AP recommendation - replace AC68U in AP mode dropping "guest" network

[layw]

Currently running a Asus AC68U in AP mode (merlin latest) connected via ethernet to RPi 4 running openWRT. I did so as an experiment and to learn - been running this configuration for sometime but have started to have issues with the 68U dropping activity on one of the channels - specifically the guest channel (I realize that this is just a separate channel and not isolated)
Not sure if this is an issue with the router in AP mode, onset of hardware issues or firmware conflict (openwrt - Asus)

With the understanding its best to have proper hardware for the application I thought I'd look at a dedicated AP to replace the AC68U.
As i'm new to all this - what should I look for and any particular recommendations? my wifi needs revolve around wifi 5 & 6 devices - up to 10 devices (phones, laptops, ipad, firesticks, TV) - I do not have PoE but I could replace my current switch but this would be an added cost obviously. with the AC68U i get coverage (small home - 1000 sq ft) RPi is in the utility room with the the AC68U centrally located.

 

[Tech Junky]

I use a nwa210ax with a poe injector. On the lan I can hit 1.7gbps with the right parts and configuration. Just ordered Wi-Fi 7 to play with though. The ax though is fairly cheap at about $130.

 

[degrub]

i don't believe that Asus uses a separate radio for "guest" SSIDs. You should be seeing the same issue for devices on that radio (2.4 GHZ or 5GHz or both). If not, maybe an issue with the RF environment - interference, reduced signal, etc. or the client device. Many times the plug in power transformer wears out and starts to not supply correct amount of current. These can be replaced. Other times the radio starts to fail.

So use a POE++ injector or whatever is specified by the AP ( it does matter that you have enough power) . TPLink Omada are reasonable as well. CISCO 150AX APs are solid as well. A POE++ injector should be around 30-40 $. No need to replace your switch unless you just want to. IF you do, make sure the port power and the total available power exceed what is required by the AP.

 

[sfx2000]

Many times the plug in power transformer wears out and starts to not supply correct amount of current. These can be replaced. Other times the radio starts to fail.

That was my thought as well...

Considering the age of the AC68U, might consider replacement...

 

[Tech9]

I thought I'd look at a dedicated AP to replace the AC68U

Any of the Omada AP series will do. They have own UI for configuration. For 1-2 APs Omada controller is not really needed.

 

[heysoundude]

https://mikrotik.com/product/wap_ax might be exactly what you're looking for, OP

 

[Tech9]

https://mikrotik.com/product/wap_ax might be exactly what you're looking for, OP

This AP looks really nice, actually. Thanks for sharing.

 

[degrub]

maybe we lost OP. @layw ?

 

[layw]

Nope didn’t lose me, just busy.
I’ll look at the tp link and yes the microtik looks interesting, I’ve heard of them before but never considered them. I like the price point though..
I guess as I move forward I need to understand am I better served by having a 2 stream or a 3 stream system ( we have a few new MacBooks) and if I’d really notice the difference .

 

[heysoundude]

This AP looks really nice, actually. Thanks for sharing.

2x2 wifi 6, Indoors or outdoors, standalone AiO router or AP...with PoE injector, mounting hardware and stand...under $100? Just what the OP ordered afaic, and tough to beat. Heck, they should buy 2 at that price, right?

 

[heysoundude]

Nope didn’t lose me, just busy.
I’ll look at the tp link and yes the microtik looks interesting, I’ve heard of them before but never considered them. I like the price point though..
I guess as I move forward I need to understand am I better served by having a 2 stream or a 3 stream system ( we have a few new MacBooks) and if I’d really notice the difference .

depends on how many of each client connects to each AP, as I understand things...and if your ISP connection can handle the speeds they demand, especially if simultaneous.

Their RouterOS may even make you reconsider the RasPi/OpenWRT - this hardware may be more capable and equally configurable

 

[Tech9]

2x2 wifi 6, Indoors or outdoors

My new APs are something similar, indoor or outdoor with IPX5, also come with PoE injector and wall/pole mounting hardware. More expensive though at $179, 4-core CPU and 1GB RAM with 2x2 2.4GHz and 4x4 5GHz radios for AX5400 class. Waterproof is nice, but the units run hot >50C.

Seems like a box with all you need at affordable price is getting popular. Makes the product more attractive to home users.

 

[layw]

I have seen some comments and recommendations/ suggestions for the router and AP being the same company (so by extension the same OS).
Is there any particular reason for this ? The fact that I currently run openWRT on a RPi does this have any bearing upon how a U6 ,Mikrotik or Cisco would perform?

Maybe at some point I may change out the RPi but currently I have no reason to..
I do like the idea of running 3rd party software as I feel that it is updated more frequently ( maybe a false sense of security) for years I’ve run Tomato, Merlin and now openWRT giving flexibility, a chance to learn something new and the ability to keep older hardware running for a bit longer.

will be making a point of picking up a AP in the coming week, need to check prices ( I’m in Can$ so ordering out of the US can be costly etc) and features

 

[Tech9]

Is there any particular reason for this ?

Controller managed networks have all the APs integrated in one UI and one can change the settings of a group of APs at once. Omada have Omada SDN Controller, UniFi have Network Application, some Cisco and Ruckus APs have the controller integrated, etc. Same vendor - guaranteed integration, compatibility and easier deployment. With your OpenWrt router you can go with same vendor APs and still have them controller managed. For 1-2 APs in a home setup - get the same APs, but just use their own UI for configuration. Don't forget the PoE injector, if not included.

 

[layw]

Makes sense, thanks for the input

 

[heysoundude]

Mikrotik's controller management is called CapsMan and it's rolled into their RouterOS, to further what @Tech9 was saying. Depending on what part of our home and native land youre living in, some things may be more easily found locally than others.

 

[Tech9]

In Canada in particular TP-Link access points are readily available with good variety and some have 12V power adapter option in addition to PoE. Some models have the PoE and power adapter included. Good option for home use and on affordable price. Good quality Qualcomm hardware as well.

Ubiquiti, Cisco, Zyxel, MikroTik, Aruba, etc. - all good options, but have to be purchased from a specific supplier and often popular or affordable models are not in stock. Amazon and BestBuy prices are often too high.

I have purchased all my Ubiquiti hardware straight from Ubiquiti Canada online store. They have lower prices than anyone else around. Shipping to me was 2-3 business days, warehouse in Brampton, Ontario.

 

[layw]

Yes, I have looked at the Ubiquity website and also noticed better pricing than BB or Amazon .. also see MikroTik is out of Markham .. (I’m in the GTA)
I’m leaning towards the MikroTik based upon form factor as it would be on a desk.
Also am considering a GL-iNet unit as a possible replacement for my RPi but that’s for another day..