Home Wi-Fi not requiring cabling

[BO Terry]

I installed the USG-Pro-4 this week, my first time working with Ubiquiti/UniFi products. Next up, Wi-Fi. I’ve been looking at the eero Pro line because I’ve been happy with it but want to consider the Ubiquiti options as well. Beyond the initial unit, it needs to be plug & play, not requiring any network cabling. Home is 2 story (ranch with basement) with router in basement office. I want to include guest for when I bring client computers in to work on. And maybe someday soon, actual guests again.

With the eero Pro 6, I would guess 3 units but don’t know how coverage compares with UniFi, Amplifi etc.

 

[Sky-Knight]

I'm not a huge fan of repeating wireless systems too many issues...

But in regards to the Unifi gear, they will operate at 50% effectiveness automatically. All you need to do is get them adopted to a controller via the wire, then feed them power somewhere. They'll automatically notice the lack of a data connection and set themselves up via wireless uplink.

 

[Markverhyden]

I just recommended Amplifi, that's the Ubiquiti retail system, to a customer. I've used it before and it works quite well. Not what you want for real business customers though.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

One of the advantages of the Unifi system...1x controller site...and the same control manages the firewall, the switch(es), and the AP(s). Nice to have single pane of glass there, get the most features, the best performance, eliminate incompatibility quirks that sometimes arise when you mix match different brands of network equipment.

Having a controller/management portal for the USG..and then another one for some eero brand APs....and perhaps a 3rd (or unfortunately unmanaged) for some yet another brand switch....why punish yourself (and the client) with extra management pain and oddball quirks of parts not meant to work together.

As far as range, etc...just about all wireless APs do the same. However..the secret is knowing how the client uses the wireless...what devices...and importantly..where those devices are being used. The key is...the range of the client devices....doesn't matter of some AP has an "up to 600 foot range" when laptops or tablets have a 150 or maybe 200 foot range. Get a good signal in the rooms they use....and location your AP(s) knowing that.

 

[BO Terry]

Thanks, everyone. FWIW, I ordered some Ubiquiti gear his weekend. Apparently, Ubiquiti has implemented a new program requiring distributors to authorize anyone they sell Ubiquiti to. The form will take you just a few minutes to complete but it could cause a delay if you are in need of an order and have to wait for authorization. Just for good measure, I logged into my Ingram account and submitted the process with them as well.

 

[phaZed]

@BO Terry Not sure if the prices got any better over there.. but Amazon sells everything without any hassle.

 

[BO Terry]

@BO Terry Not sure if the prices got any better over there.. but Amazon sells everything without any hassle.

Thanks, I usually compare to Amazon before buying. For everything I'm getting on this order, D&H was cheaper than Amazon. And sometimes, even if it's a bit more but close, it can be worthwhile to get from a distributor for the support.

 

[BO Terry]

I'm planning to complete my install next week after the last pieces arrive. I was thinking about network cables today and wondered if there was any value in upgrading cables for the initial connections. FWIW, the first two connections will be short. The switch to the UAP Flex could be up to +/- 15 feet. I won't know for sure until get everything going and play with the placement.

I have 1GB AT&T Fiber. From what I've read, going beyond Cat 6 is not really going to show benefit. Is that true? Any recommendations?

Modem > USG
USG > Switch
Switch > UAP Flex.

 

[Markverhyden]

I'm planning to complete my install next week after the last pieces arrive. I was thinking about network cables today and wondered if there was any value in upgrading cables for the initial connections. FWIW, the first two connections will be short. The switch to the UAP Flex could be up to +/- 15 feet. I won't know for sure until get everything going and play with the placement.

I have 1GB AT&T Fiber. From what I've read, going beyond Cat 6 is not really going to show benefit. Is that true? Any recommendations?

Modem > USG
USG > Switch
Switch > UAP Flex.

I only replace wiring if needed. We've got more than enough waste in this world to be bothering replacing what's not broken. Remember that CAT5e is certified for GB, that, in of itself, is ok for the WAN side. It's doubtful that any user will consistently max out a pipe like that. Of course there's the LAN side. Unless you need 10gb (CAT6) for data transfer CAT5e is fine, which will cover any AP requirements. And you have to upgrade the switch and nics to 10gb.

 

[BO Terry]

I only replace wiring if needed. We've got more than enough waste in this world to be bothering replacing what's not broken. Remember that CAT5e is certified for GB, that, in of itself, is ok for the WAN side. It's doubtful that any user will consistently max out a pipe like that. Of course there's the LAN side. Unless you need 10gb (CAT6) for data transfer CAT5e is fine, which will cover any AP requirements. And you have to upgrade the switch and nics to 10gb.

Thanks, @Markverhyden! I like the way you think.