Recommend a Wireless AP

[Mothergoose729]

I recently built my own linux router and it is awesome. The problem is that finding a wireless card that works in broadcast mode in linux is a chore, and finding a good wireless card with all the modern bells and whistles is next to impossible. I have decided to get a wireless access point instead.

The thing is I don't know very much about wireless devices, so I would appreciate some help. I am an enthusiast, so I want enthusiast level performance, but I don't want to pay 2000 dollars for an enterprise device. In order of importance, this is what I really need:

WPA2 security (obvious)
Good signal strength
high bandwidth
Good coverage
SSL

I don't want it to be a router, because I want all the computer on the wifi to benefit from the DHCP server, DNS cache, and other stuff I already built.

I would prefer to spend less than 100$, with my hard limit probably being around 250$ (can't explain more than that to the wife). Would really appreciate some thoughts and suggestions, thank you.

 

[sdifox]

Archer C7 or C9 in ap mode? Ubiquity ac lite is another option

 

[PliotronX]

I would highly recommend the UniFi from Ubiquiti. The HP model won't make a difference and does not come with the PoE injector like the vanilla AP. The setup is different from traditional web interfaces because you need a PC (Win/Mac/Linux) with Java to install the "controller" and "adopt" the AP. Once you adopt it, you can configure it, then shut off the controller software as the AP will operate autonomously. Its range is unequalled in the price range and will easily max out the 70Mbps internet where I reside.

 

[boomhower]

Another Ubiquiti fan. I have the new model AC-LR and absolutely love it. One AP completely covers my 1500sqft home in 5Ghz. Completely skip the congested 2.4Ghz area. For the price you will not get a comparable performance from a router turned AP.

In the several months I have had it I've started the control app once when I had to reconnect the AP. It does not need to be running all the time unless you plan to use a guest network.

 

[JackMDS]

Following the above Posts.

For an AP only this is an excellent solution.

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-Enterprise-System-UAP-AC-LITE/dp/B015PR20GY

That said if you want one day to switch to a regular Router (instead of "built my own linux router"), you have to spend another $100 for an other Router.

If you opt to go now with a Wireless Router configured as an AP+Giga switch (and have a Good Router for a "rainy" day).

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Arche...UTF8&qid=1454438830&sr=1-1&keywords=archer+c7

Or http://www.amazon.com/RT-AC66U-Dual...F8&qid=1454438898&sr=1-5&keywords=asus+router

The Asus is $30 more expensive and many people thinks it is a Good investment.

Using Wireless Routers (or Modem/Wireless Router) as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[Mothergoose729]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Based on a quick search this model seems to support the most recent wireless transmission technologies with the best range:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Z88NHJXPV9RMA05ZY3G

Is this what you would recommend?

boomhower, does your unit support guest networks? As for the java interface, do you need to have the program installed and a password to configure the unit? Does it use SSL or an encrypted connection to the device or is it unencrypted? Thanks!

 

[JoeMcJoe]

Yes, that is the correct UAP-AC-LR , UAP-AC-Lite is another option. That link doesn't have the best price.

I have those plus I use the cloud key device, you don't need it, but it really helps.
Part: UC-CK