Looking for Wi-Fi tips?
Looking for Wi-Fi tips?
Due to remote work and multiple devices using bandwidth, our internet stability has been affected. We have four users with home offices, several TVs running throughout the day, and a complex smart home system. Our current setup includes a Netgear R9000 with a mesh extender offering 400mb/s, but it’s quite old now. This might be contributing to the issues. You could consider an updated networking solution, especially since Linus shared a commercial option during a recent WAN presentation.
I'm a UniFi stan, but it's the Ubiquiti UniFi setup Linus is referring to, and it's rad. I set it up in my home because we've got 50+ devices now including in our yard so being modular and adding APs where I need them makes the coverage crazy good, and the stability is awesome. It is more work to set up and has a lot more configurability that can be a bit overwhelming, but I'd recommend it to anyone who's a bit tech savvy. I did a writeup on my build-out here Today, I'd recommend someone start out with a UniFi Dream Machine, and potentially one or two APs to extend coverage where you need it, and running ethernet to devices where you want maximum stability, like work machines or media centres.
Welcome! Simply adding a new router won't solve the issue if there are too many devices nearby trying to connect. You should also consider how the extender handles its return signal—does it use Ethernet, another WiFi channel, or operates on a 2GHz or 5GHz frequency? If you use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your phone or tablet (available in the Windows Store), check if many other routers are active and if their signals overlap. As someone familiar with UniFi like @seanondemand, I have a somewhat biased perspective, but I rely mainly on an Ethernet-connected AP for my needs.
Thanks for your input! Seanondemand - Ubiquity seems like a solid choice, especially with our larger yard and RV in the driveway causing inconsistent coverage. A modular setup would really help us out. I’m not super familiar with networking but I’m comfortable using Google to research things.
Regarding the product details, the Dream Machine isn’t intended to function as a modem, so it wouldn’t work that way. If it did, switching to a third-party modem could still be useful.
Brian Blankenship - I currently have four channels all to myself, but only three are active (WiFi, guest WiFi, and a printer). The extender seems to work on a back channel at 2GHz. This might create another problem since our house is pre-fabricated with solid walls, making 5GHz signals nearly useless unless you’re in the same room. It seems more practical to add additional Wi-Fi access points where needed.
I’m considering using two Pro APs from the Dream Machine to cover about 3400 sq ft, including the backyard and RV area. What do you think?
I’m not trying to take over the conversation, but I’ve been having some issues with my home network lately. With more work from home, it’s clear I need an upgrade. I’m willing to spend money to get things running smoothly. The UniFi Dream Machine looks good, and I might add a couple of access points—possibly the UniFi AC LR since the basic one isn’t available.
I noticed the Ubiquti store in Canada doesn’t have the USW flex mini switch, making it hard to locate. Can I use any standard switch instead? Also, I’m wondering if I should start with an AP or test it first with the Hitron CODA 4582 from East Link.
The DM offers 4 PoE Ethernet ports suitable for powering your APs. Alternatively, you can use any switch equipped with PoE injectors, or a PoE switch that complies with the passive PoE standard, which needs setup at the switch side. For the Lite or Pro APs, they support 802.11af and work almost out of the box.
It seems you have a solid understanding of radio interference issues. I set up an AP in different rooms—living room, office, and spare bedroom. The walls are quite thick, with about a quarter-inch of concrete on both sides, and the 5G signal from the AC lights is strong. I made some openings for low-voltage boxes during moving-in, including one still visible. I’m testing how far my 5G reaches to the kitchen by attaching it to a coke bottle cap for reference. If you can access an attic and the home is flat, consider running Ethernet cables to each room. Place the AP in a corner (like over the desk) and run a second Ethernet line along the wall in that spot. You could also use cable trays to hide it if desired. This setup gives you a dedicated AP for high-speed needs like gaming or streaming, without overwhelming bandwidth.
For outdoor coverage, I have similar units for my backyard and am extending the network to my garage. Here’s the link: https://store.ui.com/collections/unifi-n...ac-mesh-ap $99 USD. They require power and can mesh with each other using standard SMA connectors—perfect for expanding coverage.
Antennas use common SMA connectors, so you could upgrade to larger antennas if needed. Position one on each building that needs a connection, and you’ll likely get good results even with just a few units, especially on 5G.
The key benefits of bigger models are their ability to handle more traffic without congestion. The Lite version should suffice, particularly if you place one in each bedroom. The AP I’m using is the Unifi AC-Lite at $89 USD.
Let me know if you’d like help planning the placement or choosing additional gear!