Buying WiFi AP systems from overseas?

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kryptonjohn

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Topic # 220216 1-Aug-2017 09:17

Are there any gotchas? Is there any reason not to order a Google Wifi, Ubiquiti, Orb, Eero style device from overseas? I'm thinking about regional spectrum, availability of firmware updates or similar issues?

Have some weak Wifi areas in our 2 story house of approx 300m2, and would be nice to cover it with a single SSID that does seamless handovers when moving devices around the house.

Any recommendations or best-avoids?

Currently preferring Ubiquiti as they are way less expensive than the others. Hoping I could get away with two - one connected to the office VDSL modem and one at the other end of the house downstairs connected by network cable back to the office.

TIA

JohnO

edit: Oh, and being able to manage the kids' WiFi access would also be a requirement.

darylblake

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Reply # 1834725 1-Aug-2017 09:40

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I wouldn't bother ordering from overseas. Mainly for warranty purposes, its way less hassle if you order them in NZ.

If you are looking at Ubnt units you can get them from Go Wireless in NZ.

I got a 238Sqm house and have 2 unifi ac AP's. Have installed them, but have not moved in yet. Hopefully in the next couple weeks. I think it will cover the house ok.

kryptonjohn

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Reply # 1834755 1-Aug-2017 10:06

@darylblake Thanks for the pointer to Go Wireless!

PolicyGuy

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Reply # 1834757 1-Aug-2017 10:07

Also, there are differences between NZ and overseas jurisdictions on use of the 5GHz band.
Some of the channels have restrictions on them in NZ ('Indoors' / 'Outdoors' use & power levels IIRC) that are not the case overseas, so if you buy an overseas unit it might not be compliant with the NZ regulations.

sbiddle

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Reply # 1835108 1-Aug-2017 17:10

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Any WiFi gear sold in the US has to be locked down to the US 5GHz bandplan and not be able to be modified by the consumer.

RunningMan

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Reply # 1835110 1-Aug-2017 17:12

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PolicyGuy: [snip]

Also, there are differences between NZ and overseas jurisdictions on use of the 5GHz band.

It's not just 5GHz - there are more 2.4GHz channels available in NZ than USA as well.

richms

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Reply # 1835146 1-Aug-2017 18:50

RunningMan:

PolicyGuy: [snip]

Also, there are differences between NZ and overseas jurisdictions on use of the 5GHz band.

It's not just 5GHz - there are more 2.4GHz channels available in NZ than USA as well.

On both bands the additional channels are pretty useless since you cant guarentee that gear will support it. the DFS channels on 5GHz are useless to most laptops I have found.

ANywhere but the US is fine for unifi, as its set in software. But pricing doesnt seem to bring any saving.

Richard rich.ms

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Reply # 1845281 11-Aug-2017 16:06

darylblake:

I wouldn't bother ordering from overseas. Mainly for warranty purposes, its way less hassle if you order them in NZ.

If you are looking at Ubnt units you can get them from Go Wireless in NZ.

I got a 238Sqm house and have 2 unifi ac AP's. Have installed them, but have not moved in yet. Hopefully in the next couple weeks. I think it will cover the house ok.

I've been through this recently, and ended up getting my Unifi AC Pro's from PBtech on sale, which was the cheapest price I've seen in NZ. The rest of my gear (PoE switch, Cloud Key and USG) I've purchased off Amazon as it's WAY cheaper (the AC adapters are dual-voltage, so you just need to replace the cloverleaf power cable).

BlinkyBill

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Reply # 1845320 11-Aug-2017 18:22

North Korea will send you an ICBM thinking you live in the US.

BlinkyBill

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Reply # 1845629 12-Aug-2017 19:47

kryptonjohn:

Are there any gotchas? Is there any reason not to order a Google Wifi, Ubiquiti, Orb, Eero style device from overseas? I'm thinking about regional spectrum, availability of firmware updates or similar issues?

Have some weak Wifi areas in our 2 story house of approx 300m2, and would be nice to cover it with a single SSID that does seamless handovers when moving devices around the house.

Any recommendations or best-avoids?

Currently preferring Ubiquiti as they are way less expensive than the others. Hoping I could get away with two - one connected to the office VDSL modem and one at the other end of the house downstairs connected by network cable back to the office.

TIA

JohnO

edit: Oh, and being able to manage the kids' WiFi access would also be a requirement.

@kryptonjohn - check out PBTech's sale at the moment - you can get Ubiquiti UniFi AC Pro's for $253, using the promo code PBXPO