Access Points in 2019.. Whats the best?

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startupgeek

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#255502 14-Aug-2019 19:37

Hey Geekzone,

I currently have an edge router lite with Aircube AC.

I'm looking at changing Aircube as found out that the channel frequency due to it not being signed off to NZ standards only gives me 4 channels to choose from.

In my area there is a lot of wifi activity and the congestion all the free channels are up higher in the band that the air cube can't do.

So now I want to replace my wifi.

Options I'm considering is the following:

1. Google Mesh Wifi

2. Ubiquiti UniFi AC Lite

3. Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-AC-LR Dual-band AC1350

I understand the Google Wifi AC1200 and uses the congested 2.4ghz range and also only has 4 channel options in the 5GHZ range (congested channels) but how does this compare in the real world in 2019? I have heard great things.

Unifi stuff...well good for tinkering but can you select the whole channel spectrum?

I'm open other suggestions but the budget is up to $500 for an AP.

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#2299422 14-Aug-2019 19:49

Umm so 5ghz band oy has 4 20MHz channels in the lower band that is not DFS protected, plus 4 above the DFS protected area, thats the law/regulation so not sure what your beef is.

Cyril

startupgeek

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#2299424 14-Aug-2019 19:55

I'm talking about access points that allow you to select from 36 - 165 in the 5 GHZ range.

cyril7

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#2299428 14-Aug-2019 20:07

Not too sure about the Air cube but the Unifi gear respects the regs which are as your table, are you saying the Air cube will not let you use DFS channels at all?

Cyril

startupgeek

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#2299430 14-Aug-2019 20:18

No not at all.

see photo, so does google wifi allow to use these channels or the same?

chevrolux

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#2299454 14-Aug-2019 20:54

Seeing as you have a bit of budget, look at the Unifi nanoHD instead of the AC lite - just going to be a but more future proof.

Not sure why you care about the DFS channels. But yea you can select them in Unifi if you want too. Just easier to not bother with the added hassles of it.

Scott3

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#2299474 14-Aug-2019 21:25

Do you have adequate coverage already from your single (I assume) access point. If so, cross the google mesh off your list.

I can't comment on the unifi gear, but be aware that the equipment with the latest wifi standard (WIFI6) is just starting to come out. They say never to wait for new tech, but be aware that there will be better gear that is widespread in a year or so.

sbiddle

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#2299481 14-Aug-2019 21:36

Without knowing any requirements it's not really possible to offer any advice at all.

As your budget is so high I'd only opt for a Ruckus, you'll get an ex demo or refurb from the US for way less than $500 and it'll kick ass over any UniFi equipment.

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startupgeek

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#2299497 14-Aug-2019 22:32

I get about -80 signal (20%) in the furthest room of the house on 5GHZ.

Roughly 40mbps on a good speed test but drops in and out while watching plex.

I figure google wifi would get me a solid average connection I'm on gigabit fibre

sbiddle

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#2299498 14-Aug-2019 22:39

startupgeek:
I get about -80 signal (20%) in the furthest room of the house on 5GHZ.

Roughly 40mbps on a good speed test but drops in and out while watching plex.

I figure google wifi would get me a solid average connection I'm on gigabit fibre

Well you have chosen to use 80MHz channels so that is a consequence of that.

Obviously the signal and performance will improve significantly if you drop to 40 (-3dB gain so double the power) or even 20MHz but you'll sacrifice speed close to the router where you will have a high MCS rate.

startupgeek

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#2299505 14-Aug-2019 22:51

I had changed it to 40mhz and 20mhz and it was worse speed wise.

I always thought mesh networks give you greatest speed or is it more coverage?

cyril7

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#2299512 15-Aug-2019 06:30

Hi, mesh gives you increase in coverage and decrease in throughput. Try running a cable between units as backhaul rather than using wireless mesh. With wireless mesh the backhaul is stealing capacity from the end link to your device to do its thing.

I always look at -75dBm as an absolute minimum in usable signal, below that it all turns to custard.

Cyril

startupgeek

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#2299513 15-Aug-2019 06:37

Right,

pbtech has ruckus buy one get one free

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETRKS3232714/Ruckus-Unleashed-R310-Wave-1-MU-MIMO-2X22-Dual-Ban

Any good?

cyril7

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#2299514 15-Aug-2019 06:45

Hi, yes Ruckus are good, have installed several thousand of them, personally for a home system I would still go with a UniFi AC-Lite.

But back to the system you currently have, I take it you just have the one AirCube? or two or more.

Cyril

sbiddle

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#2299518 15-Aug-2019 07:10

startupgeek: Right,

pbtech has ruckus buy one get one free

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETRKS3232714/Ruckus-Unleashed-R310-Wave-1-MU-MIMO-2X22-Dual-Ban

Any good?

Great AP.. But I'm assuming you aware aware of how Unleased licencing works, right?

startupgeek

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#2299519 15-Aug-2019 07:14

no bloody idea lol

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