ProSoundWeb Community
Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => LAB: The Classic Live Audio Board => Topic started by: Guy Morris on October 15, 2018, 01:20:49 PM
-
Hi
The time has come to upgrade my Wi Fi routers for use on the desks. I currently have Netgear and Linksys units but they are now 4 years old and coverage can be hit or miss at times (we all know how it drops just when you need it the other side of the room!) especially when it's conference, or all the social media fanatics uploading every selfie going!
2.4 or 5 or Dual which is regarded as best these days and what is regarded as the best available in 2018 for coverage and a reliable link for this purpose (specs change so quickly)
Thanks
Guy
-
Hi
The time has come to upgrade my Wi Fi routers for use on the desks. I currently have Netgear and Linksys units but they are now 4 years old and coverage can be hit or miss at times (we all know how it drops just when you need it the other side of the room!) especially when it's conference, or all the social media fanatics uploading every selfie going!
2.4 or 5 or Dual which is regarded as best these days and what is regarded as the best available in 2018 for coverage and a reliable link for this purpose (specs change so quickly)
Thanks
Guy
I have been using Linksys routers with my QU-16 and 24 for the past four years and have had no problems with dropped signal while in a venue.
As far as losing signal I made a mounting system to affix the router I am using to the top of a mic stand. I usually use a round base stand which will raise the router approximately 5'6" which is all that I have needed.
I can use a tripod/boom mic stand to get it "way up there" if need be.
I have had no problem what-so-ever with signal in venues.
I will try to upload a picture.
-
Hi
The time has come to upgrade my Wi Fi routers for use on the desks. I currently have Netgear and Linksys units but they are now 4 years old and coverage can be hit or miss at times (we all know how it drops just when you need it the other side of the room!) especially when it's conference, or all the social media fanatics uploading every selfie going!
2.4 or 5 or Dual which is regarded as best these days and what is regarded as the best available in 2018 for coverage and a reliable link for this purpose (specs change so quickly)
Thanks
Guy
Ruckus access points are hard to beat, especially in congested WiFi areas. I currently a have long discontinued but trusty 7363 sat FOH in the dog box. Back stage is about 50m away and stagemix on an ipad there is rock solid.
These are access points not routers so they may not have a DHCP server and they may require POE. Personally, for Yamaha desk control, I just use a static IP on the ipad. They're expensive new but plenty of bargains on ebay.
-
Brand name is meaningless. Linksys offers such a range of devices from utter crap to decent, you can't rely on the brand name to determine your needs.
Now, when designing your WIFI network, it's important to know what you actually need. Most consumer grade devices are 3 in ones. They are a router, a DHCP server and a wireless access point. If you are not connecting your gear to the internet, or another network, you don't need a router. If you statically assign the IP addresses on all of your devices, you do not need a DHCP server. That leaves you with needing only an access point.
With WIFI, you need to realize that no matter where you go, you're likely competing with other devices and making it work reliably can be quite a challenge. Putting a single access point up and cranking up the power is usually NOT the best method. Consumer grade routers work fine in the home, but they do not handle it well when you get in a room with hundreds of people.
What I've found to work best is to get the access point as close as I can to where I need it. I used to use Airport expresses and put one at FOH, one at monitor world, and sometimes one opposite side of the stage, all connected via ethernet cables. Since I'm running a line to FOH, adding another piece of cat5 to the run is no big deal.
The Airport express was handy, but is now discontinued. For simple installs, I've had really good luck with with the Ubiquity Unifi line of access points. It's very handy that they work with POE so all I need is an ethernet cable and I can drop an access point wherever I need it. Their software is pretty powerful in monitoring interference, although I haven't had any trouble in live work with them.
-
"With WIFI, you need to realize that no matter where you go, you're likely competing with other devices and making it work reliably can be quite a challenge. Putting a single access point up and cranking up the power is usually NOT the best method. Consumer grade routers work fine in the home, but they do not handle it well when you get in a room with hundreds of people."
Also your device in hand has consumer grade Transceivers. So best to use Dual band and get up in the 5 gig also.
I have also been ensuring bluetooth is turned off for the devices in hand to control other items. Digital mixers or DMX lighting.
Follow antenna Rule 1/4 wavelength away from other wireless.
-
I got one of the Ubiquiti Unifi Indoor/Outdoor AP jobs recently and am pretty impressed with its range. It is dual band and has mesh capabilities if you want to add more APs. I rigged it up to a little clamp and can easily get it up over peoples heads. POE, no DHCP.
https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-UAP-AC-M-US-Unifi-Access-Point/dp/B01N9FIELY (https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-UAP-AC-M-US-Unifi-Access-Point/dp/B01N9FIELY)
Hi
The time has come to upgrade my Wi Fi routers for use on the desks. I currently have Netgear and Linksys units but they are now 4 years old and coverage can be hit or miss at times (we all know how it drops just when you need it the other side of the room!) especially when it's conference, or all the social media fanatics uploading every selfie going!
2.4 or 5 or Dual which is regarded as best these days and what is regarded as the best available in 2018 for coverage and a reliable link for this purpose (specs change so quickly)
Thanks
Guy
-
Another Ubiquiti user. Even though I have a ton of UniFi stuff, I use a NanoStation M5 for this work. Even though it is designed more as a bridge device, it can be configured for everything you need for this application and has been 100% reliable.
-
Another Ubiquiti user. Even though I have a ton of UniFi stuff, I use a NanoStation M5 for this work. Even though it is designed more as a bridge device, it can be configured for everything you need for this application and has been 100% reliable.
+1 for the unifi stuff... also l-com makes some great accessories ... engenius also makes great stuff
-
Engenius also makes great stuff
I've been using EnGenius ENS500EXTs as WAPs with static IPs on the (QL1/5) console and iPads and they're very reliable, placed on top of a fully extended boom arm mic stand with a Sampson mic clip.
-
I'm in the process of getting another wireless router to replace the current/outdated one that I have. While doing some research, I came across this in this thread:
Brand name is meaningless. Linksys offers such a range of devices from utter crap to decent, you can't rely on the brand name to determine your needs.
Now, when designing your WIFI network, it's important to know what you actually need. Most consumer grade devices are 3 in ones. They are a router, a DHCP server and a wireless access point. If you are not connecting your gear to the internet, or another network, you don't need a router. If you statically assign the IP addresses on all of your devices, you do not need a DHCP server. That leaves you with needing only an access point.
With WIFI, you need to realize that no matter where you go, you're likely competing with other devices and making it work reliably can be quite a challenge. Putting a single access point up and cranking up the power is usually NOT the best method. Consumer grade routers work fine in the home, but they do not handle it well when you get in a room with hundreds of people.
What I've found to work best is to get the access point as close as I can to where I need it. I used to use Airport expresses and put one at FOH, one at monitor world, and sometimes one opposite side of the stage, all connected via ethernet cables. Since I'm running a line to FOH, adding another piece of cat5 to the run is no big deal.
The Airport express was handy, but is now discontinued. For simple installs, I've had really good luck with with the Ubiquity Unifi line of access points. It's very handy that they work with POE so all I need is an ethernet cable and I can drop an access point wherever I need it. Their software is pretty powerful in monitoring interference, although I haven't had any trouble in live work with them.
What sparked my interest was this:
https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-UAP-AC-M-US-Unifi-Access-Point/dp/B01N9FIELY
I've been trying to find how to set up the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-M-US for use with my qu-16 with no success. How would I go about doing this? Do I still need a wireless router?
The reason why I ask about still needing a router is that on the Amazon page for this product, in the Q & A portion, someone asked if they still needed a router and the response was yes. I'm new to this concept of just a single AP for my mixer and by my logic, I would assume a router would not be necessary. Please correct me if I'm wrong and point me in the right direction.
TIA.....
-
I'm in the process of getting another wireless router to replace the current/outdated one that I have. While doing some research, I came across this in this thread:
What sparked my interest was this:
https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-UAP-AC-M-US-Unifi-Access-Point/dp/B01N9FIELY
I've been trying to find how to set up the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-M-US for use with my qu-16 with no success. How would I go about doing this? Do I still need a wireless router?
The reason why I ask about still needing a router is that on the Amazon page for this product, in the Q & A portion, someone asked if they still needed a router and the response was yes. I'm new to this concept of just a single AP for my mixer and by my logic, I would assume a router would not be necessary. Please correct me if I'm wrong and point me in the right direction.
TIA.....
So, tell us how you set it up?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
-
So, tell us how you set it up?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
What I meant was that there was no resource online on how to set it up with a digital mixer.
I have not purchased the Ubiquiti yet. If I can find out how to set it up without purchasing another router, then I'll buy it. If not, I'm basically just going to buy hopefully a router that any of you could recommend.
-
https://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,141876.0.html
https://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,158019.0.html
Routers direct traffic when devices are not on the same network. You do not need a router.
-
What I meant was that there was no resource online on how to set it up with a digital mixer.
I have not purchased the Ubiquiti yet. If I can find out how to set it up without purchasing another router, then I'll buy it. If not, I'm basically just going to buy hopefully a router that any of you could recommend.
From what I’ve heard and my limited experience with Ubiquiti gear they are happiest with a dhcp server in the network thought its not absolutely requires. Many devices that include a router also include a dhcp server.
-
https://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,141876.0.html
https://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,158019.0.html
Routers direct traffic when devices are not on the same network. You do not need a router.
Thanks Tim. That's what I needed to hear. Ubiquity ordered......
I'll let you guys know how the setup/operation goes when I receive it
-
I've been using EnGenius ENS500EXTs as WAPs with static IPs on the (QL1/5) console and iPads and they're very reliable, placed on top of a fully extended boom arm mic stand with a Sampson mic clip.
You can turn on a DHCP server in this stand alone access point were you cannot in many others. This is the AP I use at events of 50k plus with no issues.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
-
You can turn on a DHCP server in this stand alone access point were you cannot in many others. This is the AP I use at events of 50k plus with no issues.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
I started struggling with the same lately with the companys routers so I went in the basement and blew some dust off a very old router I had lying which only has one antenna, which is detachable, and ordered a directive 9dBi (so it says at least) antenna which I can elevate (since I have about 1m low-loss cable going to it) and point towards the stage or wherever from FoH, or the other way around. In open field it got me 40% better coverage at least, and on the jobs I'm working with a much stronger signal than before.
-
I always used a Linksys home-gamer unit buried in the rack. This gives you local access thats always on. Then I used a Ubiquity WAP for coverage.
This was a great option for me, because for small stuff, or maintainence you didn't have to set up the WAP, but if you were at a festival on a college campus in the middle of a downtown area, the ubiquity would be able to blast through all the noise and get you solid control.
-
Never mind....I got it.
-
Never mind....I got it.
Well, I thought I had it. Anyway, here is what is going on...
I received my Ubiquiti Unifi AC Mesh (UAP-AC-M) today. I set the app up on my iPad and tried to set up the AP for my Qu-16. I can connect for all of 30 seconds and the AP drops from my wifi list. If I'm not mistaken, I thought I could just use this AP (NO ROUTER NEEDED) for mixing wirelessly, but I can't even connect for more than a minute.
Please be gentle, but how do I set a static IP between my Qu-16 and my iPad through the AP? Its late at night here where I'm at and I'm getting a little frustrated....
-
Well, I thought I had it. Anyway, here is what is going on...
I received my Ubiquiti Unifi AC Mesh (UAP-AC-M) today. I set the app up on my iPad and tried to set up the AP for my Qu-16. I can connect for all of 30 seconds and the AP drops from my wifi list. If I'm not mistaken, I thought I could just use this AP (NO ROUTER NEEDED) for mixing wirelessly, but I can't even connect for more than a minute.
Please be gentle, but how do I set a static IP between my Qu-16 and my iPad through the AP? Its late at night here where I'm at and I'm getting a little frustrated....
You've discovered one of the (mercifully few) anti-features of the UniFi gear. By default, all UniFi APs have a "connectivity monitor" enabled that looks for a valid gateway, and shuts off the Wi-Fi side of the AP if it doesn't find it. Disabling this is a simple checkbox in the desktop software (not sure about the iPad app) but until this "feature" is disabled Wi-Fi isn't going to work.
(No, I've never been burned by this before, what would make you think that? ...) :)
-Russ
-
Specifically, check the Uplink Connectivity Monitor on the Site tab of Unifi Controller
You've discovered one of the (mercifully few) anti-features of the UniFi gear. By default, all UniFi APs have a "connectivity monitor" enabled that looks for a valid gateway, and shuts off the Wi-Fi side of the AP if it doesn't find it. Disabling this is a simple checkbox in the desktop software (not sure about the iPad app) but until this "feature" is disabled Wi-Fi isn't going to work.
(No, I've never been burned by this before, what would make you think that? ...) :)
-Russ
-
I am big fan of the Apple Airport Express to hand out IP addresses and the Ubiquiti Mesh Pro for an AP. We have used this setup for 2 years without fail.
Bill
-
https://www.ui.com/unifi/unifi-ap-ac-lr/
https://www.ui.com/edgemax/edgerouter-x/
add a 24vdc power supply to power the router & for POE of the AP
-
https://www.ui.com/unifi/unifi-ap-ac-lr/
https://www.ui.com/edgemax/edgerouter-x/
add a 24vdc power supply to power the router & for POE of the AP
That is pretty much what I have at home.
Jesse doesn't need the Edge Router as he's not sending traffic between multiple networks.
-
I’m fortunate enough to have been a networking nerd before dhcp. If you are creating a network without dhcp you’ll need to set an ip on each device. Have a hunt on YouTube, once you get your head around the basics you’ll be better off setting up tricky situations.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
So this is the deal:
I tried setting up the Unifi AC Mesh as a standalone AP for my Qu-16. I was led to believe that I could set it up with a router but that the router was not needed for the AP/operating aspect. I can set up the two bands (SSID'S and passwords) through a router from the iPad app. But once I use it directly with the Qu-16 it drops out (due to the connectivity monitor as pointed out in an above post).
I tried downloading the software specific to the unit onto my computer and that went ok. After the download, when I try to open the program, I keep getting a 'bad certificate' error message. I cannot find a 'connectivity monitor' setting on the iPad app.
What am I missing/doing wrong? I took a break from setting it up for awhile due to frustration and other things popping up.
Can anybody help me/point me in the right direction? Google and Youtube didn't help as this is a specific application (AP for a digital mixer)..........
TIA....
-
So this is the deal:
I tried setting up the Unifi AC Mesh as a standalone AP for my Qu-16. I was led to believe that I could set it up with a router but that the router was not needed for the AP/operating aspect. I can set up the two bands (SSID'S and passwords) through a router from the iPad app. But once I use it directly with the Qu-16 it drops out (due to the connectivity monitor as pointed out in an above post).
I tried downloading the software specific to the unit onto my computer and that went ok. After the download, when I try to open the program, I keep getting a 'bad certificate' error message. I cannot find a 'connectivity monitor' setting on the iPad app.
What am I missing/doing wrong? I took a break from setting it up for awhile due to frustration and other things popping up.
Can anybody help me/point me in the right direction? Google and Youtube didn't help as this is a specific application (AP for a digital mixer)..........
TIA....
Did you set your IP's manually?
A digital mixer is no different than any other IP enabled app.
You are setting up a LAN that doesn't have a connection to the Internet.
Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk
-
Did you set your IP's manually?
A digital mixer is no different than any other IP enabled app.
- Yes, I tried/did. Due to the 'connectivity monitor' feature, it didn't connect.
You are setting up a LAN that doesn't have a connection to the Internet.
- From what I was led to believe:
https://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,141876.0.html
https://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/topic,158019.0.html
Routers direct traffic when devices are not on the same network. You do not need a router.
From what I’ve heard and my limited experience with Ubiquiti gear they are happiest with a dhcp server in the network thought its not absolutely requires. Many devices that include a router also include a dhcp server.
-
After the download, when I try to open the program, I keep getting a 'bad certificate' error message.
This is normal and expected. Do whatever you need to do in your browser to get past this error.
The UniFi configuration software spins up a small web server on your computer which (as you noticed) you access with your web browser. Your browser will attempt a secure connection, but UniFi is unable to provide a valid certificate (since you can't create a valid certificate for localhost). While I'd never suggest it under any other circumstances, in this instance you are expected to ignore the security warning and proceed into the UniFi software. (Incidentally, despite the warning, you're still effectively operating securely because you're only accessing your own computer, so it's nearly impossible for someone to evesdrop on you.)
-Russ
-
This is normal and expected. Do whatever you need to do in your browser to get past this error.
The UniFi configuration software spins up a small web server on your computer which (as you noticed) you access with your web browser. Your browser will attempt a secure connection, but UniFi is unable to provide a valid certificate (since you can't create a valid certificate for localhost). While I'd never suggest it under any other circumstances, in this instance you are expected to ignore the security warning and proceed into the UniFi software. (Incidentally, despite the warning, you're still effectively operating securely because you're only accessing your own computer, so it's nearly impossible for someone to evesdrop on you.)
-Russ
Russ-
I attempted to try this again tonight. Not happening. How do I make the AP ‘visible’ on my laptop so I can configure it? I tried all sorts of connection combinations but it’s not showing. Is there another download that I need? Do I need to purchase another component. I was under the impression that I could set this up pretty directly.
-
I attempted to try this again tonight. Not happening. How do I make the AP ‘visible’ on my laptop so I can configure it? I tried all sorts of connection combinations but it’s not showing. Is there another download that I need? Do I need to purchase another component. I was under the impression that I could set this up pretty directly.
UniFi products were designed with IT professionals in mind. They are remarkably powerful for their price-point, but they are not what I would call "end-user friendly". Once configured properly they have a very good track-record in our industry, but they have basically no auto-configuration and (as you've discovered) what I consider to be some fairly insane defaults.
A show network with a UniFi AP and no DHCP server can work really well once it's been properly configured; I just hope no one suggested to you that setting this up would necessarily be easy...
That being said, I have two questions:
- What hardware setup were you using initially to configure the AP through the app?
- What hardware setup are you trying to use to configure the AP from your laptop?
-Russ
-
Sorry to bring up an old thread but I finally bit the bullet and bought an EdgerouterX. I wanted to get this thing set up hopefully before the new year since I have the time now. I tried searching the forums for a detailed way to set this up for use with an AC Mesh I purchased previously for a direct wifi connection/ap to my M32R/X32 rack but got very vague results. I took a quick look at the software but don't know where to begin.
Can anyone help? Thanks very much in advance......
-
This isn't as straightforward as one might think.
In (very) short:
EdgerouterX: use the built-in web config page (login: ubnt/ubnt) and use one of the preconfigured templates.
For the AC mesh you have to use the Unifi Controller software. Leave the mesh on DHCP, and only configure the SSID and security (WPA2 aes).
-
This isn't as straightforward as one might think.
My experience with the Ubiquity routers and access points is exactly that. Once you figure out where they hid the settings, you can make it work, but it's certainly not a system that was designed for the novice user.
-
***CONNECTION MONITOR BS***
(No, I've never been burned by this before, what would make you think that? ...) :)
-Russ
Me neither, pfft like that would ever happen. . .but the setting is currently located in UniFi Controller>Settings>System Settings>Controller Configuration>Uplink Connectivity Monitor
It should be set to off.
or you can do what I did and get a USG (UniFi router) which will also give you DHCP on your network.
-
Sorry to bring up an old thread but I finally bit the bullet and bought an EdgerouterX. I wanted to get this thing set up hopefully before the new year since I have the time now. I tried searching the forums for a detailed way to set this up for use with an AC Mesh I purchased previously for a direct wifi connection/ap to my M32R/X32 rack but got very vague results. I took a quick look at the software but don't know where to begin.
Can anyone help? Thanks very much in advance......
Return the Edgerouter and get a USG that configured through unifi controller, you will be much happier. Snag a cloud key to run unifi controller are you will have made your life much much easier.
-
Return the Edgerouter and get a USG that configured through unifi controller, you will be much happier. Snag a cloud key to run unifi controller are you will have made your life much much easier.
I have to disagree; if Ubiquiti made an Edge-version of their APs (i.e. with an on-board http-based configuration interface) I'd switch to them in a heartbeat, especially for show/production networks. I find UniFi Controller to be a pain for small deployments (both philosophically and in operation), and Cloud Key is only really useful if you have Internet access (and don't mind that your network is now at the mercy of the whims of the "cloud"). I'm willing to put up with UniFi for APs because the hardware is consistently very good and I very rarely reconfigure them, but needing to keep UniFi Controller around and running on something (let alone Internet access) for something like a DHCP server is a non-starter for me.
Jesse, honestly, if you aren't comfortable configuring an EdgeRouterX, I'd suggest you either (a) bone up on your networking knowledge until you become comfortable (because, let's face it, IT is the way our industry is headed) or (b) hire someone to do the initial configuration for you. Either way, once you're up and running, every device in the EdgeRouter lineup I've used has been very capable and very stable (and, critically, can be easily re-configured with just a web browser).
-Russ
-
I have to disagree; if Ubiquiti made an Edge-version of their APs (i.e. with an on-board http-based configuration interface) I'd switch to them in a heartbeat, especially for show/production networks. I find UniFi Controller to be a pain for small deployments (both philosophically and in operation), and Cloud Key is only really useful if you have Internet access (and don't mind that your network is now at the mercy of the whims of the "cloud"). I'm willing to put up with UniFi for APs because the hardware is consistently very good and I very rarely reconfigure them, but needing to keep UniFi Controller around and running on something (let alone Internet access) for something like a DHCP server is a non-starter for me.
Jesse, honestly, if you aren't comfortable configuring an EdgeRouterX, I'd suggest you either (a) bone up on your networking knowledge until you become comfortable (because, let's face it, IT is the way our industry is headed) or (b) hire someone to do the initial configuration for you. Either way, once you're up and running, every device in the EdgeRouter lineup I've used has been very capable and very stable (and, critically, can be easily re-configured with just a web browser).
-Russ
Russell,
I'm comfortable in attempting to set up the EdgerouterX, just not experienced with networking/Ubiquity software. Besides music, my full time job is a owner/technician at an auto repair shop. Although networking and cars are apples/oranges, I do believe I have a good amount of technical prowess when it comes to figuring things out. This will obviously be my first time setting up an EdgerouterX and I am however, willing to give it a try knowing that there is quite a learning curve. I feel that the benefits of what the Ubiquiti EdgerouterX/AC mesh setup has to offer outweighs the 'set up hassle'.
I posted here to see if there are any 'shortcuts' or tips that anyone can give that would help speed up the process of setting this up. I reached out previously to another member here but some how lost touch.
I appreciate any advice/help that anyone has to offer.....
jess
-
I'm comfortable in attempting to set up the EdgerouterX, just not experienced with networking/Ubiquity software.
[...]
I appreciate any advice/help that anyone has to offer.....
[...]
Great! I don't have a setup procedure per se (it seems like every time I'm setting up one of these devices it's to do something different!), but here's what I can think of off the top of my head:
- The ER-X (and, I believe, all EdgeRouters) has both a version 1 and version 2 firmware that are supported and up-to-date; I'm still a version 1 guy myself, but I think version 2 is finally stable now. Either way, the first thing you should do with your device is to make sure it's running an up-to-date firmware
- Then, start by figuring out what exactly you want to achieve with your device. For example, if you're just looking for a glorified switch that hands out IP addresses then you can probably skip most of the initial setup steps (which tend to be focused on using the device as a NAT firewall/router)
- The documentation on Ubiquiti's website tends to be quite good, but doesn't necessarily spend a lot of time explaining why you're doing something
- ...which is information you should definitely be seeking out yourself; I would suggest that you don't do anything on your device (even if you read it in the documentation) if you don't understand why you're doing it
- UniFi-based equipment is basically never managed using a text interface, while there are some tasks on the EdgeRouter that can really only be achieved on the command line; that said, even on an EdgeRouter, almost everything you're looking to do (and everything after initial setup is complete) should be available in the http-based interface
Of course, if you have any specific questions feel free to ask them here!
Have fun!
-Russ
-
I have to disagree; if Ubiquiti made an Edge-version of their APs (i.e. with an on-board http-based configuration interface) I'd switch to them in a heartbeat, especially for show/production networks. I find UniFi Controller to be a pain for small deployments (both philosophically and in operation), and Cloud Key is only really useful if you have Internet access (and don't mind that your network is now at the mercy of the whims of the "cloud"). I'm willing to put up with UniFi for APs because the hardware is consistently very good and I very rarely reconfigure them, but needing to keep UniFi Controller around and running on something (let alone Internet access) for something like a DHCP server is a non-starter for me.
-Russ
I cannot scream this loud enough.
Requiring internet access to configure a network device is also non-starter for me. In the world of production, internet access on isolated audio networks simply doesn't happen.
-
I cannot scream this loud enough.
Requiring internet access to configure a network device is also non-starter for me. In the world of production, internet access on isolated audio networks simply doesn't happen.
Internet access isn't required to configure UniFi. The uplink connectivity monitor stops unconnected APs from broadcasting an SSID if it can't reach the default gateway, generally a USG. You can install a USG or turn the feature off. If you're building out a mesh network this prevents your device from connecting to an AP that's doesn't have network access. It's a solid feature that prevents much frustration.
Imaging having a wirelessly uplinked mesh AP that you can connect your device to, with the correct SSID but it's not actually on your network.
I have to disagree; if Ubiquiti made an Edge-version of their APs (i.e. with an on-board http-based configuration interface) I'd switch to them in a heartbeat, especially for show/production networks. I find UniFi Controller to be a pain for small deployments (both philosophically and in operation), and Cloud Key is only really useful if you have Internet access (and don't mind that your network is now at the mercy of the whims of the "cloud"). I'm willing to put up with UniFi for APs because the hardware is consistently very good and I very rarely reconfigure them, but needing to keep UniFi Controller around and running on something (let alone Internet access) for something like a DHCP server is a non-starter for me.
...snip...
-Russ
You can configure multiple sites on a cloud key and use the same cloud key to locally manage various show networks. Cloud key runs unifi controller and also provides tablet and phone access. All my configuration data for may various networks is in one spot with the cloud key, rather than having to configure and manage multiple edgerouter configurations. Using cloud key, I can even change network settings offline and it will update the rest of the hardware in that network when I plug it in. I've fond it to be really handy.
The added UniFi protect features are nice, as well. It's a pretty robust sculpting, for me.
-
[...] You can configure multiple sites on a cloud key and use the same cloud key to locally manage various show networks. Cloud key runs unifi controller and also provides tablet and phone access. All my configuration data for may various networks is in one spot with the cloud key, rather than having to configure and manage multiple edgerouter configurations. Using cloud key, I can even change network settings offline and it will update the rest of the hardware in that network when I plug it in. I've fond it to be really handy. [...]
It's been a while since I'd given the Cloud Key a look, and I can definitely see the appeal of a stand-alone UniFi Controller. For my tastes, though, I'd still rather be interacting with individual components.
The last significant production network I designed had four or five EdgeRouter-*s strewn across a site and linked with point-to-multipoint AirMax; each ER was responsible for handling NAT and DHCP for at least one of its own "local" networks, plus routing to and from a couple site-wide networks over the AirMax links. Of the the several UniFi APs in the design I think only two of them actually shared a configuration.
That, for me, is actually the reason I prefer on-device management. UniFi is a great tool if you want to do a lot of the same thing: if you have a couple dozen APs to configure, and they're all getting basically the same configuration, UniFi is a huge time-saver. If every piece of gear you're using is getting a different configuration (which is where I usually find myself) then for me I find the added headaches of having to setup UniFi (including the dreaded "can't adopt device because its firmware is too old; can't update device firmware because its firmware is too old") aren't outweighed by the benefits of a single web configuration interface.
Basically, even my big networks are really just a bunch of small networks, and I don't feel like I derive much benefit from centralized management if I'm creating individual configurations for every single device anyway.
-Russ
-
Internet access isn't required to configure UniFi.
My quote wasn't specific to any one product. It was more of a general statement, as I have on more than one occasion returned equipment that required internet connectivity for configuration.
-
For anyone struggling with the Ubiquiti configuration screens, do yourself a favour and replace the firmware with DD-WRT. (If there's a build for your model) You get the same (or better) WiFi coverage, but a normal configuration interface.
I boxed away my M5 and M5 Loco because I was tired of struggling with their configuration screens. Pulled them out last year and updated to DD-WRT and they're my go-to AP's now.
-
I boxed away my M5 and M5 Loco because I was tired of struggling with their configuration screens. Pulled them out last year and updated to DD-WRT and they're my go-to AP's now.
Brillant, I run DD-WRT on many of my routers, but never thought to put it on the bullet. I might have to see if I can find mine in the garbage...
-
[...] do yourself a favour and replace the firmware with DD-WRT [...]
How are you finding the stability running DD-WRT? I'd love to ditch the UniFi Controller, but I tend towards "better the devil you know".
-Russ
-
How are you finding the stability running DD-WRT? I'd love to ditch the UniFi Controller, but I tend towards "better the devil you know".
-Russ
It's full DD-WRT with DHCPd and OpenVPN servers?