When setting up a managed wireless solution for a large home and office environment, it’s crucial to choose reliable wireless access points (APs) that can provide sufficient coverage, capacity, and manageability. Here are some recommended wireless access points for such a scenario:
Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-U6-LR: (Most Installed by us at RSPL)
- This is a popular choice for businesses and larger homes.
- Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard.
- Support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standards.
- Managed by the UniFi Controller software, allowing for centralized management and scalability.
- Ubiquiti offers a range of UniFi access points, including the UAP-AC-Lite, UAP-AC-LR, and UAP-nano HD, catering to various performance and budget requirements.
Cisco Meraki MR Series:
- Cisco Meraki offers a range of APs suitable for large environments.
- Cloud-managed for easy deployment and management across multiple locations.
- Features like application-layer visibility and security make it ideal for offices.
- Cisco Meraki offers a wide range of MR access points to cater to various deployment scenarios and performance requirements.
Aruba Instant On 22 AP Series: (Most Installed by us at RSPL)
- Aruba’s Instant On APs are designed for small to medium-sized businesses but can work well in large homes and smaller offices.
- Easy setup and management through a mobile app.
- Support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standards.
- Aruba Networks, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, also offers a range of higher-end APs like the Aruba 300, 500, and 700 series for larger enterprise environments.
Ruckus R610/R710 Series:
- Ruckus offers high-performance APs designed for crowded environments.
- Patented BeamFlex+ adaptive antenna technology for optimized performance.
- Managed through the Ruckus Unleashed or ZoneDirector controller.
- Ruckus offers a comprehensive lineup of indoor and outdoor APs suitable for various use cases and performance requirements.
EnGenius EAP Series:
- EnGenius EAP APs are budget-friendly options with good performance.
- Centralized management via the ezMaster Network Management Software.
- Suitable for both homes and small to medium-sized offices.
- EnGenius offers additional indoor and outdoor APs, as well as wireless bridges and extenders.
NETGEAR Orbi Pro:
- Orbi Pro is a mesh Wi-Fi system designed for businesses and larger homes.
- Easy to set up and expand coverage by adding more satellites.
- Managed through a web-based interface.
- NETGEAR offers a variety of wireless access points for different needs, including the Insight Managed Access Points and the Nighthawk series.
TP-Link EAP Series:
- TP-Link’s EAP series includes a variety of APs for different use cases.
- Centralized management through the Omada Controller software.
- Affordable options for homes and small offices.
- TP-Link offers other series like the CAP series and Pharos series for outdoor deployments and specialized scenarios.
When selecting a wireless access point for your large home and office, consider factors like the size of the space, the number of devices that will connect, the need for seamless roaming, and the manageability requirements. Additionally, conducting a site survey to determine the ideal number and placement of APs can help ensure optimal coverage and performance.
It’s also worth noting that in large environments, a combination of wired Ethernet connections and wireless access points may be necessary to provide comprehensive coverage and support for bandwidth-intensive applications.
