best brand for multiple APs, antennas, etc.

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ebenschaefer

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Mar 17, 2008
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I need to run a router with multiple hard wired APs and outside antennas. Speed, ease of use, and budget are not as important as the ability to work together and work correctly.

I had a couple of DLink routers but they had a software glitch that wouldn't let me reserve an ip unless the mac address started with 00. and firmware updates caused issues because DHCP wasn't passed through the APs correctly. I put in an ASUS tr-ac66u but it just died this morning. it had been working correctly.

I would like to get a router, an AP, and an outside AP.

Thank you in advance.
 
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Go with the ubiquiti outdoor ap abailey recommended. Your problem with antenna is first the antenna cost about what you can get the complete unit from ubiqutii. Next if you need to go any distance antenna cable to go between the antenna and the router is going to cost a fortune. In many cases if you use cheap cable you will lose more than your antenna adds to the signal. This is why you used to see those huge cable running down cell towers but even cell radios are now placed in the antenna enclosures most times. Some people used to place indoor equipment in plastic boxes outdoors to avoid the cable loss issue but the equipment tended to die. Now days they make so much outdoor equipment that it does not even pay to mess around...
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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Dec 10, 2012
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Nothing worked as well as my Linksys WRT-54G (the good old days) - lasting about 10 years. For the last 4 years, I have used an ASUS RT-56U that has served it's purpose.

I replaced the Linksys router because our speeds exceeded the capacity of the router (50Mb service - where the router maxed at 10Mb), and now the ASUS is an access point only, as here in Austin the speeds are now over 300Mb. It still works well, just not as the primary device.

I have used Netgear products in the past, but have experienced many issues with them.

CISCO makes great routers, but the cost is going to be high (IMO - too high for home use).

What type of network are you utilizing - and how many devices are connecting to this network? Depending upon the size of the network, speeds involved and number of clients, as well as the technologies to connect (i.e. B/G/N/AC), this will dictate what would be best for your installation. My home networks serve 5 computers and 4 other devices (phones, XBOX, tablets, etc....).
 
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abailey

abailey

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I am a big fan of Ubiquiti products. I use their router, AP and an outside wireless bridge at my house. Their cost are pretty good but the setup is a little more complicated than consumer level gear. If you have the time to work with the equipment a little and read through their knowledgebase and forums, it is a very good choice.
 
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ebenschaefer

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I will have up to 20 clients. Mostly cell phones and tablets, 3 printers, 4 PCs - we run a fishing lodge in Montana. Internet speeds are low - 5Mb. Technologies are a mix. using 2g and 5g , b/g/n right now. large log buildings, some a couple of hundred yards apart. I have most of the coverage issues worked out - one more outside AP should finish the property. Have had some issues with DHCP across APs depending on what router i use.

i will check out Ubiquiti. I don't mind the interface being a little more complicated. And I like that i can use the same brand all the way through including the outside AP.

Thank you both for your help
 
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ronintexas

ronintexas

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I am assuming that the majority setup is "wi-fi" for guests? Are you setting up a separate network for guests and employees?

Given that the internet is 5Mb, and most of the clients are going to have B/G/N - I would not invest in high-dollar equipment - as it would be overkill for 20 clients.

Strategic placement of access points would be key to solid coverage. Given the location (hard freezes in the winter), I would limit the outdoor equipment (other than antennas), as the cold will damage the equipment over time.

The best network plan would include ethernet cabling between the buildings, preferably with buried cable (using sealed cable runs (i.e. conduit made of either PVC pipe or metal - buried below the frost line). The cost of this may be prohibitive - and so good outside antenna would be the best bet.

Cisco has a great solution - but they are very expensive - about $3,000 per location.....they are the Cisco Aironet 1550 Series access points. They are built for outdoors in extreme environments.
 
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ebenschaefer

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I have the APs hardwired in PVC conduit, but not buried below the frost line. So far they have held up ok.

Yes, almost all traffic is just wifi for guests. I am not going to setup a separate network for employees or anything else. Nothing sensitive enough to worry about out there. We don't store any CC info or bank info on anything connected to the network.

Any recommendations on good outside antennas? Can i just hook them up to an inexpensive router or AP?

Thanks!
 
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bill001g

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Aug 9, 2012
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Go with the ubiquiti outdoor ap abailey recommended. Your problem with antenna is first the antenna cost about what you can get the complete unit from ubiqutii. Next if you need to go any distance antenna cable to go between the antenna and the router is going to cost a fortune. In many cases if you use cheap cable you will lose more than your antenna adds to the signal. This is why you used to see those huge cable running down cell towers but even cell radios are now placed in the antenna enclosures most times. Some people used to place indoor equipment in plastic boxes outdoors to avoid the cable loss issue but the equipment tended to die. Now days they make so much outdoor equipment that it does not even pay to mess around.

You can also look at engenius if want a alternate option for outdoor AP.


 
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