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Forum Discussion
Connect Satellite via Ethernet
I'm considering buying a 2 unit Orbi (router + 1 satellite). I have an existing home ethernet network, so I would connect the satellite to the router via 1 GB ethernet, giving a faster more reliable ...
st_shaw
Setting up roaming that actually works well with AP-AC-LR access points (or AP AC Pros in my case) is notoriously difficult to achieve (and hardly feasible for a regular home user). The problem being that TX power and AP placement have to be very carefully tailored to how the home is constructed. Reinforced concrete ceilings, for example, require a large number of APs that run at minimum TX power in order for roaming to work. Otherwise, the devices will get stuck on lower throughput 2.4ghz connections as the 5ghz signal won't penetrate the ceiling.
And it's also device-dependent: while the newer mesh (or mesh-like) systems handle the handoffs router-side, for the AC Pros, the phone has to take over that part (2.4ghz / 5ghz handover is rudimentary at best in the AC Pro), making the phone's device-specific reception and network switching an important part in the setup. If individual family members have different phones, finding a setup / config that works equally well with all of them is almost impossible to achieve.
So while the AC Pro range may work well in office settings, it's probably not the best solution for covering homes.
dawiz22 I have a Ubiquiti system with one AP-AC-PRO and one AP-AC-LR. In my case, I had no difficulty obtaining a setup that works well. The home inlcudes varying construction, some of which blocks WiFi, including plaster and cinderblock. All I did was lower the 2.4G power on one AP for the sake of my neighbors. My devices will switch bands and APs readily when moving around the property. Sometimes it takes 30 seconds or so.
I also have Orbi at another site. I like both systems and both work well when roaming. The range of Orbi outside the home is remarkable.
You raise valid points about the complexities of optimizing a multi-AP system for roaming. However, Orbi would be more difficult to optimize for roaming than Ubiquiti for several reasons: 1) You cannot adjust the router and sat power separately, 2) The choices of power settings are limited, 3) You must use the same channel for the router and all sats, 4) Orbi provides very limited information on the connection details of individual devices (no indication of signal stength or PHY link speed.)
The Ubquiti system includes a very functional and informative iOS app, which is helpful in optimizing the network. The Netgear/Orbi apps have almost no useful functionality.