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What access point should I buy? (self.homenetworking)

submitted 1 year ago by possiblylinux127 to c/[email protected]

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I am working on setting up internet at a new place and I have the ability to design it from almost the ground up. It needs to be cost effective.

I already have a device that will act as a router but now I need wifi

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[–] Grandsinge 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you're designing it from the ground up I recommend spending time to drop Ethernet on each floor. This way you can centralize your router and switch in a closet or basement area. This also gives you the flexibility of poe to run the access points.

I have used Unifi APs along side OPNsense for the past several years and never had an issue. There are some caveats: you do need Poe, a separate router, and a way to host the Unifi controller (I use docker).

A small 2000sq-ftish house can likely be covered by 2 APs. The last gen Unifi AC Pro can be picked up used for $30-50/unit. Check out hardwareswap on discord. You then need a small POE switch to power them and plug your router into such as a poe-8 (~$60-75 used).

[–] possiblylinux127 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I like how you think I live in a 2000 sqft house. Anyway, thanks for the help.

[–] Grandsinge 1 points 1 year ago

Huh? I just gave that as an example to help you understand how many APs you may need. The figure is a bit under the average of ~2200 SQ ft in the US.