Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC Long Range Review

As we’re benefiting from a lot of technological advancements today, we’ve found ways to even make them convenient. One of the most widely used technologies today is the Wi-Fi, and with this rose a lot of our networking needs. While this is a convenient way to get connected, there are still limitations to it. This is because of poor coverage, especially when you’re living in a huge area where there is only one Wi-Fi network available.

Luckily, Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC Long Range comes along. Though somewhat expensive, this device offers flexibility as it’s customizable and scalable, and it matches a lot of devices. For those who are curious about this device, read on below to know its benefits, features, pros, and even cons.

All About the Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC Long Range

The UAP AC LR features Wi-Fi 802.11ac technology, the latest Wi-Fi technology. It takes an industrial design, and it’s ideal for sustainable, long-range use for high-performance wireless internet connection.

Specially designed for long-range deployments, UAP AC LR offers a dual-band operation that comes with 2×2 MIMO in 5 GHz band and 3×3 MIMO in 2.4 GHz band. It also features an innovative antenna design that allows the system to cover long-range areas and perform in a much more effective way compared to one-way transmit power.

What’s more, the Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC Long Range is available in both single packs and five packs. The standard package includes a mounting bracket, a 24-volt passive PoE injector, a Controller CD, a power cord, a ceiling backing plate, screws and nuts, and a user guide.

It is an enterprise-class access point with quite low price that you can bring it to your home. It is a good choice to extend wifi coverage area. Surpose you had a wireless router and there were some area out of wifi signal, then UAP AC LR is your perfect access point.

Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Long Range Features

These are some of the most appreciated features of the Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Long Range:

• 802.11ac Dual Band Wireless Access Point

Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC Long Range comes with 802.11ac Dual Band Wireless Access Point, also known as Gigabit Wi-Fi, which is the latest wireless internet connection protocol for the wireless networking standard.

What makes this technology so special is its capability to deliver more than 3 times the speed of data transfer of the current 802.11n protocol. Moreover, it comes with improved network reliability, robustness, and RF bandwidth efficiency for applications like media streaming, video conferencing, HD video, VOIP, and more.

• POE powered

By default, Unifi comes with POE injector, it will help you power the access point through the ethernet cable. You don’t need to place the access point near by a power source.

• Innovative Roaming Feature

Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC LR, like other Ubiquiti Unifi models, is designed to have “Zero Hand-Off Roaming”. This roaming feature allows mobile users to maintain their connection as they go around. This is a great feature as this features convenience as users switch from one to another AP.

• Upgraded Controller for Better RF Performance

You can now have better RF performance thanks to UAP AC LR’s newly improved controller system. With this, you can now check your controller’s band steering, spectral analysis, airtime fairness, and the like. These overviews will make everything simpler to track down.

• Advanced Antenna Design

UAP AC LR now has a much more advanced antenna design wherein you can now have symmetrical-link coverage with longer range. It’s also designed to perform better in both ways when you’re connecting to clients from far away. This makes it an excellent addition to any building, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, as it allows convenient and wider coverage.

• Scalable Software

This device uses a scalable software that is not only flexible but also powerful and ideal for high-density deployments. In this way, you’ll have more uptime performances that do not require great latency. With this, you can now also have unrestricted scalability by just using one controller. Lastly, you can now access your controller remotely and make adjustments, definitely a convenient feature to have.

• Powerful Hardware

Ubiquiti Unifi AP AC LR uses the latest technology when it comes to hardware – the Wi-Fi 802.11ac MIMO system for better and maximized performance.

• User-Friendly UniFi Controller

Ubiquiti also offers comprehensive software controller that can process on-premises both in a public cloud or a private cloud. This is called Unifi Controller, Ubiquiti offers it for free. You can install it on your Windows desktop computer, then you can manage all the access points in your network. For example, with one click you can change Wi-Fi name (or SSID). Or you can monitor health, check number of clients associated to a specific access point…

Ubiquiti Unifi Controller also has a user-friendly interface which you can instantly get the hang of. Because of this, you can now configure your networks with ease. While it may be complicated to install for some, allotting some time to get to know the interface will immensely help you. Besides, it comes with a simplified instruction, so in time, you can add this to your home without complications.

• Expandable System

You can now expand your networks no matter how small or big they are. You can start with one or even expand to thousands. What’s amazing about this is that you can operate your networks with just one centralized management systems. In this way, you are able to manage your networks in an orderly fashion.

• State-of-the-art Front and Back Design

The exterior of the UAP AC LR looks neat, clean, and professional. It features a minimalistic design with LED that shows the state of the AP. On the back is a 10/100 Ethernet port and a reset button that is used for restarting and restoring factory defaults on the device.

Pros

• Wireless
• Has great coverage
• Ideal for long-range deployments
• Comes with Pseudo-PoE power
• Adaptable
• Flexible
• Affordable
• Matches a wide range of devices
• Has multiple mounting options (wall and ceiling)

Cons

• Complex for those who are not tech-savvy

Conclusion

Although having Ubiquiti Unifi Ap-AC Long Range means that you’re also going to experience its cons, it has more pros. Despite its complexity, this device is beneficial as you can save more money and resources in the long run.

UAP AC LR is scalable, customizable, and stable for your network. It is designed with a lot of features, and it’s available in a complete set. Plus, it features the latest Wi-Fi 802.11ac technology.

Best wireless router for every home – 2017

For years, we work for enterprise only, but since we found that consumer need is really huge we decided to step into consumer market (we offer consulting). As a result, we find some best wireless routers and some worst wireless router.

After several tests, our team found that TP-LINK Archer C9 is the best performing. Although this model is provided by a company from China, it impresses us.

Why it is the best wireless router for home?

Design

In Doosys, we do not often care about design of a product. It is just a few words: Quite good design, can stand on a flat surface. It has three detachable antennas, so they can be replaced by better antennas.

Performance

With latest 802.11ac chipset and beamforming technology, this router deliver very high speed. In a modern world, where many home devices consume a lot of bandwidth (smartphone, home media server, NAS, camera, 4K/HD video…), this router will make our life become easier.

Its total bandwidth is around 1900Mbps, most of your high speed services will work smoothly for at least next 3 years.

It offers 4 gigabit LAN ports, you can use a network cable to connect it to your Set-top-box, TV, NAS device for storage.

Best cost value.

At the time this post is writen, Amazon sells it with the price around 100$, that’s why it appears in a lot of blogger’s website. Especially, it even appears as the first position in the list of best wireless routers under 100 dollars.

Conclusion

Finding the best wireless router is a hard job, it depends on every need and opinion. We hope our opinion will meet most of others. And if you found this router is excellent, please leave us a comment bellow.

2.4GHz or 5GHz ? You will decide the winner

Whenever you are in the market or buying a network device online, you always face one major problem, the product specifications. Does that part of the box of the product seem Greek or German to you? Most of the times we all buy the products just by observing the market trend and we end up knowing that the product does not satisfy our needs. But what went wrong and when?

2.4GHz or 5GHz

A Little knowledge about the technical specifications can ruin the fun of a new product. Let us dig into one of the most widely used specifications on the network devices and try to understand how we can satisfy our needs just by understanding few important and basic concepts.

 

Concepts

We have all observed one of the followings specification written on any network/telecommunication device: 2.4GHz or 5GHz. We all know that frequency is defined in hertz and frequency, means in layman’s term ‘occurrence of anything in a cycle(second)’. If we are dealing with frequency, we should also understand the concepts of range and bandwidth. The “range” is the difference between the maximum and minimum of any quantity, whereas “bandwidth” is the amount of data which can be transferred from one point to the other in a given period of time.

Technical Comparison

Applying all the concepts we learned above, we should be now able to understand that the 2.4GHz device will transmit data with slower speed than the one with 5GHz.

In ideal conditions, the device having a frequency of 2.4Ghz carries data transfer at speed of around 450-600 Mbps and the one with 5GHz will carry data at speed of around 1.3 Mbps.

Knowing this, one will definitely go for buying the 5GHz device but there is a very important fact that you should know before buying one. 5GHz devices are less efficient in traveling large distances. They will not be able to penetrate through the walls and solid objects also.

So, if you need a device which can provide you faster data and there is no or very fewer penetrations through which the device waves will travel, it is always advisable to purchase the 5GHz device.

On the other hand, if you stay at a place with lots of obstacles, it is advisable to use the 2.4GHz device. Though it will give you signals with low data transfer speed, it will be stable enough and will be available up to a larger distance.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question that which one is better than the other, the answer would be, “They cannot be compared”. If one needs high-speed data, they should go for 5GHz and if the stability of signals and range is important one should go with 2.4GHz.

Also, if someone has other devices running at 2.4GHz around resulting in interference and connectivity issues then it is advisable to switch to 5GHz. In the end, it is always better to assess one’s requirement before purchasing the devices. Ultimately, one should decide his winner himself!

Recommendation for wireless router with 5GHz band

TP-LINK Archer C9: This one is our pick as the best wireless router for home as it support 802.11ac and Beamforming technology.

The 5 Differences Between Wireless Router and Access Point

Plenty of people across the world have a very tough time making a decision on whether they want to have a wireless router or an access point in their homes, office or building. The two are very different from one another despite people confusing the two on a regular basis and thinking that they are in fact the same thing.

When it comes down to it, choosing which one is not such a big deal or difficult task. Especially, if they are well aware of the differences between the two. Below are the differences between wireless router and access point. 

The 5 differences that everyone needs to know between a wireless router and access point 

Access Point is an alternation to cable.

When people are differentiating two products irrespective of the market or industry, the first thing that comes to mind is the price. People think that price is a major difference that needs consideration all the time however that does not apply in this case. A wireless router is simply a combination between router and access point. Access point on the hand is simply an alternative to cable – users connect to access point wirelessly as if they were connected by a cable.

Functionality

The second difference between the two products is access points usually come as inbuilt components once they are bought. These components are devices such as Wi-Fi network extenders and even routers. Wireless routers on the other hand are always bought by customers as standalone components or devices except from the cable which serves as the modems or the router.

 

Network settings

The third difference between the two products is if the home owner for example is the administrator of a network, they will be in a position to use a wireless router if they wish to change the settings on their network which cannot be done with access points. With access a point, the administrator does not have the power to change the network setting if they want to which is a difference.

Internet sharing

The fourth difference between the two products is that access points do not provide internet access while a wireless router can provide internet access easily. One of the biggest reasons why many home owners and businesses buy or use routers is to act as what most people refer to as an interface between private network and the internet itself. This in return allows the many computers in a building to have access to the internet at the same time. Access point on the other hand cannot do this at all and it does not have the capacity to do so because it will still need a router to be able to perform that function.

 

Number of features

The last difference between the two products is a wireless router has advanced features in it which cannot be found in access point. Apart from internet connectivity, a wireless router provides users with features that help them be secure when they access the internet online. Wireless routers also have a firewall and can perform what is known as an NAT which is designed to protect the network from the inside from outside attacks which is incredible.

If you are looking for a wireless router, you can read this post a bout best wireless router for home. It a good start for you.

Top Five Ways to Boost Home Wi-Fi

Boost Home Wi-Fi and Why?

I was watching the latest season of the Vampire Diaries on my laptop when, all of a sudden, the show came to a stop. It is very frustrating when you are in the midst of your favorite show and the network shuts down (or slows down). I tried to everything I could to restart the network but it was of no avail.

After a few days, one of my good friends told me about top 5 ways to boost home Wi-Fi which he had learned at his office. Thankfully, they are so easy tricks that anyone can try them at his home:

1. Remove all the devices that can interfere with traffic network

The best way to boost your Wi-Fi network is to install a network analyzer app to find the source of interference. Some of the appliances that might be causing the trouble are neighbor’s wireless routers, microwave ovens, security alarms, television and air conditioner remote controls, cordless telephones, automatic garage door openers and baby monitors. To reduce the interference, place your WiFi router away from these appliances and set it to a different wireless frequency and channel.

2. Boost home Wi-Fi = Playing a new Song

Most of the time, getting a faster WiFi signal is as easy as playing a new song. If you live in a townhouse complex or an apartment, you will find yourself surrounded by tens and dozens of WiFi routers. Each one is sending signals to help someone getting online. The issue is that sometimes a bunch of closely working routers can end up interfering with each other’s signals.

When that happens all you need to do is to change your router’s frequency. To help you find a good channel, you could give ViStumbler for Windows a try or you can also use WiFi Analyzer for Android platform.

3. Never Believe the Promise of your Internet Service Provider

The most important rule of Internet service is to never believe the promise your Internet service provider has made. That is where the Internet speed checker software comes in. These simple softwares easily check the network speed and converts them in an easy to understand format that highlights your upload and download speed.

4. The Soda Can Trick

Generally, a soda is something best enjoyed after a project is completed. But in this case, it is necessary to finish one even before you get started. The Aluminium in beer and soda can reflect and extend the signals further than the router itself.

All you have to do is to wash out the can. Cut around the pop top and the bottom of the can using a utility knife. However, don’t cut all the way around and leave around 2 to 3 inches of space at the top. Then, cut down the middle of the can from the bottom on the opposite side of the space. Fan out the flaps and stick one of the antennas of the router through the mouth of the can using a tape to keep it in place. It will greatly improve your signal strength and boost home Wi-Fi to the top speed.

5. Did You Update Your Firmware

It is a universal truth that running firmware updates is very time consuming. But if you have an old router, these updates make sure that your software is running at its best. And don’t forget, it is best to buy a new Internet router every five or six years.

So if you are not getting most of your WiFi Internet connection and if your service is not as fast as your service provider claims it to be, try the above mentioned five tricks to boost home Wi-Fi. You will be surprised to see the results.

And if all the above methods don’t work, it is time to purchase a new wireless router. At least the new one will help you to increase the Wi-Fi coverage.

WI-FI VS 4G: Which Consumes More Battery?

Modern technology has presented us with tools and accessories that can make our lives easier. The continuous rise in people using objects such as mobile devices and computers in their daily lives proves that there’s no going back and the future of technology is in our bare hands.

One thing that makes cellular phones, laptops, and tablets reliable is you can bring them almost anywhere. The easy access for these gadgets make it very popular among the younger generations, and its mobility and reliability are what makes it appealing to the working-class generation.

But there’s one thing that makes all these gadgets similar to one another, and that is their battery life.

The battery has been a crucial factor in making a gadget portable and has been the subject of a lot of enhancement to make it last longer. In fact, a lot of applications have been developed and programmed with a promise to save on battery consumption.

However, as much as we try to conserve our gadget’s battery, there are some applications that require a lot of power and one great example of this is our Internet connection.

A huge factor of our battery’s consumption is due to the type of internet connection we used in our gadget.

The 2 Types of Internet Connection

There are 2 types of Internet connection available in almost all mobile phones, the Data connection, and the Wireless Connection.

• Data Connection – is a type of connection where you can create your own Virtual Private Network (VPN). This can either be 4G or 3G. The main signal is coming from the main server that is distributed to your mobile phones packet.
• Wireless Connection – or known as the Wi-Fi connection. This type of connection is usually set on public and the signal is coming from a broadband service.

The difference between the 2 is in data connection, you can establish your own private network wherever you are, unlike in a Wi-Fi where the connection is depended on how strong the broadband signal is or how far is the allowable range.

Which one Consumes more Battery?

Both consumes a large portion of your battery but which one consumes more depended on the quality or strength of the forward link. Whichever gives out a poor or low-quality signal requires the higher battery consumption.

For example, if the main tower where your data signal is coming from becomes too weak to give a stable connection, then your mobile phone’s reaction is to increase its transmitter power to keep up with the weak connection. The same works with your Wi-Fi connection.

However, Wi-Fi connection tends to be more stable when it comes to connection. If you’re outside and using data, you’ll notice that it can sometimes get 3G or 4G whereas Wi-Fi at home gives you the constant same speed.

To keep it simple, a slow internet connection means more battery consumption whichever type.

Tips to Save and Monitor Battery Consumption

• If you have a wireless connection and mostly at home, then Wi-Fi is the recommended type of connection. Data can give out the unstable connection that will cause too much battery consumption.
• Use the newest Wi-Fi technology such as 802.11ac. It is best to have a wireless router like this at your home or your office.

• Always check for open apps on your phone or tablet and close it. Running apps in the background also use up battery power. Although some app says it can help you conserve power, by downloading, opt out since the only thing it can help you is close your app, something your phone can do.

• Make it a habit to check which app consumes more of your battery, some phones have battery analyzer which helps you see apps running in the background and unused apps.

Wrap Up

There’s really no way to know which one consumes more battery, your Wi-Fi or 4G, but you can always do something to conserve your battery by doing some of the tips listed above.

The Benefits of a Virtual Private Network

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are certainly among the most useful and versatile tools present for internet use. VPN service is completely reliable in provision of online security by increasing your privacy and protection against hackers. The service will allow you to geo-spoof your location hence the possibility to access region restricted websites that are only available in other countries. Basically, a Virtual Private Network achieves two technical results: one is that it cloaks and encrypts your signal, making all your online activities completely illegible to all prying eyes for instance a public Wi-Fi. Second, it manipulates your IP address making you appear to be coming from a different machine or a different location. Using a VPN service is absolutely the single top most effective measure you can put in place to perfect your online privacy and security.

The Benefits of a Virtual Private Network Service

Every other person has a different priority and we all use the internet in varied ways. VPN service bolsters your security in multiple ways to grant you a number of convenient benefits.

1. Hiding Your Internet Activities From Your ISP

VPN improves your anonymity online. Your Internet Service Provider has complete access to your browsing history. However you can enjoy the benefits of privacy in your daily life and avert this kind of inspection with the aid of a great VPN service. The VPN service will see to it that all the connections between your remote resources and devices are cloaked.

2. Confident Use of Public Wi-Fi

Public WI-Fi is terribly insecure and totally unsafe for private confidential browsing and emailing. Normally you won’t hesitate to connect to some free internet available at public places such as restaurants and cafes. A quality VPN service is a wise investment for a person seeking total confidentiality and secure logins when browsing at public Wi-Fi.

3. Stream and Access Full Netflix Content Anywhere

Copyright agreements bar streaming services like Netflix, Pandora and Amazon Prime from broadcasting all their catalog content outside the United States. For a streaming fan, a VPN service has the power to manipulate your IP address and help you unlock tons of content and enjoy a chilling moment with Netflix.

4. Get Past Your Government’s Web Censorship

Several nations have chosen to impose internet censorship and content surveillance limiting access to the world wide web. Living in such a country absolutely requires you to have a worthy VPN service that will help you bypass these restrictions.

5. Cloak Your VOIP Phone Calls

Eavesdropping over a Voice-over-internet-telephoning is relatively easy. Regular use of VOIP services like Skype or Lync definitely demands an implementation of a VPN service provision for maximum security.

6. Break Through Restrictions in a College/School/Office

Most organizations allow access to just a few internet websites forcing its subjects to an ‘Acceptable Use’ policy for browsing the web. A VPN connection service will give you the permission to tunnel out of a restrictive network. This in turn allows you to connect to the otherwise-restricted web-mail and website services.

7. Cease Search Engines from Logging Your Searches

Search engines catalog your performed web searches. This poses a risk as many people often end up in embarrassment and troubles. You will definitely want to get a VPN to avoid such troubles.

Privacy has become a basic right. If you believe so a Virtual Private Network service will probably be your best friend. While your VPN will relatively slow down your connection, it offers better good reasons to change your IP address and cloak your online activities. Do not hesitate to get a good VPN service as a basic internet security practice. And the best way to implement VPN is to have a wireless router with custom firmware.