Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a dilemma upgrading my home network and could really use your insights. I’m looking to step up to WiFi 6 and ensure a gigabit connection in my multi-floor house, which is connected by a central open staircase, allowing for open signal flow between floors. Currently, I’m using a WiFi 5 router, but it’s hitting its limit at 867Mbit on 5GHz, which isn’t quite cutting it anymore and there are multiple 5ghz options with >3gbit speed.

I’m considering two options: the UniFi Dream Machine router and the UniFi 6 Pro access point. The Dream Machine is more expensive but sleek, and I think it would fit well in my entrance area, which seamlessly transitions into the living room — a central spot for good coverage. However, the UniFi 6 Pro is less expensive and seems to cover my needs since I already have gigabit routers. My only concern with the 6 Pro is that i am very unsure where to mount it:

  • Mounting in the ceiling of the entrance area doesn’t work, since I have some wodden beams on the ceiling
  • Mounting on the wall: Not sure about the aesthetics and also it’s not recommended.

Given the layout of my house and my current setup, I’m seeking advice on which would be a better fit. The Dream machine would be a no brainer because of placement and aesthetics, only if it wasn’t so damn expensive and given that I don’t need any of it’s extra features.

Any suggestions or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

-–

Edit: The current placement of my old router+access point

https://preview.redd.it/lvw5gm7oiizb1.png?width=2392&format=png&auto=webp&s=ce8c99c24397b3fb6812d31e8dacd561ff17fa12

  • ElevenNotes@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    You don’t need a Unifi router to use Unifi access points. I do recommend all U6 access points from Ubiquiti. They should all be connected via ethernet to a central switch somewhere in your house. As a router you can get anything you like or are comfortable with.

    • mararn1618@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Exactly my thoughts. I want to keep my current router + gigabit/poe switches. I am just struggling with finding a good access point for my limited mount options.

  • skizzerz1@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    2 caveats of unifi access points:

    1. They are designed to be mounted on the ceiling. Putting them high up on a wall can also work, but you want to avoid just setting them on a desk. Think of the signal as coming from them in a very shallow cone emanating from the front of the unit. So if the unit is pointing upwards you’re giving your ceiling great Wi-Fi but your ceiling isn’t usually where you or your devices are. Ceiling mounting means the bottom of your rooms has good signal which is what you want.
    2. They are powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet) which means you need either a PoE-capable switch or a PoE injector. Injectors are bulky and consume extra power ports so I really recommend the switch if it’s within your budget.