FAQ
TL;DR: For whole‑home Wi‑Fi, one AP rarely sustains 100 Mbps; “LR won’t help here.” Plan placement first, then add a second AP if needed. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #16909283]
Why it matters:** This FAQ helps home users pick and place a stable access point (AP) for two‑story houses without wasting money.
Quick Facts
- Central ceiling placement improves coverage; mount the AP centrally, facing downward. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #16908416]
- One AP is unlikely to keep a stable 100 Mbps across an entire house. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #16909283]
- LR models trade capacity for range; Lite/Pro favor capacity over extra range. [Elektroda, whizzo, post #16909095]
- UniFi Controller manages router, switches, and APs from one app with useful reports. [Elektroda, whizzo, post #16908806]
- QoS lives on the router; APs can do VLANs and multiple SSIDs but pass traffic transparently. [Elektroda, whizzo, post #16909245]
What’s the best Ubiquiti AP for a two‑story home?
Start with UniFi UAP‑LR or UAP‑Lite and place it centrally on the ceiling. No AP guarantees 100% coverage, so test first. If gaps remain, add a second AP on the other floor. This balances reach and throughput while keeping wiring simple. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #16908416]
Does Long Range (LR) really give better signal?
LR uses higher‑gain antennas for more reach, but it does not increase capacity over Lite. Pro and Lite target higher client density, not distance. Pick LR for open layouts; pick Lite/Pro for many devices. “Higher gain increases range; Pro has higher capacity.” [Elektroda, whizzo, post #16909095]
Can a single AP deliver stable 100 Mbps everywhere at home?
No. A stable 100 Mbps across an entire multi‑room home is unlikely from one AP. Walls and floors attenuate signals, and LR does not fix this. Plan for at least two APs if you need room‑to‑room consistency at that rate. “LR won’t help here.” [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #16909283]
Is LR a good choice in houses with many walls?
Not ideal. LR boosts transmit power, but client devices still limit uplink. You gain little on download through walls and nothing on uplink. Use a Lite and add a second AP if range or speed is insufficient. This avoids dead zones behind dense walls. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #16909178]
Where should I mount the AP for best range?
Mount it centrally and on the ceiling, facing downward. This position radiates more evenly across rooms and both floors. Avoid corners and closets. Central placement reduces attenuation and improves roaming between floors. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #16908416]
Should I mix Ubiquiti with MikroTik gear?
Avoid mixing if you can. Sticking with one vendor simplifies management and feature compatibility. If you already run Ubiquiti, add a UniFi AP for seamless control and support. Consistent tooling reduces troubleshooting time. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16907914]
What is UniFi Controller and why use it?
It’s a single app to view and configure your UniFi router, switches, and APs. You get centralized setup, statistics, and helpful reports like DPI. “One application can view and configure all network elements.” This simplifies scaling beyond one AP. [Elektroda, whizzo, post #16908806]
What is MikroTik CAPsMAN?
CAPsMAN is MikroTik’s centralized AP manager. It lets a MikroTik router control multiple MikroTik APs from one place. It’s the vendor’s counterpart to UniFi Controller for provisioning and policy. Use it when standardizing on MikroTik. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16908799]
Do UniFi APs have QoS, or do I need a router for that?
Handle QoS on the router. UniFi APs bridge traffic and offer VLANs and multiple SSIDs, but QoS policy enforcement belongs on the gateway. Plan SSIDs/VLANs on the AP, then shape traffic upstream. [Elektroda, whizzo, post #16909245]
What real‑world Wi‑Fi speeds did users report?
One user saw ~80 Mbit/s links on an AC laptop and 7–8 MB/s file copies. Another laptop linked at ~140 Mbit/s. These figures show AC‑class APs handle typical broadband and local transfers well when placed correctly. [Elektroda, whizzo, post #16909245]
Is the older UniFi UAP (N300) worth it to save money?
The thread leans toward the UAP‑AC‑LR for stronger results, while the older N300 unit was only noted as a budget idea. If longevity and capacity matter, choose AC‑class models. Budget N‑class may limit future speeds. [Elektroda, whizzo, post #16909859]
How do I expand coverage without overhauling wiring?
Try this: 1. Install a UniFi Lite centrally and survey weak spots. 2. If gaps persist, add a second AP on the other floor. 3. Use the controller to adopt and tune channels and power. This staged approach avoids overbuying and fixes dead zones. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #16909178]
I’m getting fiber. Do I still need a separate router?
Yes. ISPs usually provide an ONT or modem. You add a WAN router to manage the home network, then connect your UniFi APs. External optical devices from retail rarely work directly on provider networks. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #16914836]
Are there any routers for the Ubi light?
