WiFi access points review

Ubiquiti APs

Unifi WiFi access pointUniFi access points can be configured out of the box using the supplied PoE injectors and the UniFi mobile app. However, advanced mesh coordination, fast roaming, centralized management, automatic firmware updates, and remote access require a UniFi controller, which can run on a UniFi Gateway, CloudKey, or a self-hosted system.

ModelWiFiWiFi ThroughputEthernetPoEClientsAUD
U7 LiteWiFi 7~5.8 Gbps2.5 GbE802.3at250+$170
U7 ProWiFi 7~9 Gbps2.5 GbE802.3at+300+$300
U7 Pro XGWiFi 7~9 Gbps10 GbE802.3bt400+$390
U6+WiFi 6~2.9 Gbps1 GbE802.3af200+$150
U6 ProWiFi 6~5.3 Gbps1 GbE802.3at300+$260
UAP-AC-M (Outdoor)WiFi 5~1.1 Gbps1 GbE802.3af150+$150

802.3af (PoE) delivers up to 15.4 W with active device detection and safe voltage negotiation. 802.3at (PoE+) delivers up to 30 W. 802.3bt (PoE++) delivers up to 60 W or 90 W.

Third-party PoE switches and injectors can be used for UniFi, but they must comply with IEEE PoE standards and must not be passive. 24 V passive PoE applies constant voltage with no negotiation and may damage equipment.

How to buy

Access points and other network devices are supplied only as part of our WiFi installation service in Sydney and NSW.

UniFi Gateways

Ubiquiti UniFi gateway routerBelow is an overview of UniFi gateways commonly used in homes and small offices WiFi mesh, highlighting their important features and capabilities.

UniFi OS Gateways

These gateways include an integrated UniFi OS controller and console platform. They run a local operating system with an application layer, providing UniFi Network plus the ability to install additional UniFi apps such as Protect (cameras), Access (doors), Talk (VoIP), and Connect (displays), subject to hardware limits and available storage. The web interface provides a full application dashboard.

ModelAUDBuilt-in WiFiStorage for NVRWAN (Count / Speed)LAN (Count / Speed)
UDR7 (Dream Router 7)480~3 Gbps64 GB microSD1 / 10 GbE SFP+ + 1 / 2.5 GbE3 / 2.5 GbE
UCG-Max (Cloud Gateway Max)500noneM.2 NVMe slot, up to 2 TB1 / 2.5 GbE4 / 2.5 GbE
UCG-Fiber (Cloud Gateway Fiber)550noneM.2 NVMe slot, up to 2 TB1 / 10 GbE RJ45 + 2 / 10 GbE SFP+4 / 2.5 GbE

UniFi Network App Only Gateways

This gateway runs only the UniFi Network application and manages routing, switching, WiFi, VLANs, firewall rules, and device adoption. It does not support Protect, Access, Talk, Connect - storage, cameras, access control, or telephony.

ModelAUDBuilt-in WiFiStorage for NVRWAN (Count / Speed)LAN (Count / Speed)
UX7 (Express 7)370~3 Gbpsnone1 / 10 GbE1 / 2.5 GbE
UCG-Ultra (Cloud Gateway Ultra)195nonenone1 / 1 GbE4 / 1 GbE

No Controller Gateways

This is a gateway only and requires a UniFi Network controller running externally on a CloudKey, server, VM, or hosted service for setup and management. It provides routing, NAT, firewall, VLANs, and VPN. The gateway itself cannot adopt or manage switches, access points, or cameras. There is no local storage and no application support. Once adopted, traffic continues to flow even if the controller is offline.

ModelAUDBuilt-in WiFiStorage for NVRWAN (Count / Speed)LAN (Count / Speed)
UXG-Max (Gateway Max)370nonenone1 / 2.5 GbE4 / 2.5 GbE
UXG-Lite (Gateway Lite)200nonenone1 / 1 GbE1 / 1 GbE

Legacy OpenMesh WiFi access points

Open Mesh WiFi access pointOpen Mesh acquired in late 2018. Although officially these WiFi access points still supported the firmware updated every 5-6 months instead of 1 hence the security and stability is not quarantined. Manly Electronics can service Open Mesh networks or upgrade to the alternative.

Open Mesh WiFi access points
price

OM2P, 2.4Ghz, indoor access point

$135

OM2P-HS, 2.4Ghz, indoor / outdoor

$150

OM5P-AC, 2.4 and 5 Ghz, indoor / outdoor, two Gigabit Ethernet ports

$200

A40, 2.4 and 5Ghz Wave 2, 1.2 Gbps, indoor/outdoor, two Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB port, ideal for dense, high-traffic locations such as retail and office spaces, schools, shopping malls and hospitality venues.

$245

A62, 2.4 and 5Ghz bands, 450Mps + 1.3 Gbps, indoor / outdoor, two Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB port, ideal for dense, high-traffic locations such as retail and office spaces, schools, shopping malls and hospitality venues.

$300

Commercial WiFi Access points features

  • 100s WiFi devices connected
  • Seamless switching (roaming) between WiFi areas while walking across
  • Easy change of WiFi passwords, management via PC, iPhone, Android App
  • WiFi mesh with other access points, no wiring required.
  • Provides more stable, consistent, secure WiFi
  • Branded WiFi login page
  • Monetization such as payment with Visa or Facebook clicks.
  • Better security such as firewall and client isolation