Introducing the Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG) for Large-Scale Networks

Hey there, UniFi fans and tech enthusiasts! Juan David here, your Tech Support Lead & UniFi Networking Expert at Flytec. Today, I'm super excited to dive into the details of Ubiquiti’s Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG), a next-gen beast of a gateway designed for large-scale networks. If you’re managing networks in massive spaces like stadiums, corporate buildings, or campuses, the EFG might just be the powerhouse you’ve been waiting for. And, hey, we’ll also make a quick comparison with the UXG Enterprise to see which one fits your setup best.

Let’s get started with what you actually get when you unbox this bad boy.

What’s in the Box? When you open the EFG box, here’s what you’ll find:

1. Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG) – This is the main unit, made with premium aluminum CNC and SGCC steel for that sturdy, long-lasting build.
2. Power cables – Universal AC input (100-240V) power cables to keep your gateway running strong.
3. Rack-mounting hardware – Because we all love a tidy, professional setup!
4. Quick start guide – For easy setup and getting up to speed fast.

Key Features that Make the EFG Stand Out

Alright, here’s where the EFG shines. This gateway is loaded with features to handle a high-demand, high-capacity network:

• High-Performance Processor: 18-core ARM® v8.2 at 2 GHz – Perfect for intensive processing demands.
• Huge Memory: 16 GB DDR4 DIMM – To keep everything running smoothly without a hitch.
• Flexible Networking Interfaces: (2) 25G SFP28, (2) 10G SFP+, and (2) 2.5 GbE RJ45 ports, with support for dual-WAN configurations.
• Hot-Swappable Power Supplies: Two 150W power supplies that can be swapped on the go for minimal downtime.
• Touchscreen Display: A 1.3" touchscreen for monitoring status and quick adjustments.

Benefits of the Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG)

So, why go with the EFG? Here’s why it’s an ideal choice for large-scale enterprise environments:

1. Ultimate Scalability: The EFG can handle up to 500+ UniFi devices and a whopping 5,000+ clients at once. Perfect for environments with heavy traffic like stadiums, theaters, or big corporate campuses.
2. High-Speed Routing with Security: The EFG can route at 12.5 Gbps with IDS/IPS enabled. This means you’re getting top-notch speed and security without sacrificing one for the other.
3. Shadow Mode High Availability (VRRP): This feature provides seamless failover, ensuring your network stays up even if there’s a hardware issue.
4. Enhanced Threat Protection: The EFG’s Next AI engine brings top-tier security, inspecting encrypted packets in real-time and offering advanced content filtering.
5. No Licensing Fees: Unlike other high-end solutions that hit you with extra fees, once you’ve got the EFG, it’s yours—no strings attached. You get all the security and features without surprise costs down the line.

Ideal Applications and Full Stack Deployment

For a complete setup, here’s what an EFG-centered UniFi full stack could look like:

1. Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG)
   
   • Part Number: EFG
   • Role: Network backbone, handling security and managing data flow.
2. Access Points (APs)
   
   • U7 Pro Max (U7-PRO-MAX): Wi-Fi 7 AP with 6 GHz support, perfect for high-density areas.
   • U6 Enterprise (U6-ENTERPRISE): Wi-Fi 6E with 10 spatial streams—super for high-demand environments.
   • U6 Mesh (U6-MESH): Great for indoor/outdoor coverage, keeping all corners connected.
3. Switches
   
   • UniFi Switch Enterprise (USW-ENTERPRISE-24): Layer 3, 10G uplinks, and PoE++ for powering devices.
   • UniFi Switch Pro (USW-PRO-24): A reliable switch with PoE+ and 10G uplinks for larger deployments.
   • UniFi Switch Aggregation (USW-AGGREGATION): 8-port, 10G SFP+ for handling high-speed traffic aggregation.

Comparison: EFG vs. UXG Enterprise

Now, let’s talk about UXG Enterprise, another incredible option from Ubiquiti. Both the EFG and UXG Enterprise have nearly identical hardware and performance specs: they support VRRP for redundancy and they both can handle 12.5 Gbps with IDS/IPS enabled. So, what’s the difference?

UXG Enterprise

• Remote Management: UXG Enterprise is designed to be adopted into an external controller, like a CloudKey, Official UniFi Hosting, or UniFi Network Server with UniFi Network 8.3.32 and later. This option keeps management simple and potentially more reliable if you prefer to host UniFi Network in the cloud or on your own server for localized, self-hosted control.
• Ideal For: Large enterprises that want the performance of the EFG without running the UniFi Network app on the device itself. It’s flexible for remote management and can fit in complex environments needing third-party control.

Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG)

• Built-In UniFi Network: The EFG is more of a UniFi OS Console, managing a single site but with all the power on-device. This gateway is your go-to if you need a stand-alone UniFi Network solution and don’t require cloud adoption.
• Ideal For: Those looking for a high-performance gateway that doubles as a UniFi Network host for one site, perfect for secure, local management in high-traffic environments.

Which One to Buy? Go with UXG Enterprise if you need remote, cloud-hosted or self-hosted management with all the same performance as the EFG. But if you want a local UniFi Network powerhouse that handles everything on-site, the EFG is your best bet.

Wrapping Up

Both the EFG and UXG Enterprise represent the best of UniFi’s enterprise class, purpose-built for the most demanding networks. With features like Shadow Mode for high availability, VRRP, top-of-the-line IPS/IDS, and UniFi’s commitment to zero licensing fees, these devices offer incredible value. So, whether you’re outfitting a massive stadium or a bustling corporate HQ, you’re getting performance, security, and reliability with either device.

Stay connected and stay secure, my friends! Until next time, keep pushing the boundaries of your network with Flytec and UniFi!