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Ubiquiti all the things: How I fixed my dodgy Wi-Fi

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Re: Ubiquiti all the things: How I fixed my dodgy Wi-Fi

#74
post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The UniFi stuff isn't stand alone, but it doesn't need to 'phone home' to Ubiquiti. There's a little management server with a web config interface you need to set up to run everything. It runs on your local network and doesn't call Ubiquiti or open up anything without you setting that up. They do have what they call the 'cloud key' that runs an instance of the Unifi management server. That thing does phone home, IIRC…

I see. And is this "management server" the "java" thing everyone keeps referring to? (and complaining about)

It is a Java thing, but I have no complaints, I have one running on an AWS instance that 8 Wifi nodes across 2 offices connect to, and it's been running fine for a couple years with only a few code updates (every 6 months or so). I have no complaints about it. It was easy to configure, and adding a new node is as simple as plugging it in, ssh'ing to it and pointing it to my management server, then adopting it on the management server. Done. The management server will upgrade firmware (if needed) and automatically apply my wifi config to it.

Re: Ubiquiti all the things: How I fixed my dodgy Wi-Fi

#76
post #17

The only thing I'm slightly sad about with my ubiquiti setup is that the Edge Router PoE doesn't integrate with the controller. It's basically the same hardware as the security gateway, but no way to manage it :(

I've been debating getting the USG, why did you pick the edge router? Would you get the USG if you had to do it again? I currently have a UAP AC PRO.

Re: Ubiquiti all the things: How I fixed my dodgy Wi-Fi

#77
post #22

Does anyone know how to tell if a wifi device uses beam-forming versus omnidirectional microwave emissions? I imagine that beam-forming devices expose people to less microwave radiation (2.4 and 5 GHz). Somewhat alarmist but an interesting perspective: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F0NEaPTu9oI

If you're really worried about the radiation, I'd be more worried about beamforming than no beamforming -- If you use a mobile device, the Wifi beam forming will try to maximize signal to your device, which will expose you to the most radiation.

Re: Ubiquiti all the things: How I fixed my dodgy Wi-Fi

#78

For something just as awesome but a fraction of the price take a look at MikroTik/RouterBoard Hex GR3 and wAP AC.

And then know, there is NO documentation for their RouterOS, but rather a wiki (the users are meant to fill ...somehow).

Interestingly, wasn't the case with earlier versions of the s/w.

Re: Ubiquiti all the things: How I fixed my dodgy Wi-Fi

#80
post #21
post #2

Ubiquiti is the best. Their stuff rivals and even beats lots of the more expensive stuff at a fraction of the price. It's all very high quality but so cheap that you think they are joking when you see the price. Edge router: amazing Edge switch: amazing AC access points: amazing I've never tried any of the unifi stuff though.

Their AC APs are pretty power intensive, last time I tried them they were drawing well over 20 watts each, which would have required we replace our switches due to the power requirements.

https://dl.ubnt.com/datasheets/unifi/UniFi_AC_APs_DS.pdf

UAP-AC-Lite & UAP-AC-LR: 6.5 watts maximum

UAP-AC-Pro: 9 watts maximum

UAP-AC-Edu: 20 watts maximum, but it does have a speaker for doing announcements

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