I need better wi-fi, how should I do it?
I’ve come across https://wiisfi.com (thanks Ulrik!) before, and it’s a mouthful, but it’s also amazing. I need better internet since I’m working more from home and video calls are lagging.
Current setup
I have a single TP-Link Archer C2 AC900 router centrally placed in my 125 m2 house.
I have a 1gb fiber connection.
Restrictions
The router/access point needs to be pretty for my wife to accept it to be hanging anywhere. And I want it to hang in the ceiling.
“Pretty” is an annoying term, but it has to be white, not too electronic-looking, and only have a single cable running to it. So Power over Ethernet is important.
Reservations
I have pre-fallen in love with the ubiquiti lineup. I’ve seen it work well at work. But I shouldn’t let it cloud my judgment. However, the guy from wiisfi also mentions them as a good option. So there’s three reasons why I’m thinking to go that way before I even start. It worked at work. Wiisfi recommends it. It’s pretty. I think worst case is it might be overkill for my private home. But I’m OK with a little overkill.
Things to do before I buy
Try out how the wifi works in a lot of rooms with and without other devices on it. I want to know that what I buy actually improves the throughput.
Options
Ubiquiti U7 Pro (Access Point)
- €165 + VAT
- 6-stream (what does that mean?)
- 2.4,5,6 ghz
- 2.5 Gb input, power over ethernet, requires PoE+
- Is pretty
- Mimo 2x2?
Ubiquiti U6 Pro (Access Point)
- €150 + VAT
- Also 6-stream. Whatever that is
- 2.4,5 ghz
- 1 gb input, PoE+
- Pretty
- Mimo 4x4
Cable from router (Low tech)
Requires a 20 M cable and a ethernet->usb-c converter. Is not as pretty. Doesn’t help the rest of the family.
- €32 for the adapter
- €30 for the cable
Options for switches
Shops
These are all local to Denmark, so may not be relevant for others.
- av-connection.dk - Seems professional. Total of 2.860 DKK for U7 Pro, USW Lite Switch and 3 cat-7 cables. Dunno if they are aluminium or full copper.
- danbit.dk - Also seems professional. At least for cables. 560 DKK for 3 cables. 100% copper.
- dustin.dk - 2500 for U7 Pro & UniFi Ultra (dunno if that supports PoE+). No cables yet.
- proshop.dk - consumer. They have so much stuff. None of the cables are full copper.
- av-cables.dk - consumer. Sold out on access points, but cheaper on the rest, maybe?
- ui.com - ubiquiti’s own store. Around €400 for access point, switch and cables. Dunno if the cables are full copper.