New WiFi - Recommendations

[BJG]

We're looking to replace the old WiFi box in our office building; just a simple setup. I've been asked to look for a segregated WPA3 device where we can have separate staff/guest access. We're also considering putting the same thing in a different area, so potentially two identical boxes on separate floors (no overlap), and wondering if these should be unified/managed. Any thoughts/recommendations appreciated. Edited July 31, 2024 by BJG

[Norphy]

So you don't have any Enterprise RADIUS Wifi authentication schemes, they're just PSKs? You want two SSIDs, one for guest and one for office.

 

Are these devices just wireless access points or are they internet gateways/routers as well? Do you have managed switches that handle VLANs?

 

As for the unified/managed question, I'd say have a unified system as you'll be able to manage them from a single pane of glass and have a single admin credential for both of them. Makes life easier, even if it is just for two plus it makes adding more on later easier as well.

 

Recommendations for hardware: Depends on your budget. Aruba InstantOns are good. I've not used Unifi but it's good value and probably good enough for what you want as well. Same goes for TPLink Omada hardware. Meraki if you're feeling flush, or an Aruba Instant cluster (different to InstantOn), or Ruckus.

[Dos_Box]

Moving to the Wireless Networks forum. Edited July 31, 2024 by Dos_Box

[Rob_D]

I've got Aruba instant-on at home and it's been great.

Unifi would also be good for everything you want, but it's a bit more setup.

[MisterTechMan]

Personally I would go down the Unifi/TPLINK Omada route. Both have the options to configure a guest network.

 

You can get an Omada AP for around ~£100, They can be set up as standalone devices or they can be centrally managed if you install the controller software.

 

We have approx 6 SSID's brodcasting at any one time and have not had any issues.

[localzuk]

I've got a TP-Link Omada AP at home, and can recommend them for small deployments, for sure. Ran Unifi wifi in one of my old schools, also can recommend.

 

Personal view of Aruba? Its overpriced. Its UI is poor in comparison to Unifi, and costs 3-4x the price.

[Rob_D]

I've got a TP-Link Omada AP at home, and can recommend them for small deployments, for sure. Ran Unifi wifi in one of my old schools, also can recommend.

Personal view of Aruba? Its overpriced. Its UI is poor in comparison to Unifi, and costs 3-4x the price.

 

I'd agree with you for a full enterprise scale deployment, but for a small 1-2 AP small office/home style installation like the OP is talking about, they're pretty similar. The instant-on APs might be slightly more expensive (like £10-15 more on an approx. £100 AP. on amazon), but I found the instant-on UI easier and quicker to set up a small 1 AP, 2 SSID installation than Unifi.

[Tefters]

Just go Ubiquiti. Cheap, simple and very efficient.

 

If you ever had any doubts / concerns then their latest YouTube video will show you a large scale example

 

Also just coming back from holiday I have seen Ubiquiti everywhere in 2 major airports, both UK and abroad.

 

Makes me feel better everyday that I took the gamble years ago and their software/hardware just keeps on improving.