Considering replacing Ubiquiti setup with Wifi 6 Mesh

xrapidx

xrapidx

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I need to buy a new AP as we seem to have a developed a dead spot in the house, tried various tweaks - but can't get the area properly covered.

So - instead of another AP - I'm considering replacing my entire setup with a Wifi 6 mesh setup, and was wondering if anyone has any experience Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini XD4 setup? I'm a bit concerned that the nodes don't have a hardwired connection.

Majority of the wifi clients are IoT - and then phones/laptops - and two Google TV Chromecasts.
 
or maybe the TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System? I see I can get a 3 pack for around 4k.
 
Load shedding is something to take into consideration when looking at a mesh setup
 
Polymathic said:
Load shedding is something to take into consideration when looking at a mesh setup
Click to expand...

What would make it different?

My house is a bit of a bitch, so I already have three DC UPS's - I'm assuming that'd still work ?
 
lkswan747 said:
What has changed? My experience with Ubiquiti is that it works or doesn't. Never heard of an AP degrading.
What AP is in question?
Click to expand...

I had to move the one AP from wall mounted to 0.5m away ceiling mounted.... now the devices furthest away keep dropping. Tried different channels, etc. (if I move it back - all is fine, but - house manager does not want it on the wall because the cable is visible.)

So I either need to add another AP closer to the devices, or - take the opportunity the upgrade.

Current APs are UAP-AC-LR.
 
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I have 2 AP-AC_LR that are ceiling mounted and one AP-AC-Lite wall mounted and this covers my house very nicely. Is there a wall between the wall spot and ceiling spot?
without a floorplan I don't see a reason why the dead spot exists?
 
lkswan747 said:
I have 2 AP-AC_LR that are ceiling mounted and one AP-AC-Lite wall mounted and this covers my house very nicely. Is there a wall between the wall spot and ceiling spot?
without a floorplan I don't see a reason why the dead spot exists?
Click to expand...
Yip... On the wall it's inline with a glass sliding door which is almost line of site to the other side of the house and then glass sliding door again.

Ceiling height there are multiple double brick walls to the other side of the house.
 
xrapidx said:
What would make it different?

My house is a bit of a bitch, so I already have three DC UPS's - I'm assuming that'd still work ?
Click to expand...
Would really depend on how many WiFi access points you're going to need.
 
Polymathic said:
Would really depend on how many WiFi access points you're going to need.
Click to expand...
I think three is my lucky number. We're just short at the moment.

I also think we'll get better coverage by more cosmetic devices that can be placed lower down on shelves, etc.
 
lkswan747 said:
Check this out, it is the transmission patterns for the different Unifi AP's. It may give you some ideas on placement?

Unifi AP Transmission Patterns
Click to expand...
Thanks, I have is limited options for placement - we have a really shitty designed house that was built in stages - and you can't access the ceiling in certain parts - I had to use a combination of a broom and a braai tong to get the network cable where is now :D

One of my main reasons for considering mesh is because they're less obvious when placed in obvious places. Most of the areas already have a network point behind where I'd place them. (bookshelf, TV stand, etc).
 
xrapidx said:
Thanks, I have is limited options for placement - we have a really shitty designed house that was built in stages - and you can't access the ceiling in certain parts - I had to use a combination of a broom and a braai tong to get the network cable where is now :D

One of my main reasons for considering mesh is because they're less obvious when placed in obvious places. Most of the areas already have a network point behind where I'd place them. (bookshelf, TV stand, etc).
Click to expand...
I'm assuming the devices falling off the network are outside? If so, can't you mount one of the APs under the roof by a patio or something?
 
gbyleveldt said:
I'm assuming the devices falling off the network are outside? If so, can't you mount one of the APs under the roof by a patio or something?
Click to expand...
No... Inside... We have multiple double brick interior parapet walls though.
 
yogidabear said:
Keep the existing AP's and add on a U6-mesh when they come in to the country https://store.ui.com/products/access-point-wifi-6-mesh
Click to expand...
Cost thought... :)

I guess I'm just wondering if a WiFi 6 mesh network would be better than my current setup in the long run.

It'll cost nothing to switch with the sale of my current stuff. Where as buying another ap is going to cost me about 2k.

I realise APs are probably better in general compared to mesh, but - would that also apply to an aging AP setup vs WiFi 6 mesh.
 
xrapidx said:
Thanks, I have is limited options for placement - we have a really shitty designed house that was built in stages - and you can't access the ceiling in certain parts - I had to use a combination of a broom and a braai tong to get the network cable where is now :D

One of my main reasons for considering mesh is because they're less obvious when placed in obvious places. Most of the areas already have a network point behind where I'd place them. (bookshelf, TV stand, etc).
Click to expand...
pics or it didn't happen.
 
Regarding the TP-LINK, I find the hardware great for the price, but just keep in mind that it comes at a cost of losing full, local access. You HAVE to use an app to manage them and it's server side only, so if that's not a negative to you personally, I would recommend them on a budget.

I also don't have qualms with ASUS from my usage and testing, at least they're reasonable with access and so-so with pricing.

I personally mostly use Linksys products, including their Velop mesh, but local prices are an eyesore lol

oh hehe yeah, I had to assist my parents with a ranch / awkward built home as well, I can't imagine for the life of me why the builders left some areas closed off via the ceiling.
 
neoprema said:
pics or it didn't happen.
Click to expand...
Wait... Pics of what?

I mean, this will give you an idea of what it looks like up there. (Old photo from me trying to figure out where the water leaks comes from). You have to clear those pipes moving in the roof.
b556f17e4448b932525ec7418bea04c1.jpg
 
So having also started out with 2 x LR’s thinking more for less and longer range is going to be a good idea…I now recommend people buy 3 x Lites instead and it’s pretty much always better in every way.

Problem with the high output AP’s like this is that while they reach the clients just fine, the clients don’t reach back and that’s where things fall apart.

So my opinion is just get a Lite and add it to the mix. Drop the LR’s to Medium while you are at it.

Can get a Lite Wi-Fi6 if you fancy, but it’s really not all exciting.
 
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