Thanks for the suggestion. While I could use an improvement in routing performance, it would be more for future proofing than something I critically need right now. I actually could use better wireless range right now though - my current 2008-era Time Capsule's wireless range just isn't cutting it in my latest home.
I've heard lots of great things about Ubiquiti from enthusiasts. Do you have any specific recommendations on their APs? I'm wondering whether the long-range UAP-AC-LR might give me the range I need, or whether I need to suck it up and try one of the expensive mesh router options.
Whatever wireless solution you take, I would recommend to have at least 2 devices, even if it's the AC-LR product. The differerence is that with the AC-LR access point, both devices need to be wired to the network but it will give you better performance. Using a mesh network, you can have a full strong connection to the mesh router but the signal strength between the the mesh devices may not optimal and will be degraded. I already have several wired ethernet cable in most rooms, so I have several spots where I can use the AC-LR access point.
Notice:
when you shop wireless router or access point, be careful about the speed. Ubiquiti devices are not listed in the same way the competition does it. With other brand you often see AC900, AC1300, AC1900, AC3100, AC4000 and you compare the devices with those numbers.
When you look at the specs of Ubiquiti's devices, you will see a 2.4 and a 5ghz bandwidth number. The AC-LR is :
2.4ghz: 450Mbps
5: 867Mbps
If you add them up, it will give you 1317, which will now tell you that it is an AC1300 (if you need to compare to the other brands). The PRO or EDU modem is 450+1300 which is around an AC1900.
When you see AC3000 (and up) devices, it's often TWO distinct 5ghz network + the speed of the 2.4ghz.
The 5ghz network is really fast but not as wide as the 2.4ghz network. When you only have one wireless router (or access point), you will often be located outside and fall on the slower 2.4ghz band (which will sucks). Having multiple devices in your home/appartment will ensure you will be in the reach of the speedier 5ghz network.
If you need to check your current performance, you can use the OPTION key (mac keyboard)+ click the Wireless icon in the MAC toolbar, it will show you detailed information about the connection speed. It will tell you if you connected to the 2.4 band or 5ghz + the speed. If you have a macbook, you can move from room to room and inspect your coverage. If you manage to always connect to the 5ghz band with some decent speed, you have nothing to change..
Cheers
