Ubiquiti Ap's for Home network

[zubs10]

Hi Guys,

I currently have a Fibre connection and using a Tp Link Wireless router. I need to extend the wifi signal into the adjoining outbuilding, as the current wifi signal isn't strong enough to cover the entire outbuilding. I have been looking at the Ubiquiti UniFi products (AC Lite, Long Range, Pro) as i will be able to run a network cable to the outbuilding where i can install the Ap but am unsure as to which UniFi product to get. As power will be an issue at the mounting point for the ap i would like to power it via poe, I'd assume i would have to get a 4 port poe switch compatible with Ubiquiti Unifi product. What would be a suitable switch for this?

Your recommendations would be gladly appreciated

 

[Thor]

If you can afford Unifi then go for it - I use it and it's marvelous. They spend a lot of money on antenna design.

That said, you can also look at Tenda (for home use, nothing wrong with them.)

Perhaps the Mesh system: https://scoop.co.za/tenda-whole-home-wifi-mesh-system-nova-mw6.html

 

[irBosOtter]

The AP's come with a POE injector so no need for a POE switch. Go for the one you can afford.

UAP-AC-LITE
UAP-AC-LR
If you want Wave 2 then this one UAP-AC-NHD

How long will the cable be that will run to the AP?

 

[Rocket-Boy]

The AC-lite is generally more than enough for home use, I have them at home and they are awesome.
I have one in the main house and another in the flat with a network cable connecting it to the main building.
They all come with the PoE injector unless its the bulk back in which case they dont have the injectors.

 

[Bryn]

I have a full Ubiquiti setup at home, done about as cheaply as possible. It works great.

You don't need a PoE switch unless you're wiring up a bunch of APs or cameras.

I have this cheapo Gigabit TP-Link 8 port switch (R344):

TP-LINK 8Port Gigabit Switch

TP-LINK 8Port Gigabit Desktop Switch The TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit desktop switch TL-SG1008D provides you an easy way to make the transition to Gigabit Ethernet. Increase the speed of your network server and backbone connections, or make Gigabit to the desktop a reality. Moreover, TL-SG1008D...

shop.dbg.co.za

I highly recommend the UniFi Security Gateway for a router (R2127):

Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway - Enterprise Gateway Router with Gigabit Ethernet

Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway - Enterprise Gateway Router with Gigabit EthernetThe UniFi® Security Gateway extends the UniFi Enterprise System to provide cost-effective, reliable routing and advanced security for your network.Integration with UniFi ControllerBundled at no extra charge, the...

shop.dbg.co.za

It gives great stats and monitoring, and obviously plays nice with all the other UniFi gear. There is a newer more expensive version - not sure the benefits of it.

The UniFi Cloud Key Controller eliminates the need to have the software on any PC, and ensures data is permanently being gathered (R1552)

Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Key (UB-CK)

Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud KeyFeaturing Hybrid Cloud technology, the UniFi® Cloud Key securely runs a local instance of the UniFi Controller software and features cloud Single Sign-On for remote access.The UniFi Cloud Key combines the best of local and cloud management: local network security combined...

shop.dbg.co.za

Don't buy 2.4GHz-only APs. Not sure how good the Lite models are, but the AC Long Range AP is R1954 each:

Ubiquiti UniFi AC Long Range

Ubiquiti UniFi AC Long Range Innovative Antenna Design The innovative antenna design provides a long-range, symmetrical-link coverage area, and the antenna gain of the UniFi AC LR AP performs better than one-way, high transmit power does for connecting distant clients. Designed for...

shop.dbg.co.za

If you buy individual APs they include a PoE injector in the box. I use three of them no trouble with the above switch.

The stuff above is pricey but still cheaper than a decent PoE switch. And it's a really, really nice setup.

Uniterm Direct were way cheaper than any other option when I ordered my stuff. I used their site as I assume it's still the case.

Oh, and use shielded, UV-resistant cabling. I have two long lines of cables exposed to the sun and they are hunky-dory all these years later. I bought a 350m spool from Uniterm as well, along with the requisite cutting, crimping and testing tools.

 

[zubs10]

The AP's come with a POE injector so no need for a POE switch. Go for the one you can afford.

UAP-AC-LITE
UAP-AC-LR
If you want Wave 2 then this one UAP-AC-NHD

How long will the cable be that will run to the AP?

Thanks. The cable would be 20m. I was thinking of using a cat6 Shielded cable. As they come with an injector i would basically connect my router to the injector via a patch cable and then connect the 20m cable from the injector to the AP?

 

[irBosOtter]

Thanks. The cable would be 20m. I was thinking of using a cat6 Shielded cable. As they come with an injector i would basically connect my router to the injector via a patch cable and then connect the 20m cable from the injector to the AP?

Yes, patch cable to injector from router, and longer cable from injector to AP