Recommendation for mid-range WAP?

[HCHTech]

I have a small non-profit customer, 1 server and 6 workstations. They were recently given a set of vehicle cameras and software to automatically download video of vehicle trips when they return to the garage (ftp to a secure directory on the server). There are 5 vehicles.

I need to install a WAP in the garage area for this purpose, so I'm looking for recommendations for a unit that won't break their (very small) bank, but will deliver better performance than consumer units. Don't require POE, if that helps save $. The garage area is fairly large, but some vehicles park just outside, so we would need good enough signal to hit those as well. They have metal garage doors, but there are large windows - I'm hoping that will allow me to avoid an outdoor unit.

Does anyone have any makes/models to recommend?

 

[angry_geek]

Ubiquity with a second antenna mounted outside. Assuming this is a metal-clad pole-barn type structure.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

"Bang for the buck" to over-use that phrase, yeah it's sure hard to beat Ubiquitis products....good biz grade performance for home grade prices!

For the garage..since it's exposed a bit to elements (soot/dust)....may consider the outdoor grade Pico unit from Ubiquiti.

 

[SAG]

I've got a few business grade WAPs I like to use. As of late I've been using the Cisco WAP2000 (not the 200). Not sure why. It has good range, is very stable, and the performance/features are right for the price.
When installing out of doors, I use cases by Oberon.

Of course, 100 techs can answer you, and you'll get 50 different responses.

 

[HCHTech]

Hmm, more to think about - I'm going to plug in a regular wireless router in the garage space, then measure the signal drop outside when the doors are closed. This should tell me whether I need to have an external antenna. The Pico (which includes the POE unit) by itself is under $100 (I'm sure that would be in the budget without special approval). The Unifi Outdoor AP that would allow an external antenna is $150 plus the cost of POE, cable and antenna. I don't want to spend that unless it's necessary. These things look pretty slick, I'm anxious to give one of them a try - thanks!

 

[HCHTech]

Did the wireless survey this morning - Despite a window or two and windows in the doors, the signal in the parking lot essentially disappeared when the doors were lowered. So, it looks like I'll be taking angry_geek's suggestion of mounting an additional antenna outside. I really appreciate the advice - I'll let you know how it works out!