Searching for new APs
Searching for new APs
I'm enhancing my home network and am searching for 802.11ax APs. I’m considering Ubiquiti since I already use a 12-port PoE EdgeRouter, though they haven’t announced anything about 802.11ax yet. I was wondering if anyone knows about the EnGenius line for APs? I came across the EnGenius Neutron EWS377AP, which supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and lower power use, offering speeds up to 3.5 Gbps for $292 on Amazon. I’m unfamiliar with this brand and am doing my research carefully because it’s quite costly.
This likely stems from the fact that AX is still relatively new. I anticipate a strong launch until more firms begin launching products. I’ll wait and observe the situation. Honestly, if you already own an AC AP, I’ll hold off and watch for the next generation models. Just because AX has a bit more time in the market doesn’t mean it’s a guaranteed winner—few devices currently include AX radios.
I don’t have any APs at the moment, and my ASUS RT-N66W is having issues, so I’m replacing everything. I’ve bought the Ubiquity EdgeRouter 12P and am searching for additional APs to pair with it. I think I’ll keep going with the UniFi AP-AC Lite plan. I’ll also install Cat 6 cables myself through the walls.
That seems to be the optimal option. Based on what I've observed, AX performs well in crowded environments, at least according to my reading. HOWEVER, this only works if both AP and all the devices support AX. So sticking with AC might be a safer bet. Let the markets adjust over a few years, as it usually takes that long to achieve significant AX adoption.
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) hasn't even been finalized yet which is why more Prosumer brands haven't yet launched it. The spec may still have some tweaks before it finally releases end of this year / early next year. Ubiquiti have already advised on their forums that they're waiting for it to be finalized before releasing WiFi 6 based AP's So you could either get some AC Lite's to keep you going and sell them next year when the WiFi 6 AP's release, or do a deploy with nanoHD's which will last just fine for many years to come for a home network.
I purchased the Lite initially to cut costs, but it frustrated me since we have Pros on site and I understand their reliability. I upgraded to a Pro to replace the Lite in the house and relocated it to my workshop. It’s still causing issues, so I’m ordering another Pro to swap in the workshop. Buy once, cry once. Checking the used section on Amazon shows occasional Open-box units from Amazon Warehouse that lack the POE adapter, leading people to return them unused. With your POE switch, you likely don’t need it. I’ve found a few for around $100, though they’re rare. https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-802-11ac...079DSW6XX/ It’s possible I also got a faulty Lite.