Selecting Ubiquiti equipment for a Wi-Fi 7 mesh in an 83 m² space with concrete walls
Selecting Ubiquiti equipment for a Wi-Fi 7 mesh in an 83 m² space with concrete walls
Hello! Your plan sounds solid for setting up reliable Wi-Fi in your space. Let’s break it down simply. With a budget of $200–$400 and the constraints you mentioned—concrete walls, limited placement options, and a need for strong coverage—here’s what you’ll likely need:
- **One Switch in the Fiber Cabinet**: Connects directly to your internet source.
- **Two Access Points (APs)**: One in the bedroom and another in the gaming room. This should help cover different areas of your apartment.
- **Optional Additional AP in the Kitchen**: If you notice weak signals there, it can extend coverage further.
- **Wi-Fi 6/6E Equipment**: For better performance through walls and higher device density (like your Plex server).
- **Quality Routers**: Choose models with good range and mesh capabilities to bridge gaps.
- **Antennas or Extenders**: Especially useful for improving signal strength in concrete environments.
Since you’re not buying enterprise-grade gear, look for mid-range options that offer solid performance without breaking the bank. Prices can vary, so check local stores or online retailers for deals. Your setup should work well with careful planning and possibly a few tweaks to optimize coverage. Let me know if you need help picking specific models!
Cheapest access points available, as many as possible—just a PoE switch is enough. A Wi-Fi 7 connection won’t help much through solid concrete walls, so you might save on a last-gen bundle. An A7 3 pack is a bit over budget but offers good value. You could test it and see how it performs.
You can use a POE+ switch to provide power through Ethernet ports in your apartment. A POE+ switch will handle the power delivery and network connectivity together.
You require a POE switch matching their specifications. Any option will suffice as long as you verify the power requirements.
I’ve been exploring this and believe I’ve identified some solid choices. I’m also considering all my wired equipment. How would the network arrangement function if I also rely on physical connections? Currently, I have a router in the entrance hallway, with network outlets reaching every room. I’m thinking of placing a switch inside that cabinet and connecting two access points throughout the house. My main concern is integrating the wired links from the switch with the wireless signals from the access points. I’m not sure about the overall setup. Would I still need a router in that cabinet? The access points will require IP addresses, but a PoE switch can’t assign them, since it doesn’t handle routing. In this arrangement, I planned to stop using my old router altogether.
All links will operate just like a single connection. The APs can handle multiple wireless setups on one cable, while the wired connections are solid. Just ensure the switch connects to your router via some method so it gains internet access. You still require a way to convert your incoming ISP signal. That’s correct! These devices don’t interfere with each other. Even if the previous model broadcasts Wi-Fi, it won’t block the new Wi-Fi 7 from the AP.