Access Point / Wifi Extender Recommendation (ethernet cable input available)

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BLazeD

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#299427 6-Sep-2022 19:54

Hello, I am building an office out of the back of our house, ethernet cable has been run to the office that will connect directly to our router.

I would like to know which wifi extender or access point you recommend for under $200. I would like it to be as fast/beefy/"good" as possible for that price.

Many of the wifi extenders I see don't have ethernet inputs, and the access point stuff seems unnecessary?

From what I can gather, an "extender" with an ethernet input is basically an access point anyway?

Thank you!

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#2963998 6-Sep-2022 20:16

You will want an AP. If you need a few spare Ethernet ports too, just add a network switch. Any of the Ubiquiti or Grandstream range should do the trick.

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#2964005 6-Sep-2022 20:20

Or if you happen to be with Vodafone for your Internet connection, they have an offer where you can get a pair of TP-Link Deco X20s for free, if you sign on for 24 months. I haven’t used them, but hear they are not bad.

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Lias

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#2964008 6-Sep-2022 20:23

Extender's are for the most part steaming piles of crap in my experience.

My personal recommendation is just get a decent AP. I'd say Ubiquity or Aruba, but others around here are quite fond of Grandstream which will be better bang for your buck.

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Mehrts

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#2964030 6-Sep-2022 22:50

Think of an access point as the extension of your current wifi network. It's just configured to broadcast the same SSID & password settings etc that your existing wifi is set to.

BLazeD

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#2964042 6-Sep-2022 23:37

Thanks everyone, access point sounds like the way to go. TBH, I have bought a few cheap extenders for inside the house and they are always playing up. I have 3 of the damn things spread out, all with different SSIDs and it is a pain. I think I will totally redo my system.

In the house, the router is in a cupboard. We have ethernet going from that to a central room though. I think I will get rid of all the existing extenders in the house and replace them with something like this - https://www.computerlounge.co.nz/shop/networking/wifi/access-points/ubiquiti-unifi-u6-lr-dual-band-ax3000-long-range-indoor-wi-fi-6-access-point-1-x-gigabit-lan-48v-passive-poe-/-8023at--165w-poe-adapter-not-included - seems like a good option?

Then, outside to the office out the back (my original question), place a second, same, unit?

Do I need a POE? From what I can gather, as I don't have a switch, no?

Does that sound like a plan? Or if I am getting two of these things, is there better options?

Jase2985

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#2964048 7-Sep-2022 04:54

overkill for most home situations. you can get similar AP's for half there price and you wouldn't likely notice any difference in performance in every day use.

that brand comes with a POE injector, some other brands do not.

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Handle9

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#2964052 7-Sep-2022 06:32

Who is your ISP?

If it’s one of the ISPs that offer a mesh solution roll with that. It’ll be fully supported without being excessively spendy.

BLazeD

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#2964060 7-Sep-2022 07:50

Handle9: Who is your ISP?

If it’s one of the ISPs that offer a mesh solution roll with that. It’ll be fully supported without being excessively spendy.

I'm with Orcon, but this seems to only be available for new customers. https://www.orcon.net.nz/wi-fi-pro

TBH, working from home, switching ISPs would potentially be more pain than its worth, to get someone else's "free mesh" deal.

timmmay

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#2964063 7-Sep-2022 07:57

Here's a crazy plan, but can you simply plug the ethernet cable into your computer?! Or get a Ethernet to USB adapter like this one on Amazon AU? PBTech have similar them but they cost a bit more.

Otherwise the advice about an access point above is good.

BLazeD

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#2964064 7-Sep-2022 07:58

timmmay:

Here's a crazy plan, but can you simply plug the ethernet cable into your computer?! Or get a Ethernet to USB adapter like this one on Amazon AU? PBTech have similar them but they cost a bit more.

Otherwise the advice about an access point above is good.

Thanks but we need Wifi out the back there too.

Which AP would you recommend?

froob

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#2964066 7-Sep-2022 08:17

I’ve installed a few of the APs from Unifi, and the one I’d generally use for homes is the U6-Lite, which is basically a less expensive version of the one you’ve linked above. It is in a ceiling mount form factor, but could still be used on a desk or shelf, etc.

If you want a desktop form factor, then Unifi has the FlexHD (or the newer version the U6-Mesh), but it’s more expensive.

They also have a form factor which wall mounts in the place of a network wall plate - Unifi In-Wall HD.

All of these are good APs, but the other brands mentioned would be good options as well.

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timmmay

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#2964075 7-Sep-2022 09:19

BLazeD:

Which AP would you recommend?

I recommend you listen to someone more knowledgeable than me in this area ;)

shk292

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#2964077 7-Sep-2022 09:31

I've been very happy with the TPLINK Deco mesh system. You could get a 2-node kit and have one connected to your main router and the other in the remote location. They have two ethernet ports so you could also connect your PC with a cable, or use a switch to get more wired connectivity

richms

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#2964086 7-Sep-2022 09:53

I like the unifi inwall since it give you some ethernet as well off its internal switch saving you from another box cluttering the place up. Dont recall them coming with injectors so thats another cost you will have to add to it.

Richard rich.ms

PJ48

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#2964234 7-Sep-2022 14:36

BLazeD:

Thanks everyone, access point sounds like the way to go. TBH, I have bought a few cheap extenders for inside the house and they are always playing up. I have 3 of the damn things spread out, all with different SSIDs and it is a pain. I think I will totally redo my system.

In the house, the router is in a cupboard. We have ethernet going from that to a central room though. I think I will get rid of all the existing extenders in the house and replace them with something like this - https://www.computerlounge.co.nz/shop/networking/wifi/access-points/ubiquiti-unifi-u6-lr-dual-band-ax3000-long-range-indoor-wi-fi-6-access-point-1-x-gigabit-lan-48v-passive-poe-/-8023at--165w-poe-adapter-not-included - seems like a good option?

Then, outside to the office out the back (my original question), place a second, same, unit?

Do I need a POE? From what I can gather, as I don't have a switch, no?

Does that sound like a plan? Or if I am getting two of these things, is there better options?

As others have said - the U6-LR is probably overkill. I recently got a few U6-Pro Aps for our house, but I have ended up turning down the transmit power on them all for better roaming, and I should have just got the cheaper U6-lite as below - I would have saved myself a lot of money.

Buy the Ubiquiti UniFi U6-Lite Dual-Band AX1500 Indoor Wi-Fi 6 Access Point, 1... ( U6-Lite ) online - PBTech.co.nz

Cheers

Peter

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