Hi folks,
Just jumping in here…
I’m currently looking at the new AP7s. In researching some forums - there have been some issues (aren’t there always!)
These seem to be related to Transmit Power and collisions (not data) with 2.4ghz and 5ghz across bands.
People have reported odd difficulties which seem to be hard to solve. Also - the firmware for U7 APs is not the same as the U6 - which is odd from Ubiquity.
Also - lots of people have complained that their IoT devices (all on 2.5ghz) have either stopped working or are very buggy. (I highly suspect this is due to the above)
The real question is : are there any devices in your building that actually use 6ghz? While there may be a few devices, I would guess (probably incorrectly) that most don't even have the ability for 6ghz.
Will newer devices coming down the line have 6ghz? Of course - but viewing a site in long-term, when is the next machine update cycle? If it’s next year, then maybe U7 APs are wise. If not for another 5-10 years… U7 is a waste.
> I suspect that the setup, installation and deployment of newer U7 devices will be different. While previously (I admit) - I didn’t always manually set Channels / Width / Transmit Power - this will become far more important in any future (especially larger) deployments.
For me - despite the relatively small cost difference - I would stick with the U6 APs for now and let the Firmware updates wash through the system.
On another note:
I’m currently working with a few local providers regarding changing from off-site hosting of the controller by 3rd party companies to bring it to on-site.
(As these things happen) - a few have cropped up all at the same time. 3 different schools/providers have expressed dismay (and outright fury) that companies in Dublin are charging ± €500.00 / month = €6000.00 / year for “Managed Wifi Fees”.
Clearly this is madness as all that is required for this is a local Gateway for a once-off fee. (Dream Machine, etc.)
As is happening with other software and hardware solutions - Wifi companies are moving towards a subscription model. So far Ubiquiti is not doing this - long may that last.
In any case - to all schools on this list - please note that if you are paying a monthly “Maintenance Fee” to a company more than 30/60km away - you are really wasting money.
Use a [knowledgeable!] local provider, seek assistance on this forum and you can save yourself money.
Maybe because I’m in Kerry where we are used to being robbed - but has anyone else heard of these dubious practices?
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Example:
I was in a school earlier this week who had been quoted €1000.00 for a router and €500.00 to setup and install it - because the school ran out of IP address’. The school is also paying a monthly fee for Rukus APs.
Just to add context - this is an 8 teacher Primary school - with a single computer room.
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