Best AP with N, 802.1q, POE, and Multi-SSID

[ottoguy]

Looking for an AP with the qualifications in the title; N (2.4Ghz needed, 5Ghz is a bonus), 802.1q ability, powered by POE, and multiple SSID. Range is somewhat important because I hope to be able to see the signal outside my house on the deck.

I'm not looking for a router as I already have a router and switch combo that I like. Just looking for a dedicated AP. Price should be under $200 preferably.

I was looking at the D-link DAP-2360, but it is only on firmware version 1.0 which scared me a bit. Has anyone used it?

 

[stevech]

Considered Engenius? See their website and Newegg.com.

 

[thiggins]

Might also look at the new Cisco WAP121 and WAP321.
Cisco Bulks Up Small Biz Product Lines

 

[ottoguy]

I like the Cisco products. The 321 looks like the ticket. Think I will wait a few weeks to see if anyone reviews them since they look pretty new.

 

[thiggins]

Working on a review that will post later today or tomorrow. Looks pretty decent. Note that the WAP321 does not come with a 12v power wart since it is tageted at PoE users.

 

[drew]

This looks like it could be exactly what I was looking for as well. I don't have a need for the portal feature, and 4 SSID's are plenty for me, so I'm very interested in the cheaper WAP121. Were you able to review one of these as well? If so, did it have the same performance as the WAP321 in the 2.4GHz band?

 

[thiggins]

Have not tested the WAP121. It uses a different Broadcom SoC and two vs. three antennas. So performance will be different. Can't say better or worse until tested.

 

[keenanj]

The Engenius ECB350 is a great 11n AP with 800mW of power,multi SSID, gigabit ethernet and PoE support.

http://www.keenansystems.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=348

One of these will cover just about any house and several hundred feet outside also.

 

[jabz]

Hi does the Cisco WAP321 do simultaneous dual band?
and do any Cisco business AP like Aironet?

 

[thiggins]

Hi does the Cisco WAP321 do simultaneous dual band?
and do any Cisco business AP like Aironet?

Look at the name of the product.

Cisco WAP321 Wireless-N Selectable-Band Access Point with PoE.

Yes to the second question. Research on Cisco's website.

 

[Terry Kennedy]

and do any Cisco business AP like Aironet?

Yes. The Aironet 1252's I use are simultaneous dual band, support 16 SSIDs, and so on.

Aside from configuring IOS (which can be terrifying if you're not used to it), the main problem with this class of gear is that Cisco nickels and dimes you to death - Antennas? Extra cost. Mounting bracket? Extra cost. Power injector? Extra cost (this last one is understandable). Software updates? Extra cost.

You can save some by buying used. Just make sure you know what you're buying, since the sellers generally don't. That does create some bargains, though - I picked up a couple of "not working - for parts" ones for under $100 each because someone had loaded the Lightweight software on them and the seller thought they were broken because the console ports didn't respond.

 

[jabz]

thanks and you can turn a -LAP1252AG into a standalone AP?

 

[Terry Kennedy]

thanks and you can turn a -LAP1252AG into a standalone AP?

Yes. You'll need the appropriate IOS software image. The instructions are here on Cisco's site.

 

[Popal]

Hi,

What about Netgear's WNDAP360 (or any in the series) :
http://www.netgear.com/service-prov...eless-controllers/access-points/WNDAP360.aspx

This is the one I'm targetting for my next home-LAN but it's difficult to find a reliable review as SNB didn't review it (yet ?).

On the paper, it fills the voids of the Cisco WAP321 : dual band simultaneously, AC adapter provided, etc.

Popal

 

[thiggins]

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wire...211n-dual-band-wireless-access-point-reviewed

 

[Popal]

Hi,

Thanks for the reminder.

Your review conclude to the outdated design at the time (2010) since then, the newer WNDAP360 is available : do you think it's somewhat less flawed ?

Or do you firmly recommend the Cisco WAP321 over it ?

Popal

 

[thiggins]

Your review conclude to the outdated design at the time (2010) since then, the newer WNDAP360 is available : do you think it's somewhat less flawed ?

I have no way of knowing unless I review the product, sorry. Won't happen in the near future.