving security and performance by isolating traffic between different departments or user groups.
2. High-Performance Edge Routing for ISPs: Internet Service Providers can leverage the ER-4’s high packet-per-second performance and fiber uplink capabilities to provide reliable customer access with minimal latency and robust security.
Comparison with Other Ubiquiti EdgeRouters
Choosing the right router from Ubiquiti’s EdgeMAX series depends on your specific needs. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Model | CPU Cores | RAM | Ports (RJ45/SFP) | PoE Support | Max Throughput | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EdgeRouter 4 | 4 | 1 GB | 3 / 1 | No | 4 Gbps | Moderate |
| EdgeRouter 6P | 2 | 1 GB | 5 / 1 | Yes | 6 Gbps | Higher |
| EdgeRouter X | 2 | 256 MB | 5 / 0 | Yes | 1 Gbps | Lower |
| EdgeRouter 12 | 4 | 1 GB | 10 / 2 | No | 6.8 Gbps | Premium |
Compared to the EdgeRouter X and 6P, the ER-4 balances performance and price, delivering high-speed routing without the higher cost of the ER-12.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | ER-4 |
| Processor | Quad-core 1 GHz MIPS64 |
| Memory | 1 GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 4 GB eMMC, 8 MB SPI NOR |
| Ports | 3x 1 Gbps RJ45, 1x 1 Gbps SFP |
| Console | 1x RJ45 Serial |
| Max Packet Throughput | 3.4 million pps |
| Max Throughput | 4 Gbps |
| Power Consumption | 13W |
| Dimensions | 229 x 136.5 x 31.1 mm |
| Weight | 795 g |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 50°C |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, IC |
FAQ: Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 (ER-4)
Q1: Does the ER-4 support VLAN configurations?
A1: Yes, the ER-4 supports full VLAN capabilities for network segmentation.
Q2: Can I configure a VPN on the ER-4?
A2: Absolutely. It supports IPSec, OpenVPN, and other VPN protocols.
Q3: How is the SFP port used?
A3: The SFP port provides a fiber-optic uplink, ideal for high-speed, long-distance connections.
Q4: Is there a fan in the ER-4?
A4: No, it’s designed with a fanless architecture for silent operation.
Q5: Can I manage the ER-4 remotely?
A5: Yes, via EdgeOS’s web interface or the UNMS mobile app.
Q6: What’s the power consumption of the ER-4?
A6: It consumes a maximum of 13 watts.
Q7: Is rack-mounting possible?
A7: Yes, with the optional rackmount kit.
Q8: Does the ER-4 support dynamic routing?
A8: Yes, including OSPF and BGP.
Q9: Can it replace my current ISP router?
A9: Yes, but configuration expertise is recommended for advanced setups.
Conclusion
The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 (ER-4) stands as a versatile, high-performance router suited for businesses, ISPs, and tech enthusiasts. Its combination of quad-core processing, fiber connectivity, advanced routing features, and robust security tools makes it a smart investment for anyone looking to build a reliable, high-speed network. With availability through ITMan, it’s easier than ever to integrate professional-grade routing into your infrastructure.
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