Which WiFi Access point should I buy?

testlink · 14 Jun 2020 at 20:21

I am looking for a Wireless access point. I have a broadband connection downstairs and Ethernet point in my upstair bedroom. Rather than extending the wifi, I am looking to get the max out of my cable broadband connection. So I would need to connect the wired cable broadband connection to a Wireless access point via LAN cable. Not in near future I might go for Gigabit Ethernet.

Which one of the below TP link access points would serve my purpose?

1. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Extender-Broadband-UK-RE450/dp/B0725Y1VZ7/
TP-Link AC1750 - £59.99

2. https://www.amazon.co.uk/RE650-Universal-Extender-Broadband-UK/dp/B0725Y1VZ7
TP-Link RE650 AC2600 - £69.99

3. https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-RE505X-Extender-Broadband-External/dp/B084WC8JTP
TP-Link RE505X AX1500 - £59.99

4. Any other suggestions?

Thanks ...

WJA96 · 14 Jun 2020 at 20:36

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiquiti-networks-unifi-ap-ac-lite-indoor-access-point-nw-002-uq.html

That’s the real deal. For best results mount on the ceiling.

pc-guy · 14 Jun 2020 at 20:37

I will second Ubiquitui AP. got one in my house and never needed to look elsewhere. it is just solid.

testlink · 14 Jun 2020 at 21:41

Thanks, Would it have a LAN port to put a cable from the router on to this access point?

Avalon · 15 Jun 2020 at 02:45

You would need your own cable, but yes, it has a single gigabit port to connect to the router and a PoE injector to power it. Install it somewhere central using the supplied ceiling mount and enjoy - be warned, once you go UniFi, they have a habit of growing on you, it generally starts with the AP's, then a router or a switch, before you know it, you're unlikely to use much else in the same market sector.

testlink · 15 Jun 2020 at 11:20

I checked my upstairs corridor and there is no option in the ceiling to mount the access point facing downwards. But I can place it on the wall facing side wards. Would this be ok? Or shall I go for one of the traditional TP Link access points which I mentioned in my first post. Thanks...

WJA96 · 15 Jun 2020 at 12:12

My own experience with wall-mounting has been poor. In another thread, someone said they had used the TP-Link Omada access point wall mounted and it worked very well. That said, I know plenty of people who have wall-mounted UniFi access points and said they were very happy with them.

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/business-networking/ceiling-mount-ap/eap225/

Psycho Sonny · 15 Jun 2020 at 16:13

testlink said:
I checked my upstairs corridor and there is no option in the ceiling to mount the access point facing downwards. But I can place it on the wall facing side wards. Would this be ok? Or shall I go for one of the traditional TP Link access points which I mentioned in my first post. Thanks...

I wouldn't wall mount. It just doesn't work. Constant disconnects, etc and speed not as good as it should be. Unless you happen to be in the perfect donut ring range.

They have wall mount options you can buy just not from here.

Get one of their wall mount ones and you will be fine

thewanted · 16 Jun 2020 at 11:39

WJA96 said:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiquiti-networks-unifi-ap-ac-lite-indoor-access-point-nw-002-uq.html

That’s the real deal. For best results mount on the ceiling.

Best thing I've ever done.

testlink · 16 Jun 2020 at 11:44

I have to drill a hole from my attic for me to do a ceiling mount. So a MIMO wall mount access point is my best choice.

WJA96 · 16 Jun 2020 at 11:51

I'll lend you the drill...

You can wall-mount, but when it's not as good as you want, you'll end up drilling that hole from the attic anyway. So you may as well just get on with it.

b0rn2sk8 · 16 Jun 2020 at 11:54

Flex HD would be more suitable if you are going down this route.

WJA96 · 16 Jun 2020 at 11:58

b0rn2sk8 said:
Flex HD would be more suitable if you are going down this route.

Yes, that would have been my first choice too. The budget was £60 originally, I suggested the £80 Unifi access point. £160 for a Unifi FlexHD is probably pushing the limits a bit.

b0rn2sk8 · 16 Jun 2020 at 12:43

Fair point! Buy cheap buy twice and all that.

WJA96 · 16 Jun 2020 at 12:50

Also true. But actually I find people just don't have 4x4 devices to make use of the UAP-FlexHD and that the AP-AC-Lite and AP-AC-LR are still the sweet-spot for most users.

b0rn2sk8 · 16 Jun 2020 at 14:01

I don’t disagree but those two APs are designed to be ceiling mounted and as stated above in this thread the OP isn’t able to do that. The flexHD can just be plonked on a cabinet (the more central the location the better) and I’m not aware of a cheaper 2x2 equivalent in the unifi range.

In reality a non unifi, more consumer focussed products is likely better suited to the op.