Get guidance on setting up your network plan.
Get guidance on setting up your network plan.
I’m gathering your thoughts and seeking some guidance on this project. The goal is to improve the WiFi performance in your space, especially since your xFi pods experience inconsistent connectivity and you can’t switch between 2.4 or 5 GHz bands due to the pods’ variable frequency use. You’re considering a setup that includes an ARRIS modem, a UDM-Pro device, and four access points.
I have a few concerns: First, would two UAP-AC-LITE units per floor be sufficient for your 4,000 sq ft home? The $80 price point seems quite low, so I’m worried it might not cover the area adequately. Second, with a brick wall separating your dining room and living room, can you still set up a mesh network using the same SSID, security, and password? Your current pods automatically switch to the nearest strong signal, but I’m unsure if that would work reliably with a mesh approach. If you already have an existing AP, can you incorporate it into the mesh without disrupting the automatic switching? Lastly, if you decide to use a UAP-AC-LR instead of the APs, how would that affect the automatic routing? Would placing it downstairs in a high-coverage zone work, or would it interfere with the existing APs’ performance?
Thanks for your help!
I think a nano HD setup works better for the better radios, and a 4x4 at 5GHz makes sense. It's tough to pinpoint the perfect number without testing, but four seems reasonable. You might need to enable seamless roaming so everything stays connected on the same channel, which is the default setting. Yes, you can combine them—this works well in some areas where I use Unifi without too many problems.
Determining if two UAP-AC-LITE units per floor are adequate hinges on the construction of your building’s structure. For modern 2x4 framing with drywall, it should work well. With sheetrock or older materials like plaster and lathe, you might need more units. The main issue isn<|pad|>’side not allowing the signal to pass effectively, so you’ll need additional devices overall.
The distinction between models lies mainly in features that support higher speeds or allow more connections simultaneously. If you require over 100-150Mbps for clients, consider switching to nanoHD, FlexHD, or IW-HD APs—they offer similar performance but in different sizes.
You can still set up a mesh network by assigning all four APs the same SSID, security settings, and password. When configuring Unifi, all created networks will appear together to your devices, enabling roaming between them. Regardless of the client’s choice, roaming decisions are made automatically by the device.
The only variable you can adjust is Unifi’s “Fast Roaming,” which speeds up transitions between APs to reduce interruptions in calls. It’s enabled by default, though some devices may not respond well. Roaming between different AP generations can be tricky—generally, stick to one generation for smoother transitions.
“Mesh” is often a marketing phrase and isn’t commonly used by Ubiquiti. It usually refers to two capabilities: using wireless uplinks alongside Ethernet, and Unifi’s support for 802.11k, 802.11r, and 802.11v. While Fast Roaming is active by default, not all devices behave consistently.
“Mesh” in this context means keeping everything unified under a single network, but technically speaking, Unifi isn’t a mesh solution. It’s a collection of devices managed centrally by the Unifi Network Controller. If you already have an AP, you can add it to a mesh setup—provided it’s not an end-of-life model. The UAP-AC-LR remains supported.
If you opt for the UAP-AC-Lite, it’s a good choice. If you plan to upgrade to NanoHD, FlexHD, or IW-HD, it might not be necessary.
Zero-Handoff roaming is no longer used and isn't supported on any AC or newer APs. Use Fast Roaming instead, and avoid running APs on the same channel when possible.
A UAP-AC-PRO could match the performance of the nanoHD while staying under $1k. You're aiming for 100-150mbps or higher, which is achievable. Regarding MOCA, it might behave inconsistently based on frequency, so testing in your area is wise. The Amazon link you shared should work if connected properly.
The pro model is an older generation AP, whereas the nano supports wave 2 and features a superior 5GHz antenna configuration. If you're looking to cut costs, consider replacing the AP with a more affordable edge router and running it on a budget PC. You might also be interested in waiting a bit for the availability of their Wi-Fi 6 access points.
@Zerxal The UAP-AP-Pro is considered a pre-wave 2 model, yet several users note improved reach with the Pro compared to the Nano-HD. Devices above the Lite perform better in tighter client setups due to additional antennas. Regarding MoCA, I haven’t used it personally. My main worries are PoE connectivity to UAPs, whether the UniFi controller identifies them through MoCA adapters, and if they achieve full gigabit speeds to the UDM-Pro. Which MoCA adapter models are you considering? Should we switch to Gigabit Ethernet instead? As for the number of APs, you don’t have to install four UAP-AC-Lite right away. Starting with two on the upper floor—near opposite sides of the house length—and one LR centrally on the ground floor would suffice, adding more as needed.
I shared the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Bonded-...013J7O3X0/ Discussing gigabit ethernet would be challenging, especially in my home. My house was constructed in 1980, so I’m relieved I have coax. From several sources, it seems feasible. It could get complicated with MOCA bridges, then a PoE injector, but it looks like, hopefully, it would work. https://community.ui.com/questions/Best-...0067e16902 https://community.ui.com/questions/Ubiqu...a23fb0c179 I’ve experimented before with my AP-AC-LR. I placed it only downstairs and just the xFi gateway upstairs—it didn’t connect. My first floor is larger than the second, and we have a big living area on the first that’s 500 sq ft. I’m considering hiding an AP behind the TV in the living room where a coax is installed, and another in the study where the previous owners had a TV. Perhaps two APs downstairs for high bandwidth since we’re mostly there, then the LR upstairs? If the LR alone isn’t sufficient, maybe add a Pro. I’m not sure I can put any APs in the center of my first floor; they’d need to be in a corner. In the middle of my first floor is the kitchen, and upstairs the bathroom is located.