What Wireless access point?

Amp34

Amp34

Amp34

Caporegime
Joined
25 Jul 2005
Posts
28,851
Location
Canada
I have an Asus RT-AC68U but I need more wireless range. Currently use a Surface Pro 3, 2011 MAcBook Air and iPhones and probably a random assortment of other devices.

I'd like as much speed as possible as we move large files around via wifi (and wired networks) and so my first thought was the Asus EA-AC87 which seems to be the fastest consumer AP out there. It's 4x4 though and I know the Surface Pro is only 2x2 (not sure what the MBA is). Am I actually going to get much benefit out of it over a cheaper AP? Is it worth getting the same brand as the wifi or does it make no difference?

So essentially, should I go for the EA-AC87 or are there any better options out there?
 
That doesn't appear to be dual band or AC (not sure if it needs to be being just an aerial?!)

I think I'll be needing a separate unit, unless it can double/triple the range of the existing router?
 
Amp34 said:
That doesn't appear to be dual band or AC (not sure if it needs to be being just an aerial?!)

I think I'll be needing a separate unit, unless it can double/triple the range of the existing router?
Click to expand...

From what I understand it just massively increases the output/range of whatever your router is putting out?
 
Space Monkey said:
https://www.asus.com/Networking/WLANT191/

What about something like these?
Click to expand...

Surely though *a responsible owner* would ensure that if they connect a high gain aerial that the transmit power of the device would be turned down so total output didn't exceed OFCOM regs?

It's a hindrance to us C guys but your local radio ham guys would play havoc if they caught wind of it.
 
Yeah, I think on closer inspection that's not the way to go (not sure if they are even sold in the UK).

Anyone have any recommendations for a wireless access point, and whether a 4x4 AP is worth it?
 
A cat 5 cable out the LAN port of your current router and round to roughly where you want your wireless network extended to and another wireless AP would be the best solution.
 
Stevecee, that's what I'm planning to do. Peahead do you have any experience with that access point? Real world wireless speeds?
 
Another quick question based on the above.

I'm moving house gradually and won't be able to take my router with me straight away. With the above access point can I just plug it into the modem (at the new house) and use it as a wireless AP, without a router on the system?
 
The ones I have narrowed down to on speed and affordability are...

Freestanding devices:

Trendnet
TEW-815DAP
TEW-814DAP

D-Link
DAP-1665


Ceiling mount:

Trendnet
TEW-821DAP

Ubiquiti
UniFi® AP AC (not as affordable but respected brand for reliability)
 
Amp34 said:
Another quick question based on the above.

I'm moving house gradually and won't be able to take my router with me straight away. With the above access point can I just plug it into the modem (at the new house) and use it as a wireless AP, without a router on the system?
Click to expand...

No, you need a router to dish out DHCP addresses. What is in the new place, it may be a basic router with a modem built in.
 
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