I have now converted my whole home network into the UniFi system. Today, I have conducted WiFi speed test throughout my home using Xfinity internet speed test. I am fairly satisfied with the result. Is it perfect? Not quite.
What’s UniFi?
In short, this is a network ecosystem with wide range of products including multiple form factor and specification of access points, network switches, and routers. Although these units can function as a standalone unit with other brand, UniFi products really have their value when monitored/configured under UniFi controller. Although Ubiquiti, manufacture of UniFi, advertise UniFi as enterprise products, these products fit nicely in a various size of home for its function as well as price. You can read my first review about UniFi here.
Home Setup
My home is 3800 sqft ranch style house with ground level and a walkout basement. I have asymmetric 1 Gbps download/40 Mbps upload Xfinity cable internet service. At router, I got peak download speed of 940 Mbps though this can vary time of day.
Although my early setup of one nanoHD and one HD had sufficient coverage of almost entire home with 2.4 GHz, I thought I could use power over ethernet (POE) supplied switch to have more cleaner setup in the kitchen. Also, ground level dining room at the NW corner lacked significant internet connection even though we rarely use internet in this area. But for completeness sake, I’ve decided to purchase IW-HD as provides a dual role of access point for wider 5 GHz coverage and 4 ethernet ports. So my current set up consist of:
- Dream Machine Pro (Router, Controller)
- USW-24-PoE Gen 2 (POE switch)
- 3 Access Points
All three access points (AP) are connected to UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDMP) via cat 6 ethernet cable. The placement of AP are somewhat limited based on where Ethernet jack are. Using UniFi web OS (controller app)’s coverage heat map function and our primary use area, I’ve positioned 3 units throughout my home.
2.4 GHz Ground 
5 GHz Ground 
2.4 GHz Basement 
5 GHz Basement