Ubiquiti - U7 Outdoor

Not wired. But I have wireless mesh with another U7 PRO and U7 Long Range. Works great

Unifi has nothing that compares to actual wireless mesh by the home router competitors. Their accessible products like the DR7 and UE7 don’t use 4x4 antennas, 6ghz or MLO for backhaul which significantly decreases bandwidth. They also don’t have any products with a band for dedicated backhaul, they have absolutely nothing that can compare to a full WiFi mesh from competitors like ASUS, Tplink, Eero or netgear.

Unifi is not the way for WiFI mesh and even if you don’t need mesh it’s not for the average joe either. They are expensive but the easiest setup and most feature rich for the average consumer is ASUS.

It was so good for me that when I accidentally messed up some wiring it was doing wireless back haul from an older udr to u7ap’s and I only noticed it due to the app showing topology looking wrong. This is 2 story house with udr in basement and aps on the 2 above ground floors.

I went from DD-WRT for years to ASUS AiMesh and have been on Unifi equipment for a good four years now. I never have any issues with roaming (3600+ home) and I can fine tune whenever necessary (rare). I love the Unifi and don't plan on moving away any time soon. If you want peace of mind, I definitely also recommend Unifi.

I made the jump with the UDM-Pro and three nano HD APs. This covered the above mentioned home just fine. I now replaced one of the nanos with a U7 since that covers our rooms a little better than the nanoHDs. The added bonus is I can get coverage outside the house still within 30 ft. So that allows my Waze cameras and Waze lightbulbs to connect just fine as well. I even have a Waze camera inside my motorhome about 100ft away and it gets coverage. But since I've started this is what I have now expanded to... https://preview.redd.it/b65x186jbsje1.png?width=864&format=png&auto=webp&s=db4d27006368d4966fa2d7808f122144d7a110a9

Ubiquiti's UniFi system is difficult to recommend without running some ethernet cable. Even the Eero, Orbi and TP-Link mesh routers I cannot recommend without wired backhaul. Some of the U7 access points are capable of doing mesh but the ethernet backhaul to a PoE switch is crucial. Being that your current house is a ranch, do you have access to the attic? All you'll really need to do is run maybe about 1 or 2 ethernet cables (2 if you use the UCG Fiber which I recommend getting or 1 in the case of the Dream Router 7) in the attic which you could theoretically take with you when you move. I've shopped around for mesh routers as my dad has a Lorex Wifi Flood Light camera above the garage that our current router can't reach and the best combination I've seen so far is the UCG Fiber and any of the U7 access Points. I've priced everything and the Eero Max 7, Orbi 970 & TP-Link's equivalent came out to over $100 more than any UniFi equipment combination that I need.

If you’re heavy on Apple devices then WiFi 7 won’t be coming for a while and you should be okay with a WiFi 6E router for the next 5 years. However, if you want to go forward with you can look at Ubiquiti CG Fibre and U7 or UX7 AP. The router should be future proof and allow you upgrade your AP nodes based on which band you want. If you want a different mesh brand then you can look between Deco (best on budget), Asus Zenwifi BT10 (tri-band) / BQ16 (quad-band) or Orbi 770 / 870 / 970. This are the top 3 brands with top mesh systems and best coverage. Nevertheless, your bandwidth and devices should decide your choice (added with budget) Honorable mention will be Eero Max 7 but it’s barely customizable and you have to do things the Eero way

Had Netgear 6 for about 3 years. Going with Unifi 7

I use TP link Deco X95 2 nodes system at home and Unifi 7 at work works without any issues for over a year though we will replace Eufy at work as we rolling out our own cloud platform

My Orbo970 system was overpriced junk. Fast, but we all use iPhones in my house and it just doesn’t know how to deal with them. Recently switched to a UniFi system and no trouble at all with iPhone handoffs on their wifi7 APs. Best decision ever.

I think Eero would be the most plug and play option. I've used TP-Link and they're decent but unclear political situation / possible ban. Ubiquiti/Unifi if you want to tinker and manage their network remotely (expensive)

UniFi has a great designer tool that will help you figure coverage with the different devices.

If that’s the case get a ubiquiti Unifi system. Gateway plus access points. Best performance per dollar with a wired backhaul

UniFi is the most solid networking platform.

Unifi is no easier/harder than Omada. I'd steer clear of Mikrotik for Wifi unless you *really* know what you're doing.

Unifi gear is not cheap. But I highly recommend it. I installed a wifi 7 pro AP the other day and it's fantastic. Their gear is great but the price tag reflects it. Highly recommend.

https://preview.redd.it/zfn21gdqkpje1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=d05d67faf408c3803282fe2ee0b6f84b32b6a222 I used to have a tp-link mesh system, which died just after the 2 year warranty was up. When comparing new systems, the Unifi was actually a decent price, way more features and control, plus much easier to expand and can handle hundreds of devices. We use these APs at the office, very stable/reliable. You dont need a switch, you could use poe injectors instead. Biggest draw back is running ethernet cables where you want them

If this is for just a single office and there's not a dedicated IT person with experience to manage it, then Unifi is a great entry level option that is relatively easy to configure and manage.

I’ve had UniFi stuff in my house for 5+ years, and yeah, WiFi issues aren’t a thing at my house, and there are no dead zones. I was a bit strategic around where I placed the APs, and I ran Ethernet to all of them except the one in the shed quite a ways from the house (that one is on mesh). I have solid signal anywhere on my property, and haven’t had any issues in the entire 5 years. Haven’t had any “need to reset the router again” moments at all with this. My parents have a UniFi setup as well, and no issues there either.

Absolutely true. I just removed 4 Deco X75s (had zero issues with them - just wanted a more advanced setup with VLANs for a hybrid personal/business network) and 3 Google WiFi pucks (had some issues with these). Everyone talks about issues but I haven’t had any with UniFi or with Tp-Link.

>I want them to be connected in to a seamless mesh network for seamless roaming. So, "mesh" has become an obtuse word in home networking. It's really just wirelessly uplinking to access points when cable can't or won't be used. Seamless roaming is built into wifi, it's not something that is only available in mesh systems - marketing hype has steered the understanding that way. You could set up three access points independently, with the same parameters (SSID, passphrase, security method) and your clients will roam amongst them as needed, seamlessly (meaning, no intervention required by the client to move). What mesh systems do bring is a unified management of access points which allows for certain enhancements to improve roaming (sometimes known as "fast roaming"). It's not super beneficial to home networks, but it's there. So if you're not buying a mesh system, using Ubiquiti UniFi or Omada - which both have a central "controller" - will provide those same features (and arguably better in some ways). Both of these are "prosumer" - a large step up in quality and features. Avoiding "the cloud" is maybe a good thing or maybe bad. With UniFi, you can set up access points standalone with an app that communicates directly with the hardware. Or, for a better setup, you would need the controller which allows more control and statistics. You also need to set up a userid with them, but you do not have to manage your network via, or have it connected to them - you can run it standalone. There are some benefits to the cloud access such as remote access to your controller. I run a full UniFi stack and it's been super reliable and easy to work with. I have a Dream Machine Pro, 5 switches and 4 APs. Since you mentioned PoE also, that's the way to go. I have my setup on a UPS, and everything is powered by a 16-port PoE switch. If the power goes out, everything keeps working off the UPS. The remote switches are also PoE powered, which is quite nice. Edit: spelling and some minor clarification

Just so you know, mesh doesn't bring roaming to wifi - any APs set up with the same authetication configuration (SSID, passphrase, security method) will allow wifi clients to roam amongst them as needed. Mesh uses what setups like Ubiquiti UniFi and commercial networking hardware use to allow *faster* roaming. UniFi would be my recommendation. It doesn't matter what your brother in law thinks.

Unifi mesh is one of the best implementations I have ever seen, not that my experience is massive. It does handoff fairly well and doesnt completely kill the speeds amd bandwith of the network. Most of the people I know with UI mesh setups are very happy with them. Hell, I know a couple of them who had a cable problem and didn't even realize they were on a mesh network for quite a while.

Same here. Moved from Orbi mesh which was unreliable at best. UniFi system easily lets you set up separate SSIDs with whatever channels you want to assign. A lot of the access points can even adjust power and detect the best channel to reduce interference automatically. I haven’t had to think about it since upgrading to this system.

Just tossed my netgear stuff for Ubiquity and couldn’t be happier. My devices no longer connect to whatever random access point it happens to see even if there’s a better one closer. Then they would get stuck on that one even after rebooting. So frustrating.

I dropped off my orbi 970 at UPS today to be returned in favor of my new UniFi stack. It’s no comparison.

It's the way to go. I have 4 unifi aps in my house, a couple in the garages, a couple outside. All hardwired though, no lossy meshing. No kids and wife complaining about wifi.

Second this. Unifi's work beautifully with my FWG. Once my FWG goes, I may switch router to them completely.

If your FTTP NTD is stuck in the garage, don’t expect one giant router to cover the whole property. Even a high-end unit like the ASUS GT-AX11000 Pro will choke once you add 20+ meters, two walls, a wardrobe, and three doors. Wi-Fi 6 is good, but it can’t bend physics. What actually works: Stay ASUS: Another GT-AX11000 Pro in AiMesh mode with 5 GHz-2 dedicated to backhaul. Identical hardware syncs better and avoids a lot of the “AiMesh nightmare” stories. TP-Link Deco X95/X90: Very solid tri-band Wi-Fi 6 kits. Great balance of throughput and reliability. Eero Pro 6E: Simple and stable, though be aware that features like advanced parental controls, ad blocking, and network security sit behind a paid Eero Plus subscription. Stock Eero hardware still covers fine, but the extras aren’t free. Ubiquiti UniFi: Fantastic when you can run wired backhaul. Pure wireless uplink works, but it takes more tuning and often won’t outperform a well-placed consumer tri-band mesh system. Placement > hardware. Don’t leave your main router in the garage. Pull a short Ethernet run inside (adhesive raceways look tidy) and put your main node on the first interior wall. Add a second node halfway to the far corner, and if it’s still weak, a third to finish the chain. On a 1 Gbps NBN plan, a good tri-band mesh should still give you ~400–700 Mbps at the far end. With one lonely router in the garage, you’ll likely see <100 Mbps and dropouts. (Side note: I run FixIT Computer & Tech, a small IT shop in Port Angeles, WA. I see this exact situation all the time—new house, NBN box in the garage, and Wi-Fi disappointment. The fix is almost never “buy the most expensive router,” it’s smart mesh placement and making the backhaul work for you.)

All the unifi access points support mesh just fine. You can set "auto" or pick specific address points to use for priority 1 and 2. I have one of 4 APs with wireless uplink, and have no complaints. It's in my shed and has two wired security cameras attached that are constantly streaming. They also all support 802.11r/k/v for roaming and fast switching, regardless of wired/mesh uplink. These protocols make devices seamlessly switch APs as they move around, and without dropping connections. You can be on a video call and walk around without interruption.

I second this. Went all in and couldn’t be happier. Never had such good coverage and the control you have is insane!

Get omada or unify. Either will make you happy. One ssid for users, one for guests.

Get into the UniFi ecosystem and don’t look back.

I setup my Luddite parents’ multi building rural location with a UniFi system several years ago. It’s been bulletproof ever since, no matter how they try to mess it up.

Another vote for Ubiquiti UniFi.

I’ve used Unifi APs for years with my Firewalla. Another option you might want to investigate is the Firewalla AP7.

Ubiquiti. Join the club. The more you get the more you want.

There are many helpful people in r/Ubiquiti. They could assist with your choices.

I dumped my entire nest and google WiFi mesh network and went Ubiquiti. Best decision I ever made. Period.

Technology aside (I.e. UniFi WiFi 7 better than WiFi 6 with my old Google/nest WiFi setup) the level of network control provided by ubiquiti software is FAR superior to Google home. UniFi tells knows whether problems are with specific clients, APs, or your ISP. I can create VLANs for just cameras and security. Separate ones for business and can filter application etc

UNIFI is your answer. Other answers confirm my opinion.

Ubiquity UniFi, I have two wired APs inside, one outside and two wireless APs outside. They blanket 5+ acres and a 2300 sq. ft. house with WiFi, zero issues.

Ubiquiti Unifi, requirements will depend on layout but I would do UDM Pro router and probably one wired access point on each floor. Very configurable, modular and easy to expand. I have two houses with Unifi mesh setups and virtually never have an issue. When I do, it's the ISP.

Two words, Ubiquiti UniFi. Little more expensive but an excellent, manageable and expandable mesh system. I have installed UniFi in both of my homes with virtually zero issues. One home install is over 5 years old, the other 1 year. Both houses are single level, around 2400 sq.ft. and sit on 5+ acres of property. Running 5 APs, two inside and three outside. Wifi always stable anywhere you go on the property.

I have Unifi for this.

I bet it is fine for people that aren't doing much with their wifi. Having each AP wired is a giant improvement so you're doing people big service.

This. UniFi if you have a larger budget or Omada if you have a tighter budget. Both are great.

Unifi. Controller in a Debian VM. Done

With Unifi you don't have to have a controller running all the time. You set up the APs with the phone app and they're good to go.  The unifi controller can run on a Raspberry pi, a virtual machine or any x86 computer.

Ubiquiti Unifi. But I want to advice to not use Mesh. It only gives you slowness and problems. Do yourself a favor and disable it from the moment you get it out of the box. I have absolutely ***no*** context for "backhaul". I have no idea what you mean with it.

>backhaul (wired connectivity back to primary router vs. one unit wirelessly feeding another.) I now, finally, have context for the word 'backhaul'. Or just say 'cable connected'. >My TPLink Deco, 3 unit mesh system does not rely on cloud (to function or manage) after it's initial set up. Unifi doesn't require any cloud stuff. Never. If you want, you can, but it's not a requirement. Not for initial setup, nor for management. No cloud account is needed.

Consider access points. I have a unifi system. I have a router that is an access point. Then a cable runs to the other end of the house and there’s an another access point. In another part of the house where I can’t cable I have an access point but it runs as a mesh. One wifi network name. If you move around the house is connects to the strongest signal.

This is my current setup. Three WAPs(Ubiquity unifi) 3 years ago, have already replaced 2 switches and now all my access points are constantly failing. I have a Verizon router that my Apps are hardwired to for each floor. I was only using the WiFi from my APs before it started acting up, I’m currently using the WiFi from the router as a backup for a stable connection. My question is, is the SSID from the router interfering with the APs? If so, how can I resolve this. I’m only using the WiFi for my IoT devices.

I’ll really need your help. I’ve had this issue for the past three years now. A company installed 3 Ubiquiti WAPs for me that are now out of warranty. Have replaced 2 switches that just died and now all of my WAPs are not connecting to the network.

For the average consumer, Eero is a much better fit though. Sure, if you like to tinker or have one off use cases, Unifi is the much better option, but Eero does a great job of providing a product that just works without ever really needing to touch it. I've had Asus, Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link, Google WiFi, and Eero, but I've had meshing issues with all except for Eero. My current setup is Unifi with Eero in bridge mode.

Came here to say Unifi is probably your best best at reasonable management for the non-pro with many of the features one would want for an enterprise deployment.

I think folks that have commented already missed the point that you're not tech-savvy and do not way to deal with complicated setup/ troubleshooting. I would avoid Ubiquiti. It's a great product and I use it. But it requires network know-how the set it up and maintain it. I would recommend Eero. It's a solid performer and designed for the person that isn't tech-savvy and does not want to tinker with the network. Eero has probably the best mesh products on the market today. Depending on your layout/ needs, you could go PoE Gateway + PoE 6 APs. Great for ceiling AP locations. I also use this setup. Alternatively, you can use Max 7 or Pro 6E. Avoid 6/6+ models from Eero.

Ubiquiti Unifi is a good (but pricy) option. Central control, all the features you want while still being quite user friendly, and it allows a combination of mesh and hardwire, which can be good for areas that mesh just won't get.

Unifi for me and nothing else exists.

Unifi's mesh is solid with wiired backhaul tho

II think the best thing you can do for your system is to get a wired backhaul. My UniFi system is far more stable than my TP-link AXE5400 ever was (I had that system previously too) but I think a large part of that is that when I got this new fancy UniFi system it was the kick in the butt I needed to get a hard wired backhaul. I regret nothing because I love my UniFi system.

Don’t make the same mistake as I made and buy one of these pre-packaged mesh systems. They do work great but if you decide you need an extra satellite a year later for more coverage for whatever reason, chances are the model you need is no longer manufactured and the ‘new’ current model isn’t backwards compatible with your setup. Instead buy a long term modular system. There may be others but I’ve been using UniFi’s for a while now and I’ve expanded and updated different bits a few times over the years. I had to learn the hard way after buying two different ‘complete’ mesh systems before, one for home and one for work, neither of which could be upgraded (in practice) a little while later.

Why don't you replace all of APs to UniFi Ubiquiti? They've got the most optimized radios.

Unifi stuff is not very difficult to set up. It’s pretty plug and play. If you WANT to get into the weeds , sure you can do that too. And it’s much easier to troubleshoot if something goes wrong. I used to have Orbi and the web interface is a joke.

This is what I did. Way easier to manage than orbi and much more stable. Also, probably cheaper , but this depends on your needs.

Agree. UniFi is very easy to set up. You download the app, stand next to your new gear and it walks you through everything. Some of the cameras with speakers even talk to you. I was a little apprehensive at first too, but all for nothing.

At that scale, look at prosumer products like TP Link Omada and Ubiquiti UniFi. It should be using a wired back end that also delivers the power to the WiFi via POE switches ( power over ethernet). It'll be centrally controlled and have seamless roaming when you move around the house.

Second. I just hard wired my UniFi and I’m blown away from the stability and speed.

Can you get it wired? I like UniFi as a system and MESH.

I would recommend Ubiquity over TPLink due to the potential ongoing political issues if you are in the US. Also, build quality for Ubiquity APs is better. You so not need to run their controller software 24/7. You can just run it to set up and uodate firmware. My main network router and switch is Mikrotik and love them. I woukd nit rrcommend their APs, though. Not as giid of performance on those.

Unifi from Ubiquiti. You’ve got the wire to the small out building already. You can poe power what you need out there for wifi easily and with the new stuff they just dropped you have a lot of options. I left orbi for unifi. It’s not perfect but it’s been a lot better than orbi ever was.

I did not like my orbi setup. Buggy POS for me riddled with terrible firmware releases they kept having to apologize for. I moved on to unifi and while it’s not a panacea… it’s a damn sight better than orbi.