Just need to get wireless downstairs, I have a network point down there and am currently using an old Asus RT-N-66U setup as an AP (but the owner wants it back :) ) so am after something at least as good as that in terms of range. Should I go for a dedicated AP or try and get another router at the right place that I can setup as an AP?
Cheers
Cheers, any recommendations on an AP?
People tend to like Ubiquity offerings these days? I would use Small Net Builder for some inspiration and recommendations personally. Asus gear is pretty darn good for home stuff also. Sorry it's been a long while since I've needed to buy anything specific.
This one looks OK?
Ubiquiti UAP-AC-Lite UniFi AC Lite AP 802.11ac Access Point Wireless Include POE
Really up to you, your budget and if you want POE and other extra's. SNB has an AP chart and ranker also, good for a read, sometimes most expensive is not always best in the consumer level playing field. I'm sure that will be fine, I hear good stuff about Ubiquity's, although there has been a few exploits in recent times. Almost all the big players have had something at some point TBH.
Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LITE should do the trick, there are 3 different versions of it, the Lite being the cheapest and the UAP-AC-PRO being the most expensive.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/10/review-ubiquiti-unif…
Doesn't that require a router though?
It does, I'm assuming that the OP already has a router or modem router combo already. Yes, AP's do not replace a router, nor does it connect you to WAN directly and needs to be connected to your router first via ethernet.
Do note that UAPs are designed to be ceiling (preferred) or wall mounted. The existing Ethernet socket most likely is not in an ideal location for an UAP install. That said, an AP beats a re-purposed wireless router hands down in performance.
Thanks for that will check them out. Yup it does go through a router. It cant be ceiling mounted though but will sit on a bench about 1 metre off the ground.
Is your main router ASUS?
No I think they're using the standard Telstra one (the white brick :) )
Here are the attenna radiation pattern of the UAPs. Judge for yourself whether they are suitable for your placement.
My TP-link Mesh setup is excellent. 100% speed between the different locations, literally no drop (which was a bit of a surprise).
Is that not an option?
They have the router upstairs but all the ports are taken so we really only have room for one device.
I use a Netgear EX7000, which can be found for $200 or just a little bit less. It is enough to provide range through a very big second floor when attached to an ethernet point
I've installed Ubiquiti wireless gear in my home office and it's really good. They have quite a large range, but for a regular home where you won't have many clients connecting, I'd go for the Unifi AC-Lite. It's around $130 from memory. You can set it up by installing the UniFi controller software on any of your network computers. It runs on all of the three major OS's (Windows/Linux/macOS).
One of the great things about the UniFi system is that it works extremely well both as an enterprise-grade system that you can deploy in small offices or schools and also as a home solution which requires little maintenance.
Just here to +1 Ubiquiti AP.
Thanks all. Pulled the trigger on a Ubiquity AC-lite. :)
The 66U's are near approaching their end of life I think? nervously stares at 68U
I personally like the idea of getting kit for a specific purpose and therefore would suggest an AP instead of a router. Small Net Builder is a good little site for home networking. The other suggestion might be some sort of mesh setup(replace router with a mesh solution?) or powerline adapter/ repeater with Wifi?