Ubiquiti Networks reloads 802.11ac with new access points

Since the 802.11ac standard for wireless networking was ratified back in 2013, enterprises have been in the midst of deploying the new, faster access points. Historically, these upgrade cycles span 4-5 years before a previous standard (802.11n in this case) phases out, and a future standard is released. However, if one assumes an approximate 5-year life cycle in WiFi gear before upgrading to the next standard, budgeting for enterprise level APs begins to resemble a new car purchase for many businesses -- and that's not even counting ongoing licencing costs!

Ubiquiti Networks flies in the face of those traditionally expensive models, positioning themselves as the price-disruptive solution to enterprise wireless systems. Currently, their indoor 802.11ac access point (the Unifi AP AC) retails for just under $300, and with no licensing, antennas, or extra power supply needed, it's by far the cheapest enterprise 802.11ac option (per AP) out there.

Ubiquiti now announces even more options when it comes to their 802.11ac portfolio, with the addition of four new AP models to the product line: UAP-AC-LITE, UAP-AC-LR, UAP-AC-PRO, UAP-AC-EDU. The below chart compares these new models, along with Ubiquiti's 1st generation of AC access points.


Perhaps the most noteworthy innovation in these new models is the addition of a loud speaker / PA system on the UAP-AC-EDU unit. This allows users to make announcements over WiFi without the use of any additional hardware - a very useful feature for K-12 deployments, or anywhere else where intercoms are regularly used. Furthermore, 802.11ac can now be had for only $89.00 in the UAP-AC-LITE.

It's worth mentioning that when compared to other enterprise solutions, Ubiquiti doesn't offer as many configuration options or support. Admins managing Ubiquiti hardware will do well to book mark community.ubnt.com for any configuration assistance. The forum is quite active, and Ubiquiti fans are generally eager to help out their fellow users. Having a wireless professional in your back pocket to call upon is also a good idea in case the forums fall flat in resolving any issues you encounter.

Some frown on Ubiquiti's lack of official support for their products, but if budgets are tight, and breaking into 802.11ac speeds is a primary need, UBNT is certainly a viable option for may businesses that couldn't otherwise afford the technology. Because mixing 802.11xx standards on your network generally yields undesirable results, it can become particularly expensive to replace ALL of your 802.11n APs. Ubiquiti's cost savings is even more pronounced when businesses need to consider upgrading multiple APs.

The new line of access points is expected to reach distributors and be available for purchase over the course of the next two months.

Announcing Ubiquiti Unifi AP Giveaway Contest

Those interested in enterprise WiFi networking are invited to enter a new contest held by Copper Wireless.  Contestants have the opportunity to win one of three Ubiquiti UniFi® Access Points: a UAP, a UAP-Pro, or a UAP-AC by subscribing to the company’s newsletter.

The contest is being held to bring attention to Ubiquiti UniFi Enterprise Wireless equipment as well as new retail websites, copperwifi.com and UBNT-wifi.com, both managed by Copper Wireless.

When asked about the contest, John Blount, owner, had this to say about why people should enter:

“Copper Wireless, LLC is excited to hold this contest and get the word out about the Unifi solution to enterprise wireless networking. They really have a strong offering to bring to the market and at a pretty disruptive price-point as compared to the competition.”

Winners will be chosen based on random drawing and all winners will be announced on May 29, 2015. Those who are interested can sign up for the contest via the company website. Deadline for entry is May 28, 2015.

Website: www.copperwifi.com

Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Controller (3.2.1) - Adding Custom Maps (video)

Today we have another video up on the CopperWiFi.com YouTube channel.  This time it's a quick walkthrough on how to add a custom map to you UniFi controller.  John shows us the simple process, step-by-step.

As always, comments and questions are welcome, either here or on YouTube.  Thanks for watching!

Ubiquiti UniFi Controller (3.2.1) - Initial Setup and Installation (video)

Need help setting up your Ubiquiti UniFi AP?  John is back (this time without Meeka) to show a quick walkthrough of setup and installation of a UniFi AP on the controller using UniFi version 3.2.1.

John shows where to download the software and the simple installation process including how to find the AP on the controller and set up a guest network in a less than five minute video.  He used a Mac Mini for our walkthrough.

If you have any questions at all or just want to say hi, post them in the comments either here or on the YouTube page.  Don't forget to subscribe to CopperWiFi.com on YouTube!

Ubiquiti: Simple, Fast, Enterprise Wireless

In searching for an Enterprise wireless solution there are a number of factors to consider.  Some may be looking for security features, others best coverage for high-density clients and everyone wants to know how to handle people that bring their own devices (BYOD).  Each manufacturer brings a lot of features, software and custom reporting to the table.

Say you just need a couple APs (or many more) to create a single wireless network and don't really care about advanced features, support or even next day replacement in case of a failure?  If this sounds like you, I'd suggest taking a hard look at Ubiquiti Unifi.  Being a solution provider as well as a reseller, our company can tell when a customer is just looking for basic features and will probably never log into the controller to see whats going on.  In these cases we almost always look at Unifi.

So what are you getting with a Unifi system?
- Low cost wireless APs
- A line up of products to meet client density and placement demands (Indoor/Outdoor)
- A company that keeps up with the latest developments.  802.11ac
- Support is based on a community of users.  community.ubnt.com
- No recurring licensing costs
- Basic features that will get you by.

What are you not getting?
- Support.  If you are going to need help configuring your system and possibly integrating it into other systems on site you may want to look at another manufacturer.
- Replacement.  Say an AP stops working.  Either have one on hand (probably a good idea) or just buy another one and wait for it to get in.
- Native integration for other systems.

One thing to consider is treating your wireless as an extension of the LAN (we hope you are already doing this).  Some customers who take this approach are finding they can purchase an enterprise router/gateway and VLAN group policies directly to a wireless SSID.  Essentially bridging all traffic and allowing the router to handle the heavy lifting for AAA services.  In the near future, I will be creating a post about mixing a Meraki MX60 and Ubiquiti Unifi 802.11ac to handle a number of policy based authentication types.