Reddit reviews Ubiquiti Networks Enterprise AP Unifi

$400.

What $400 could get you instead:

• A gigabit ethernet router without Wi-Fi and PoE $169
  
  
• A gigabit switch for mooooooooore ports (optional)!!! $25
  
  
• 500 feet of Cat5e. If you're running cable for access points, then you'll need this. If not, it's still nice to have and cheap. $32
  
  
• Get a wireless access point! Now your wireless isn't stuck next to your modem/router! $63.67
  
  
• Have a bigger house? get another access point. $63.67
  
  We spent $353.34. We got: 2 Wireless-N access points for different points in our house, a router with all of the same features (minus automatic DDNS, which you don't need your router to do), and more (gigabit) ports.
  
  And we spent less. Obviously this requires a lot more work: you have to run cables (which includes measuring, cutting, and crimping cables, installing wall ports, running cable up walls and through your attic if youw ant to do it correctly), configure your router (at least a little bit),
  
  And I'm not saying that this solution is for everyone. Or even for very many people, but I am trying to show that we are able to get a gigabit PoE router with the same features, a small gigabit switch, and two access points for less than this thing. These expensive routers are getting ridiculous.
  
  
  Edit: I'm just saying guys, consider your options. These big routers don't really solve most problems people have. It's buying a Ferrari to drive your 4 kids to school.

Mostly Amazon but they are still available on the UBNT store. Some are hesitant because of speed issues, Others because they have had problems connecting phones to their gen 1 gear.

I bought one of these : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ubiquiti-Networks-UAP-AP-Router/dp/B00HXT8R2O

You turn the wireless off in your router and plug that in. You need to do a little setup (takes about 5 minutes), all your wireless stuff will then connect to this.
The advantage is that should you ever need to move ISP you just use their router and plug this in again and it will keep working without having to change anything else.

It has a bunch of features too - multiple SSIDs, scheduled access times, you chan throttle devices, reserve addresses etc.

I've since set up one for a friend with two SSIDs, one for their stuff and another for all the kids stuff - that one is scheduled to turn off at a certain time to get the kids off their ipads/consoles etc.

There are several versions - more info here: https://www.ubnt.com/unifi/unifi-ap/

You can add more if you need to, the management of them all is centralised by the software.

Check out Ubiquiti Networks (UBNT) (https://www.ubnt.com/), I've used those a few times with great success. Implement RADIUS, point it to AD, and your set. They can be spread out throughout your building, they can run via PoE, and they also have directional antennas if you have to cover a large area (i.e. warehouse).

Edit: When I said that I've used those with great success I specifically meant this one (https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0)

Just to add a little to /u/IWillNotBeBroken you can do the basics of what he suggest your self using some freely available tools. I like the android app Wifi Analyzer for doing general site surveys. It will show you what channels are in use and let you gauge your own coverage.

But generally speaking I would not trust a "good router" to handle 20+ Wifi connections. Most good routers are home user grade (linksys, netgear, etc) and not made to handle that much. Depending on the size of the area you are trying to cover I like ubiquiti for smaller places, I'm imagining you as a small office or net cafe? Get a mid range 48port switch you can can wire to all the computers and printers as needed and still have a few ports to install these wifi devices.

I was probably gonna go with Ubiquity as I am returning my DLink 895L (complete garbage btw) and replacing it with a pfsense box + this AP. I end up paying less than the stupid Dlink router and have much more control and power.

This exactly.

Start with a cheap, unmanaged 8-port switch. They cost anywhere from $10-$40, depending on brand/speed. If you want really go cheap, pass on the gigabit switch and just get one that goes up to 100 Mbps. I would just get the 1000 Mbps though.

Then, add an AP (like this https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-UAP-US/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1474114110&sr=1-3&keywords=unifi) and you'll still have 6 ports to plug in devices.

$68 on Amazon

> How much do they cost?

AP - $68
Ubiquiti ERX- $50

So we're at $130 for both items that perform substantially better than an all-in-one, like the AC68U which is ~$135

Why would you NOT want businesa grade equipment? It performs better, it's actually patched for vulnerabilities, and it lasts longer. For around the same price.

do the work run ethernet for the pc's and for stuff that cant be hardwired, get a ubnt wifi ap like this one, I only use wifi for devices that dont have the ability for ethernet ports.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HXT8R2O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wifi is never as stable as a ethernet connected device.

Are these any good? (I have no AC Devices)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HXT8R2O?keywords=UniFi%20AC&qid=1458500635&ref_=sr_1_8&sr=8-8

I assume you'll use the tplink at the router still. In that case you can get one of the best access points for cheap. Ubiquiti Networks Enterprise AP Unifi (UAP) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_mFpywb5C90K5M

since you are just connecting two building two of these should work well.They are very strong

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-Unifi-UAP/dp/B00HXT8R2O

I was under the impression that ubiquiti stuff usually started at $100 and went up.

Edit: And in Canuckland [here] (http://www.amazon.ca/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-Unifi-UAP/dp/B00HXT8R2O), they do. US starts at [$70] (http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-Unifi-UAP/dp/B00HXT8R2O).

Go exchange rate....

In a perfect world:
the better router should be the main one since it'll be handling all of its load plus the additional one you're adding.

In reality it won't make a difference for basic home use.

You can use any brand to create another SSID. If you want to do it right, the highly suggest unifi brand would create a seamless network where you phone wouldn't be connecting between two separate networks.


if it was me I would:

Leave the router/fw alone. Turn off its wifi.
Buy 2: http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-Unifi-UAP/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1452366227&sr=1-1&keywords=unifi

then enjoy seamless networking cross the entire house.

but that is double your budget...

I've heard good things about Ubiquiti's Unifi line, seems like there are a couple options that might suit your budget

You're on the right track; what you're wanting is an extra wirelesss access point. (not a router)


If you've already worked out how you can safely run CAT6 from the router in the home back to the apartment, then all you need is an access point to provide wireless connectivity on the other end. At ~225ft, you should be fine with a single cable run. I'd recommend looking at a Ubiquiti UniFi AP, you can pick any that meets your needs. (Wireless N/AC, long range or not, etc)


UniFi UAP (wireless N)


UniFi UAP-LR (wireless N, long range)


UniFi UAP-AC-LITE (wireless AC)


The AC versions are rather new and should be closer to $100-110 MSRP. If you wanted to go that route, wait until there's stock at B&H Photo.

Just installed my first one for a client.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015PRO512/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This thing has more range than anything I have ever setup. Incredible.

I read these are nearly as good for a much smaller tag.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=psdc_1194486_t3_B015PRO512

If I didn't have a Areohive setup in my house I would pick up Unifi in a heartbeat.

One of these or a similar one from Ubiquiti will do the trick

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O

For just $60 you can get the b/g/n version.

I don't have any specific product recommendations, but for the last 7 months I've been using the method I proposed with a surplus router as AP and it has been rock solid. I'd guess any decent wireless router with WPA2-PSK (AES!) WiFi should be secure enough, these are dirt cheap & function as pretty good AP's. Preferably with two or three antennas so you can point them in XYZ directions to maximize the WiFi range around the house. Also make sure to disable DHCP on the router you are using as AP. Idk if all the routers support working in AP mode, so before buying look it up in the manual. I have an ethernet cable running from a LAN port on my primary router to a LAN port on my AP converted router. If you want something more fancy, then you are looking at stuff like Ubiquiti UniFi, but I think these need a PoE injector/switch to power them.

I have these for my Production networks at all 4 of our church sites, and love them. Super easy to configure and manage, and they are rock steady.

So you would probably want the EdgeRouter X - it's pretty basic, but for your use it should be more than enough. I have an EdgeRouter Lite, the two are similar, but the EdgeRouter X is PoE, a little slower, and has switched LAN ports (doesn't matter for your uses).

I don't know much about modems, but you want to get one that's basically "all modem", since your EdgeRouter is going to be doing all the routing for it. I went with this one but I'm sure there are better options.

You can then plug in the AP wherever you want on the internal network. Could be directly to the router, doesn't matter. You will need to use something called PoE - you can either pass that through the EdgeRouter X or use the included adapter directly in-line. It's not complicated, just take a sec to read the instructions. :) Basically you just need to make sure you plug the AP into the correct port, else you could damage things. It's pretty evident.

As far as which AP you buy... Well, it's up to you really. This would probably be fine, but they also have long-range and AC versions. I've tried the Long-Range version and it's not super impressive. Not tried the AC version yet because very few of my devices actually support it sadly.

Let me know if you have any questions!

its this model,
The UAP?

I'm in the burbs, so I have very limited wifi traffic, as there are only a handful of houses in sight. I understand(I think) about the 2.4 GHz and interference, but I honestly don't think that is it, based on the environment I'm in.

If I understand you correctly, my Luxul router, should have an WAN ip that comcast gives me. Let's call it "174..**.. I then tell the luxul router what the LAN should be for my network?, which I have as 192...***." I then set up the UniFi AP as a static IP in my router, and configure the AP as such? It also allows you to have a DHCP server. Why would I want my AP to be my DHCP server? Isn't that what the router does?

Thank you for taking time to help me, I appreciate it!

One last question, if I may,
when I set the WAN up with my router, the first two sets on numbers on WAN IP and Gateway IP are the same, but the third set is different? I've always seen them the same.
For Instance, 123.456.789.012 and 123.456.789.022 is what I've seen, but in my case it's 123.456.789.012 and 123.456.799.011. I made those up, of course

Thanks again..

Edit:Formatting

Oh good point, I can run a 5ghz and 2.5ghz network both.

Hmm. Can’t seem to find a UAP that’s 2.5ghz only. Eg I think this is the one you are talking about: Ubiquiti Networks Enterprise AP Unifi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GYSbBbT6Z9H92

Check out the APU1D4 kit at Netgate. Optionally buy a cheap mSATA SSD to run the OS. Run pfSense.
The kit will handle lots of speed, just not quite full gigabit. So unless you have google fiber it'll work great for the foreseeable future.
I love mine. Decently fast, low power, fairly reasonable price for what you get. Bulletproof.

Like others mentioned, the UAP is nice. Enterprise grade hardware, consumer grade priced.

Also checkout /r/pfsense. And run maybe run a search.

This guy right here https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1479322518&sr=1-3&keywords=ubiquiti+access+point

I don't wanna have ac channel I've heared it's signal strength ain't that good.

I've found this:--
http://www.amazon.in/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-ER-X-SFP-US-Advanced-Gigabit/dp/B012X45WH6

http://www.amazon.in/Ubiquiti-Networks-UniFi-Enterprise-System/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=pd_sim_147_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0DHPH6K0CA5M6VRNKYNY

Will this work?

Sorry, PoE is Power over Ethernet, so you don't have to run electrical wire, it will just use power from the network cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O

So something like this?

Can I still do a wired connection if I use one of those? I need a wired connection for the desktop (it's strictly a gaming pc) and the PS4.

Also I have no idea how to use a switch or LAN jack. I built my desktop but I'm totally green about networks.

So doing what you said, would I just be able to purchase something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=psdc_1194486_t2_B015PR20GY

and have it work? Is there anything else (besides the Cat5 cable) that I'd need to purchase along with it, or should I be okay with just that?

A USG/Cloud key and a cheap UAP UAP on Amazon $58.44

Oh that's cool I wasn't completely sure if you had to keep the controller running.

I have been looking at these two routers.

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1449531583&sr=1-4&keywords=ubiquiti

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Edgerouter-Router-ERLITE-3/dp/B00HXT8EKE/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1449549072&sr=1-7&keywords=ubiquiti+router

I do some large file transfers over the wired side of the network so I thought it may be worth it to get the second one listed. Also we have between 15-30+ devices connected at any time but probably most of them are idle.

These were the AP's that I was looking at

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-Unifi-UAP/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=pd_sim_147_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=31DJWuaQDOL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=13TM14RQA56J7T55G2B1

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-System-UAP-AC-LITE/dp/B015PR20GY/ref=sr_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1449550183&sr=1-10&keywords=ubiquiti+ap+dual+band

I would probably just do the Wireless N one but idk. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations on these?

Thanks really appreciate it!

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-Unifi-UAP/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=pd_bxgy_147_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0FA2FECZQYSHF3FF6TVK

Is this the same thing, but just a shorter range?

So pretty much if currently, my router covers half the house. If I were to get this and use it to cover the other half of the house, would it work out like that?

Thanks for the suggestion. I've never heard of them before, but after a little reading up on them I'm pretty impressed. Do you have any experience with their access points? Most of the Amazon reviews seem pretty good, but the poor reviews seem to indicate some issues with AP's dying just out of warranty & other customer support issues with the company...

I got the regular UAP for $68 on Amazon a week ago (its $63 right now). The range and performance has been amazing so far and I don't even have it mounted in its permanent location in the center of the house yet. It's just sitting next to a TV in the corner of my house right now. I'd buy one and see how well it works. You can always add another if more coverage is needed. These are made to be installed in clusters if needed.

Ubiquiti makes awesome products. Check out the Unifi UAP. If your router is pretty old, the Unifi UAP might even have better reception overall.

okay I would get this then one as it is the cheapest here

Question: Why go for the USG vs an EdgeRouter?

We have more/less the same amount of devices on our networks and for anyone curious my setup was very similar but a little cheaper:

Modem: https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SB6121-DOCSIS-Non-Retail-Packaging/dp/B00768SBAU

EdgeRouter: https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C/

APs: https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-UAP-US/dp/B00HXT8R2O/

Switches: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-8-Port-Gigabit-Ethernet-Switch/dp/B00KFD0SYK

When I started I already had my modem but a lot of my equipment I bought used off eBay. Significantly cheaper.

> UAP

This?

These? https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O

If you're willing to do a bit of reading and tinkering, give serious consideration to something like an Edgerouter with a separate AP. You'll get substantially better wireless performance, with the option to get a second AP and seamlessly bridge them.

To expand on this, if you get arp and the mac address, you can start sifting through l2 to find it:

show mac address-table address h.h.h

Should work even on routers, just fyi.

Find the final access port it's on, and just admin it down.

Just.... before you go shutting down ports, make absolutely sure you're following down a netgear mac address, and not something else. There's several mac lookup sites.

Edit: Oh, and get rid of the damn netgear wireless router "AP", and buy anything else, like heck, maybe even this

Ubiquiti & a router. You can get all in one solutions that might fit the bill, but I'm more of a fan of leaving things open for upgrades in the future. If in the future a faster wifi standard comes out you can just swap the AP out. Router slows down, or you want a new feature that your current one doesn't have? Swap it.

A router like this us $52 ( £37), and a [Ubiquiti AP] (http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-Unifi-UAP/dp/B00HXT8R2O) is about the same.

As for the Ethernet cabling stuff, you can always get a cable that is premade for the length you need if you dont want to tackle making one on your own. If you do want to try to make one you can get cables without the ends on ebay, then a crimper and rj-45 connectors for cheap, and watch a youtube video on making a cable. Thankfully making an Ethernet cable isn't that hard.

Oh i was going to use the adapter for the access point. Not just the powerline adapter itself too connect the ethernet to my laptop. Thank you or the suggestion and link.

I would rather have an access point, that way wouldn't it be the exact same thing as connecting to my router in the basement? The only small issue is the roaming ability, where i can upstairs to downstairs and the wifi would switch to whatever is stronger and i wouldn't have to reload a youtube video. Honestly, thats not a big deal for us ( kids ). I'm in the basement on my desktop, its my 2 sisters that have a problem, and they stay upstairs.

This is the access point i had in mind


There is actually a perfect spot for this, its in the empty space that has the stairs. Smack in the middle between all the rooms upstairs. And it has an outlet on the bottom of the wall....

The only thing i have more questions about. is making it so i can go upstairs to downstairs and whichever is stronger would grab my laptop. Or being able to move around and it would seamlessly switch, and i wouldn't have to reload. And how come the access point can't be unified with my Verizon router downstairs? Since making it a repeater would slow it down....

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O this one

something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O

how does setting up a user group work, i would ideally like the group to be just all connections

If it says AC-Lite then you're likely good.

This might pass for being similar BUT it doesn't support wireless-AC
https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O


The PoE injector comes in the box for MOST retail units. If I bought a pack of 3 or 5 those packs usually do NOT come with injectors (but are usually cheaper on a per unit basis) as it's assumed it's going out in a large deployment where the deployer has proper PoE switches (which are better/more energy efficient, require fewer cords, etc.) and is likely placing 3-100 of these at a location and doing some hardcore planning.

It looks cool, but its too expensive. Looking to spend less than half that. Would this one do? http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=lp_1194486_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1464919961&sr=1-10

Do you own the place you live? if so you could install access points like this that you could place around your house and have a more consistent blanket of WiFi.

This is the one im using. An access point(AP) is connected to a router with a long internet cable and moved to a part of the house furthest away from the router, or where WiFi is most needed. It then mirrors/extends/broadcasts the same signal your router sends out effectively increasing your WiFi radius by alot.
An AP is also often called a WiFi extender.

You can pretty much skip the WifiAnalyser step. Just go to your routers admin page and set the 2.4gz channel to 1,6 or 11 and your golden.

Hope this helps.

I did a bit of research and I think I'm going to purchase this instead of a repeater, so I don't lose as much speed. http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462551531&sr=8-1&keywords=Ubiquiti+ap+enterprise

And then use the antenna also. As long as I don't have issues hooking it up.

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1462831791&sr=1-2&keywords=ubiquiti

You should probably start by working out whether the problem is the WiFi or the actual internet connection. While the connection down (but looks "up"), see if you can "surf" to your router's admin page using Safari. It's usually located here:

http://192.168.0.1

If that doesn't work, try 192.168.1.1 instead. If that doesn't work either, do this:

• Go into System Preferences and select Network.
  
• Select WiFi (or similar) from the left pane.
  
• Select Advanced. Under the TCP/IP tab you should see your IP adress. It should be on the format xxx.yyy.zzz.nnn. If you replace "nnn" with 1, you would get the adress for the router's admin page.
  
  If you can connect to the router (i.e. you see some sort of login page, and the router's logo or whatnot) while the problem is happening, this is not a WiFi problem, but a problem with the router's internet connection. If this is the case, call your ISP and file an error report.
  
  If you cannot connect to the router while the problem is happening, you need to start troubleshooting the WiFi. Try for example this checklist or something similar.
  
  If you cannot get it to work properly, it may be easiest to just buy a different wireless access point, believe it or not (depending on your financial status of course). I'm very happy with my Unifi access point.
  
  Good luck!
  
  Edit: Better link
  
  
  
  
  

Generally home equipment isnt designed for high thoroughput or many active clients. The firmware will crap out or it'll run out of ram or overheat, etc. The minor cost savings aren't worth it.

$500 CAD should get you three ubiquiti Unify's:

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-Unifi-UAP/dp/B00HXT8R2O

or the newer model with 5ghz and 1gbps connector:

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-System-UAP-AC-LITE-US/dp/B015PR20GY/ref=pd_sim_147_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41k0AG3kfjL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1JHXX8FBC0ZPS49SRCZT

Heck, you should have enough left over to buy the little 4port PoE switch they make that can power these (they are not standard PoE)

For 800sq feet without a lot of walls, you can probably just get away with two of these. You're much better off with multiple AP's and a non-crap brand.

[Router] (https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1525029629&sr=1-1&keywords=edgerouter+x)

[Access Point] (https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-AP-Unifi/dp/B00HXT8R2O/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1525029661&sr=1-2&keywords=uap)

Ubiquiti stuff, lookup videos on how to set it up