Tag: Ubiquiti

  1. Homepage
  2. Ubiquiti
Aruba Business Network Business Wi-Fi Cisco Meraki Network Ubiquiti
Which is the Best Wireless Product for my Business? Ubiquiti vs Cisco Meraki vs Aruba

If you’re in the market for a bit of wireless kit then you’re rather spoilt for choice these days. Whilst it’s great to have a choice of products, it does beggar the question, how do I choose the right wireless product for my business?

Some of the biggest players when it comes to wireless network products are Ubiquiti UniFi, Cisco Meraki and Aruba. But which one is right for your specific deployment? Let’s have a look.

Based on the information provided in the article, here is a comparison table for Ubiquiti, Cisco Meraki, and Aruba:

FeatureUbiquiti Wireless ProductsCisco Meraki Wireless ProductsAruba Wireless Products
Price-pointLow (Unbeatable value, fantastic value for money)High (Licensing/subscription fees push price up)Medium (Lower than Meraki, but licensing/subscription fees push price up)
LicensingNo licenses required (Quick and easy deployment)Required (Subscription fee; product useless if not paid)Required (Complexity in ensuring right licenses; separate licenses for features in Aruba Central)
Management UISingle, intuitive UI for all elementsSingle, intuitive user interfaceMay require multiple user interfaces (depending on products used)
Deployment EaseEasy to deploy and use (SMB)Easy to deploy and use (SMB/Enterprise cloud)Controller-based products difficult (SMB); Deployment is difficult (General)
On-premises OptionCloud and on-premises management availableNo on-premises optionTraditional single tenant hardware controller (base product)
Enterprise PerformanceVery high access point performance; Good HD Wi-Fi controlPerformance falters with high trafficLarge configurations can handle large networks; Instant APs not sufficient for larger enterprises
Arena/Stadium FocusSpecific capabilities: integrated high gain antennas, multi 5 GHz radio access pointsNo capabilities specifically targeted; HD Wi-Fi performance is weakNo specific capabilities targeted; HD Wi-Fi performance is weak
SupportFree support (without support agreement) + communityService subscription required (No support without it)Support within a 90-day warranty; Paid support agreement required after 90 days
Network ExpansionEasy to expand without additional licensesLack of flexibility may cause problemsMay require additional licensing and costs

Ubiquiti Wireless Products

We’ve spoken a lot about Ubiquiti and their range of wireless products – They are a firm favourite with our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit. Ubiquiti provides a range of wireless networking products including access points, wireless controllers, antennas and wireless bridges. Whatever your Wi-Fi requirement, they’re likely to have a product solution.

Ubiquiti Product Portfolio

  • Ubiquiti have the product range to meet a complete enterprise network
  • They cover both wireless and wired products
  • They have the management and security systems to go alongside

The Benefits of Ubiquiti for SMB Networks

  • They are easy to deploy and use
  • Lots of features
  • One intuitive User Interface to make the human-computer interaction as simple as possible
  • Unbeatable value

The Benefits of Ubiquiti for Enterprise Networks

  • All access points, switches and routers are easy to manage from one Use Interface
  • It has central management capabilities and troubleshooting
  • It is straightforward to use for network admin staff, with no certification needed
  • Cloud and on-premises management available
  • Very high access point performance
  • Good HD Wi-Fi control capabilities

The Benefits of Ubiquiti for Arena / Stadium Networks

  • They can provide arena access points with integrated high gain antennas
  • One access point can have up to 3 5GHz client serving radios
  • Multi 5 GHz radio access points save in installation and cabling costs
  • Outstanding performance in a high traffic environment

What is Ubiquiti User Experience Like?

  • Quick and easy deployment with no licenses required
  • A single, intuitive user interface for all Ubiquiti elements with secure remote access
  • It’s easy to expand the network if and when needed without additional licenses
  • They provide free support (without needing a support agreement) plus a community of Ubiquiti users for extra support, buffered by Ubiquiti employees

How Expensive is Ubiquiti? 

  • The price-point for Ubiquiti wireless products is low compared to other brands, offering fantastic value for money

Cisco Meraki Wireless Products

The Meraki MR series from Cisco delivers Wi-Fi 6 access points, faster access point deployment, simplified administration, and richer visibility.

Cisco Meraki Product Portfolio

  • Meraki have the product range to meet a complete enterprise network
  • They cover both wireless and wired products
  • They have the management and security systems to go alongside

How Does Cisco Meraki Work for SMB Networks?

  • They are easy to deploy and use
  • You have to pay a subscription fee, which renders the product useless if not paid
  • It works well for smaller businesses and enterprises, apart from it being expensive
  • For better prices, you need to commit to several years and pre-pay

Can Cisco Meraki Handle Enterprise Networks?

  • It is easy to deploy and use cloud infrastructure
  • There is no on-premises option
  • Performance falters with high traffic
  • Ongoing licensing is expensive

Can You Use Cisco Meraki for Arena / Stadium Networks?

  • There are no capabilities specifically targeted to venues of this size or type
  • For focused radio frequency, external antennas are required which will incur extra costs and will need mounting
  • There are no multi 5 GHz radio products, and RF tuning capabilities are weak
  • HD Wi-Fi performance is weak

What is the User Experience with Cisco Meraki?

  • Quick and easy deployment but a lack of flexibility may cause problems
  • Licensing is required, but all features are included
  • It has a single, intuitive user interface
  • Support services are available from Meraki, but a service subscription is required. Without it there is no support
  • Additional support is available at an additional cost

How Expensive is Cisco Meraki?

  • The price-point for Meraki MR wireless products is high compared to other brands, with licensing and subscription fees pushing it up.

Aruba Wireless Products

The range of Aruba Access Points deliver a fast, reliable Wi-Fi solution with great performance levels and a boost to network efficiency. They will also support the growing mobile and IoT density demands on your network.

Aruba Wireless Product Portfolio

  • Aruba have most of the product range to meet a complete enterprise network need
  • They cover both wireless and wired products
  • They have the management and security systems to go alongside

Can You Use Aruba Wireless for SMB Networks?

  • Controller based products can be difficult to deploy and use
  • Instant access points lack features unless you have other Aruba products such as Aruba Central or Aruba AirWave licenses
  • Aruba Central has a good cloud-based product for small to medium sized business, but it is very expensive

Does Aruba Wireless Work for Enterprise Networks?

  • Large configurations can handle large networks
  • The base product is a traditional single tenant hardware controller which can make it difficult to deploy and use
  • For adequate reliability, you will need redundant controllers which are pricey
  • The Aruba instant access points are not sufficient for larger enterprises or multisite premises
  • Aruba Central provides a cloud alternative but uses separate licenses for features. This means that you may require additional licenses for future functionality which could prove very expensive
  • The ongoing admin of handling expiring licenses is time consuming

Can Aruba Handle Arena / Stadium Networks?

  • As with Meraki, for focused radio frequency with Aruba products, external antennas are required which will incur extra costs and will need mounting
  • There are a maximum of 2 5 GHz radios per access point
  • The Aruba multi 5 GHz access points have filtering
  • HD Wi-Fi performance is weak

What is the Aruba Wireless User Experience Like?

  • Deployment is difficult, with added complexity of ensuring you have the right licenses which can be time consuming
  • Depending on the products used, you may require multiple user interfaces
  • Expanding your network or adding new features may require additional licensing and subsequently more costs
  • Aruba does provide support within a 90-day product failure warranty. Additional support after that requires a paid support agreement. If you don’t pay, you don’t get support

How Expensive is Aruba Wireless?

  • The price-point for Aruba wireless products is lower than Cisco Meraki but medium compared to other brands. As with Cisco Meraki, the costs involved with licensing and subscription fees with Aruba pushes the price up.

Still not sure what wireless products you need for your network?

If you’re unsure what wireless products would be suitable for your network – Whether it be small or arena sized – Our Wi-Fi experts would be happy to chat through the options. 

Our experienced Wi-Fi engineers can match the right wireless network products with your requirements to get you the most reliable Wi-Fi possible. Let’s strengthen your connection today – Get in touch now.

People Also Ask…

Here are some frequently asked questions when comparing wireless networks like Ubiquiti, Cisco Meraki and Aruba. 

Is Ubiquiti Cheaper than Cisco Meraki?

Ubiquiti is generally low priced with unbeatable value for money. Aruba is reasonably priced, however there are licensing and subscription costs to consider which push the price up. The most expensive of the 3 discussed here is Cisco Meraki with a high price point as well as licensing and subscription fees pushing it up. 

Do you need a license or subscription for an Aruba Wireless network?

Yes, Aruba networks require quite complex licenses, with the need to ensure you have the correct ones for the features in Aruba Central. Cisco Meraki also requires a subscription – Without it, the product is essentially useless. Ubiquiti, however, requires no licenses so allows for quick and easy deployment.

Which is the easiest wireless solution to deploy?

The easiest wireless solutions to deploy are Ubiquiti (for SMB’s) and Cisco Meraki (for SMB’s and Enterprise). Aruba requires controller-based products which can be difficult for SMB’s especially. 

Does Ubiquiti have better support than Cisco Meraki?

Ubiquiti has free support, without having to buy a support agreement. There is also good community support. Cisco Meraki requires you to have a support subscription – There is no support without it. Aruba offers support during a 90 day warranty period. After this, a paid support agreement is required. 

Can I easily expand my Cisco Meraki network?

It may be difficult to expand a Cisco Meraki network due to a lack of flexibility. The easiest network to expand on is Ubiquiti, which wouldn’t require additional licenses. Expanding an Aruba network would potentially require additional licensing and thus costs. 

by admin
137 Views0
Business Wi-Fi Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Help Wireless Network Wireless Technology WLAN
Ubiquiti is Skyrocketing – Here’s Why 

It’s no secret that our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit are big fans of Ubiquiti and their range of Wi-Fi devices and equipment. We love their kit and it would seem we’re definitely not the only ones. 

We’ve been chatting about the benefits of using Ubiquiti Wi-Fi equipment for your network for years. A blog from a few years back was one of our first on the topic and is a good place to start if you’re unfamiliar with the pros of using Ubiquiti for a business network. 

Over the past year in particular, Ubiquiti devices have really increased in popularity, with shares in Ubiquiti Inc (UI) surging up by 222.8% in the past year. Why? Their customer base has seen a gradual yet steady increase in growth, supported by a flexible business model. If you’re into stocks, shares and investments then you might like to research UI as an investment option. 

But here at Geekabit, investment advice isn’t really our forte – We’re all about the wireless equipment, and this manufacturer has our attention. 

What makes Ubiquiti so popular? 

There are many wireless internet device manufacturers on the market – Why are UI doing so well? 

In our fast moving world, the demand for the internet is constant. There is a continuous stream of data traffic with the need for round-the-clock access to video, audio, online gaming and social networking (not to mention work emails, online conference calls and file transfers). 

This means that we require fast, seamless connectivity that can support these bandwidth-intensive apps whilst simultaneously moving away from wired network connections. 

Our need for strong, wireless networks is met perfectly with Ubiquiti’s comprehensive range of products and solutions. From Ubiquiti you can find:

  • A range of networking devices
  • Network infrastructure for fixed wireless broadband
  • Wireless backhaul systems
  • Routing
  • Wireless LAN infrastructure
  • Video surveillance products
  • Machine-to-machine communication components
  • And much more


Our Wi-Fi experts and engineers here at Geekabit aren’t the only ones that rave about Ubiquitis products – They have a rapidly growing community that are highly engaged with their range, including:

  • Service providers
  • Distributors
  • Value-added resellers
  • Systems integrators
  • Corporate IT professionals

This community might be what sets UI apart. They leverage the strength of the Ubiquiti Community by providing rapid product support and dissemination of information, thus reducing operational costs whilst maintaining a proprietary network communication platform. Ubiquiti works from an extremely flexible business model which can therefore adapt to market demands. 


Will Ubiquiti continue to grow?

Continued growth is expected for Ubiquiti, with significant opportunities in developed as well as emerging economies. Emerging countries are relentless in their pursuit of staying connected with the world, and adopting wireless networking infrastructure is a big part of that. Developed economies are always looking to increase bandwidth further in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply. 

Ubiquiti are committed to research and development, and spend significantly on activities that help them develop innovative new products that use state-of-the-art technology – All helping them to stay on the cutting-edge of networking technology with their market offering. 

With products that offer both high performance and best value, they continue to beat their rivals. Ubiquiti product families such as UniFi and AmpliFi have both seen improvements and added features.


Invest in a reliable network

Whether you’re into investments, tech, wireless networking or a combination of all 3 – Ubiquiti has something to offer. 

Positive market gains remain diverse across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, energy and of course tech industries. 

Ubiquiti just so happens to be listed by quite a few investment analyst outlets as having skyrocketing stock with it reaching an all time high at the start of this year. Offering networking technology to service providers, enterprises and consumers, UI saw their stock surge by nearly 21% towards the end of January. Perhaps they have their supply chain improvements and product availability to thank for this? 

If stocks and shares aren’t your thing, but you’re ready to invest in a strong, reliable wireless network for your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts today. 

by admin
155 Views0
AP Ubiquiti Ubiquiti U7 Pro
Ubiquiti U7 Pro – The Lowest Cost Wi-Fi & Enterprise AP in the Industry

Last month Ubiquiti launched the U7 Pro, purported to be the industry’s lowest cost Wi-Fi 7 enterprise AP currently on the market. 

How Much is the new Ubiquiti U7 Pro?

This new device is a 6-stream ceiling-mount AP delivering a total of 9.3 Gbps across the three bands, with a price of £143 + VAT.

Why are industry professionals about the price point on this unit? Well, this new Ubiquiti AP at this price means that every enterprise will be able to embrace the introduction of Wi-fi 7 technology, even smaller businesses. 

Rumours have it that Apple’s next iPhone will be Wi-Fi 7 compatible, meaning that businesses across industries will need to be embracing Wi-Fi 7 and making sure their devices and Wi-Fi are compatible.

What’s the Spec of the Ubiquiti U7 Pro?

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro is a ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi 7 AP with 6 spatial streams and 6 GHz support for interference-free Wi-Fi in demanding, large-scale environments. You can find the full specification on the Ubiquiti website here. 

  • WiFi 7 with 6 GHz support (in these countries only)
  • 6 spatial streams
  • 140 m² (1,500 ft²) coverage
  • 300+ connected devices
  • Powered using PoE+
  • 2.5 GbE uplink
  • Multi-Link Operation (MLO) capability is coming soon and will be provided via software update.

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Hardware Specifications

  • Networking interface – (1) 1/2.5 GbE RJ45 port
  • Management interface – Ethernet
  • Power method – PoE+
  • Power supply – UniFi PoE switch
  • Supported voltage range – 44—57V DC
  • Max. power consumption – 21W

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Software Specifications

  • WiFi standards – 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be
  • Wireless security – WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise (WPA/WPA2/WPA3/PPSK)
  • BSSID – 8 per radio 
  • VLAN – 802.1Q
  • Advanced QoS – Per-user rate limiting
  • Guest traffic isolation – Supported
  • Concurrent clients – 300+

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Application Requirements

  • UniFi Network – Version 8.0.26 and later
  • UniFi OS – Version 3.2 and later

The Ubiquiti U6 Pro vs U7 Pro – What’s the Difference? Which is Better?

Trying to decide whether to put the U6 Pro or U7 Pro to regular use in your enterprise? Let’s take a look at some real-user experiences since Ubiquiti launched their U7 Pro. 

According to some in the Wi-Fi community, issues have been reported of difficulties with 6Ghz performance.

6GHz Performance with the U7 Pro

One UI Community user noticed that the 6 GHz performance on the U7 Pro seems to be worse than the U6 Enterprise. They said:

‘In real-life performance, I’ve noticed the transfer speeds to be more variable on the U7 Pro; with the U6 Enterprise it’s possible to consistently saturate the gigabit backhaul that I currently have. The U7 Pro tends to be more unstable, that is, it will hit 112 MB/s and then drop down to the 40s and back up again multiple times during a large transfer.

If I check the RSSI in the Network Application for the U6 Enterprise, it reports my client device as -53 dBm. If I swap it with the U7 Pro and leave everything in the same physical location the RSSI drops to -64 dBm. The RSSI on the client side is pretty much the same with both APs (roughly -46 dBm) so it only seems to be the AP’s ability to receive from the client device that’s inhibited. This only seems to affect 6 GHz, my 5 GHz devices show similar stats with either AP.

Could this be related to the U7 Pro being a 2×2 device compared to the 4×4 on the U6 Enterprise?’

They’re not the only user to experience this. Suggestions were made as to the reason for this issue as well as possible resolutions:

  • A difference between the U6 being a 4×4 device compared to the 2×2 nature of the U7 (and should the U7 Pro therefore be called the U7 Lite instead?)
  • Issues with custom transmit power, solved by sticking with the ‘auto’ option on the U7
  • A possible resolution with further firmware updates

Boost In Throughput with the U7 Pro

One Reddit user reported a 10-15% throughput boost to their MacBook Pro (M1) and MacBook Air (M2) (both were WiFi 6, non-E). 

Previously, whilst using the U6 Pro,  they had never been able to break 600 Mbps with either one whereas now using the U7 they routinely hit 650 Mbps, and occasionally break into the low 700 Mbps on occasion. These speeds were tested using iperf3.

U7 Pro Offers Higher Bandwidth, More Quickly

A Reddit user noticed that the U7 Pro seems to ramp up to higher bandwidth more quickly than the U6 Pro, according to iperf3. 

The user reported seeing 1-2 seconds at around 150 Mbps before getting into the 500 Mbps range using the U6 Pro. 

With the U7-Pro, the first second is already at 500 Mbps and then achieves over 600 Mbps for the remainder of the test.

(The Bandwidth tests above were using the same manually-configured channels (11@20MHz, 149@80MHz) on the U6-Pro and U7-Pro).

Note: These claims (both positive and negative) are unverified via various user experiences on Reddit and UI Community platforms. 

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro can be Installed Using Pre-Existing Mounting Plates

Users have also noted that the new U7 Pro fits on the AP Pro Arm Mount (UACC-Pro-AP-AM). As per the FAQ’s on Ubiquiti’s new product announcement, the U7 Pro can be installed using the following pre-existing mounting plates:

  • U6-Enterprise
  • U6-Pro
  • U6-LR
  • UAP-AC-Pro
  • UAP-AC-HD
  • UAP-AC-SHD
  • UAP-AC-XG

U7 Pro is Backwards Compatible

U7 Pro is fully backwards compatible with Wi-Fi 6E and earlier client devices. A Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 client device is required to utilise the 6 GHz band.

U7 Pro is managed with UniFi Network 8.0.26 and later.

U7 Pro is powered by PoE+ with a 2.5 GbE uplink. Ubiquiti recommends pairing U7 Pro with a UniFi PoE switch that features 2.5 GbE performance and PoE+ output, such as Pro Max and Enterprise PoE switches.

Customise the Appearance of the U7 Pro 

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro has a fully customisable cover which will be available in the second quarter of 2024.

How Do I Decide Between the Ubiquiti U6 Pro and the New U7 Pro?

Really, the only person who can answer this question is you. You know the needs of your enterprise and how your current Wi-Fi performance is working for your business. 

There is a fine balance between prioritising what works well for you today, as well as what is going to work well for you in the future. Some things are worth investing in now in order to future proof your Wi-FI, keeping your business running smoothly and up-to-date with the latest technology. 

Call the Experts Here at Geekabit

If you’re unsure what the best Wi-Fi solution would be for your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts today. Our wireless engineers can look after you from the Site Survey stage all the way through to deployment. 

Don’t let poor performing Wi-Fi hold you back. 

by admin
236 Views0
Business Wi-Fi Hampshire Ubiquiti Ubiquiti UniFi Ubiquiti UniFi Status LED's Wi-Fi
Why Are My Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points Flashing?

Are you seeing flashing lights? There’s nothing more infuriating than getting lights flashing on your device and not knowing what it means.

If you’re experiencing flashing lights on a UniFi device then read on to find out why, and what you need to do about it.

The images below show blue and white LED’s flashing in different formats depending on the status they are showing. Each type of flashing applies to all of the following UniFi devices:

  • Access points
  • routers
  • switches
  • UDM base model

My UniFi AP is flashing white and then off every few seconds

If your Ubiquiti UniFi device is flashing white/off every 1 or 2 seconds, it means that the device is intialising and starting up.

Why does my UniFi AP have a steady white light?

If you UniFi AP (or other listed device) is exhibiting a steady white light, it means it is ready for adoption. This means it is ready to begin the process of connecting to the UniFi application that will manage it.

Why is my UniFi UDM flashing blue?

This applies to UDM units only. If you see a flashing blue light, it means that a client device is connected to the network via Bluetooth.

Why is my UniFi UDM flashing blue and then off?

Again, this flashing only applies to the UDM units. If it is lighting up blue and then going off after 5 seconds, then back to blue, then off, it means it is not connected to the internet.

What does a constant blue light mean on my UniFi access point?

A steady blue light means that the UniFi device is adopted (connected to the UniFi application managing it) and is in normal operating mode. The Access Point (AP) is broadcasting SSIDs (Service Set Identifier – Typically a network name).

Why is my UniFi AP rapidly flashing white and off?

If you UniFi access point is strobing white/off then you will need to power cycle it. If that doesn’t work, then you will have to get in touch with Ubiquiti’s customer support team for further help.

Help – Why is my Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point flashing white then blue?

If your UniFi AP is quickly flashing white then blue, it means the device firmware is being upgraded. It’s important you do not interrupt this process.

On a UDM unit, it will flash only white during this upgrade.

Why has my UniFi AP got a blue steady light that goes off every 5 seconds?

If your UniFi AP is blue but flashing off every 5 seconds, it means the AP has lost connectivity and is looking for a wireless uplink.

I have a rapidly flashing blue light on my UniFi AP – What does it mean?

If your UniFi AP is rapidly flashing blue and then off, it means the device “Locate” feature was activated in the UniFi Network application.

Why is my UniFi AP flashing white, blue and then off?

The device is in TFTP mode (Trivial File Transfer Protocol is a simple lockstep File Transfer Protocol which allows a client to get a file from or put a file onto a remote host).

To enable this mode:

  1. Hold the reset button before powering on.
  2. Continue to hold the reset button until this LED sequence appears.

If you haven’t intentionally put your AP into TFTP mode, make sure that the reset button on the device isn’t jammed. It should click when pushed.

There is no LED / light visible on my UniFi Access Point?

If you can’t see any light on your AP device and the LED is completely off, then it means the device is offline. To try and resolve the problem:

  • Check it has a power supply
  • Check POE (power over ethernet) cables
  • Check Ethernet cables

Ubiquiti UniFi Bridge to Bridge Devices

If you have a UniFi Bridge to Bridge device, then there are two more statuses to look out for in addition to those above.

My UniFi Bridge has a red light with circulating blue light

If your UniFi Bridge device is showing a red with circulating blue LED, it means the 60 GHz link cannot be established or has dropped due to bad weather.

If the UBB fails over to 5 GHz, the LED will remain red. When the 60 GHz link is re-established, the LED will turn blue (or the custom colour selected in the UniFi Network application).

It’s worth noting that if the other bridge device is within range and the UBB LED is red, Uniquiti recommend adjusting the UBB’s position to enhance the signal strength.

Why does my UniFi bridge have a green light?

If your UniFi Bridge is showing a green light, it means that the Alignment Tool is enabled in the UniFi Network application and the UBB devices are aligned properly.

If the other bridge device is within range and the UBB LED is green and red, Ubiquiti recommend adjusting the UBB’s position until the LED is green.

How to Disable Device LEDs

Did you know that you can disable device LED’s? Using the UniFi Network application, you can choose specific device status LED’s or the whole site’s to be disabled.

To disable (or re-enable) status LED’s:

  • Open the UniFi Network Application
  • Go to Settings
  • Go to Site
  • Go to the Services section
  • Edit the LED feature

If you want to specifically configure individual devices:

  • Open the UniFi Network application
  • Go to the Devices section
  • Click on the device you wish to edit to bring up the Properties panel
  • Go to Config, then General, then LED
  • Switch the Site Settings to On or Off

Ubiquiti UniFi Fault Finding

For more information on any of the above, or to find LED patterns for specific ports, head to the Ubiquiti website here.

Is Ubiquiti UniFi right for your business Wi-Fi?

If you’re wondering if Ubiquiti UniFi is the best option for the Wi-Fi needs of your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi Experts today. We can advise what the best network options would be for your premises, and take you from the site survey stage, through to design and deployment. No one should have to tolerate bad broadband or slow Wi-Fi at work.

All imagery from ui.com/wi-fi with thanks.

by admin
212 Views0
4G Router 4G Wi-Fi 5G Router 5G Wi-Fi Mobile COnnectivity Router Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Product Feature
Launch of UniFi Mobile Router

As regular installers of Ubiquiti kit since 2013, we’re excited to see the pending launch of their UniFI Mobile Router.

No signs yet that it is available in the UK, but as we work with Teltonika and Robustel 4G and 5G routers on a weekly basis, this has the potential to be a game changer in the market place for mobile connectivity Installers.

Enterprise clients will be looking to maintain the same manufacturer and one family of products wherever possible, and Ubiquiti will know this is a corner of the market they can easily win at.

by admin
130 Views0
4G 4G Mobile Broadband 4G Wi-Fi 5G Broadband Business Wi-Fi Facebook Wi-Fi Home Network Home WI-Fi Hybrid Broadband Rural Broadband Satellite Broadband Satellite Internet SpaceX Starlink Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6
Our Top Wi-Fi Blogs of 2021

A new year has begun, and no doubt it will bring new technology and wireless improvements with it!

Here at Geekabit, we covered a lot of different Wi-Fi topics last year here on the blog, many of which were steered by the enquiries we were receiving to our Wi-Fi Experts across Winchester, London and Cardiff. We saw a big increase in demand for 4G broadband, particularly for homes in rural areas. Hybrid broadband has also soared in popularity!

We’ve also talked a lot about 5G and Wi-Fi 6 and a few of the products already available on the market. With there still being a heavy focus on working from home throughout 2021, it’s no surprise that reliable broadband and internet speeds at home were still crucial. We even launched our own product – SpeedScore – A great way for estate agents and landlords to accurately identify their broadband speeds.

With all of this in mind, we thought we would take a look back on the last year and see what blogs were most popular with you – Our readers!

#10 – Just making the top 10 reads from 2021 is a blog on the 4G Broadband Teltonika RUT950 router. This device was out top product for 4G broadband installations during 2021 – Click the blog to find out why.

4G Broadband and the Teltonika RUT950 Industrial Cellular Router

#9 – Continuing on the 4G broadband theme, in at number 9 is why 4G broadband could be the answer for all your rural Wi-Fi woes. 2021 brought us many clients desperate for a quicker Wi-Fi service in rural areas, particularly those who had moved out of London but expected the same internet connectivity. If you’re sticking with more working-from-home as we move into 2022, then have a read of this blog to see if 4G broadband could bring you a better connection.

4G Broadband – The Answer to Your Rural Wi-Fi Woes?

#8 – Last year we saw a big buzz around 5G. This blog was all about the Robustel R5020 router – An exciting product offering 5G connectivity at a competitive price.

The Robustel R5020 5G Router

#7 – We can’t talk about 4G broadband without talking about data plans. Joining in on the blog popularity of 4G/5G broadband and pieces of kit was this blog on Unlimited 4G broadband data plans. well worth a read if you’re going down the 4G broadband route.

The Best Unlimited 4G Data Plans for Broadband

#6 – Which brings us nicely to hybrid broadband. This has seen a soar in popularity, and we’re expecting to see a lot more of this in client enquiries over this coming year. But what is hybrid broadband? If you’re wanted unbreakable Wi-Fi for your home or business then this could well be the solution you’ve been searching for.

 

What is Hybrid Broadband?

#5 – 2021 saw Facebook launch it’s own Wi-Fi – But what is it? Hundreds of thousands of businesses are already using it, but if you’re not yet one of them then click the blog below to see what you need to know.

What is Facebook Wi-Fi?

#4 – Anything to do with Ubiquiti always proves a popular blog topic. And with good reason – These devices are one of the staple pieces of kit here at Geekabit. The Ubiquiti UniFi range of access points are always easy to match to our clients needs.

How Do I Choose The Right Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point?

#3 – Wi-Fi 6 was another topic on everyone’s lips last year. This blog on the Amplifi Alien Wi-Fi 6 router was a big favourite of our readers – Could that be because of the ongoing need to work and learn from home?

Amplifi Alien – The New Wi-Fi 6 Router from Ubiquiti

#2 – How do you choose the right wireless product for your home or business? It’s a question often asked so no wonder this blog looking at 3 top wireless products almost made the top spot. If you want to compare UniFi, Meraki and Aruba bits of wireless kit then this is the blog for you.

UniFi vs Meraki vs Aruba

#1 – And here we are at number one. The most popular blog last year was this one on Starlink and what it meant for broadband here in the UK. another interesting read, particularly those living and working in more rural areas, struggling with connectivity.

What is Starlink and what does it mean for UK broadband?

So there you go – Our top ten Wi-Fi blogs of 2021. We’re excited to see what 2022 will bring!

 

by admin
288 Views0
Business Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Design Wi-Fi Installation Wi-Fi Interference Wi-Fi Site Survey
The Fundamentals of a Wireless LAN

We were going to call this blog ‘WLANs for Dummies’ but that seemed a bit harsh so we settled on the fundamentals of a wireless LAN instead.

A wireless LAN, or WLAN, might seem complicated on the surface but actually it really just follows simple laws of physics. If you can understand these and follow them, then there shouldn’t be any reason why you can’t achieve high performance and scalability for your WLAN.

If you can understand the basics of wireless physics, then you can start to plan your WLAN for a successful deployment. It will also help you to troubleshoot an existing WLAN exhibiting issues.

How Does Data Travel Through a WLAN?

First things first – Let’s look at wave properties.

Data transmits, or travels, from one point to another – e.g. between wireless access points – via electromagnetic waves. This energy travels at the speed of light and operate at different frequencies.

The frequencies of these electromagnetic waves are defined by how many periodic cycles are completed by second.

For example:

How is Frequency Measured?

As we said above, frequency is how many wave cycles are completed per second. This is measured in Hertz. A 2Hz waveform is 2 completed wave cycles in a period of 1 second.

How Does Frequency Affect a WLAN?

A phenomenon called Free Space Path Loss is something that causes signal loss when a waveform travels from one point to another. This is what affects how well data travels across a wireless network.

Different wavelengths (frequencies) experience difference signal loss. The lower the frequency, the longer the wavelength, and the longer the wavelength, the further it can travel before signal gets lost.

For example, 2.4GHz have longer wavelengths than higher frequencies like 5GHz.

How is Wi-Fi Signal Loss Measured?

We measure the energy that is associated with received wireless signals in Decibels (dB). We can also measure loss of signal in this way.

Decibels are logarithmic. On the linear domain, when you add decibels it grows exponentially and when you subtract decibels it reduces exponentially.

The 3dB rule

Every 3dB change, there is a doubling of energy (if increasing) or a halving of energy (if decreasing).

As a ratio, this would look like:

If we had the wireless signal energy at
1:10dB

Then doubling it would be
2:13dB

Remembering this rule can help with both analysing the energy associated with wireless signals as well as predicting it.
Similarly, if you add or subract 10dB, it changes by a factor of 10.

The Relationship Between Frequency and Wireless Signal

Let’s take a look at 2.4Ghz and 5GHz frequencies or waveforms. 5GHz is a higher frequency, so has more wavelengths in a given time period. 5GHz has more wireless signal loss (attenuation) than 2.4GHz, and thus is better for high-density areas. 2.4GHz has less wavelengths in a given time period and is better suited for wider coverage. Bear this in mind when you are planning or troubleshooting a wireless network.

How is Wireless Signal Affected by Different Materials?

In an ideal world, you would have a clear line of sight between your wireless points. In reality, this is rarely the case and you will often find things that get in the way and stop the wireless signal from traversing effectively across your network.

Different materials will affect wireless signals and attenuation in different ways.

Materials such as concrete will cause more attenuation of wireless signal than wood.

In scenarios where wireless signals can propagate (the action of spreading) normally, there is no interference from other materials. However, there are some things that can alter the propagation of a wireless signal, causing it to behave differently and potentially become unreliable.

For example, a WLAN environment with metal surfaces may encounter unpredictability with wireless signal due to it reflecting off the metal.
Wireless signal can also be absorbed by certain materials like water or people, causing the signal to falter.

Being mindful of materials during the WLAN planning stage can help ensure the environment doesn’t hinder your wireless network and you have reliable connectivity results.

Co-Channel Interference

Different materials aren’t the only thing that can interfer with wireless signals.

Due to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frewuency bands being unlicensed, there are no restrictions on people when extending wireless networks with access points.

This means that they can become crowded as well as channels not being assigned efficiently. Both of these issues can cause co-channel interference.

When planning your WLAN it’s important to take these issues nito consideration and plan your wireless network accordingly so as not to risk problems with wireless signal later down the line.

You want your WLAN to be as effective and efficient as it can possible be, which takes planning and wireless network knowledge.

Whilst the 2.4GHz is popular due to its propagation qualities due its waveforms passing through materials like walls more easily and reaching end users at a long distance. This however has meant that its become crowded with competing devices such as cordless telephones, baby monitors and bluetooth devices. This saturation can cause problems with your wireless signal.

In comparison, the 5GHz spectrum has greater availability and relaxed transmission power giving it more flexibility when it comes to wireless networks.

The 2.4GHz band has only 3 channels without any overlap, whereas the 5GHz has 24. This is another reason why the 5GHz band is favoured for high-density WLAN environments.

Understanding Frequency Channels

To ensure you can maximise the performance and scalability of your WLAN, you need to understand how these channels operate and use that knowledge to avoid co-channel interference.

Let’s take an Access Point as an example. An AP will have a specific bandwidth through which it will transmit and receive signals to and from other points. The channel assigned to the AP will be appropriate for the centre frequency of the first 20MHz channel used by the AP.

This bandwidth is specifically the frequency range over which the data signals are transmitted. Peak transmission and power is spread over the range of that bandwidth, with it dropping off at the edges.

These edges are then at risk of meeting other nearby wireless networks and are prone to interference from the ‘noise’ of these other networks.

It’s important to use what you know about channels to prevent the reduction of wireless signal speed and loss of scalability of your wireless network.

In order to minimise interference between neighbouring access points, choose to assign them with non-adjacent channels. Following this will make it easier to scale your network. If you don’t follow this principle, you will likely encounter problems with latency and throughput.

The best way of reducing interference when assigning WLAN channels is to carry out a Wi-Fi site survey. This involves analysing the noise levels across the spectrum so you can make informed decisions for your wireless network.

Call The Experts

If this all sounds a bit complicated, then why not give us a call here at Geekabit? We have Wi-Fi expert engineers working out of Hampshire, Cardiff and London who can take care of all your Wi-Fi woes.

From Wi-Fi site surveys, to planning and installation, we’ve got your WLAN covered. GIve us a call or drop us an email to see how we can help keep you and your business connected.

by admin
624 Views0
Business Wi-Fi Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Design Wi-Fi Installation Wi-Fi Product Feature
Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Expert Help

Here at Geekabit, we love Ubiquiti – It’s no secret. We’re often asked what bits of Wi-Fi kit are our favourites, and Ubiquiti is definitely one of them. We use Ubiquiti wireless devices so much that we consider ourselves a bit of an expert when it comes to Ubiquiti Wi-Fi installations. We’ve done quite a few blogs sharing our expert knowledge of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi devices, so this week we thought we’d do a quick round-up on some of the things we’ve touched on.

Let’s start with how Ubiquiti UniFi could help your business. This blog was the first in a series of three looking at the benefits of Ubiquiti UniFi in a business setting. If excellent, reliable Wi-Fi is critical to your business operations, then this is well worth a read.

[Part 1] What is Ubiquiti UniFi and How Could It Help Your Business?

In the above blog, we looked at what Ubiquiti UniFi actually was and how it could function as a network in your business. This next one focuses in on the Controller and UniFi Cloud Key and their expert Wi-Fi function within an effective wireless network.

[Part 2] Ubiquiti UniFi – The Brains

The third in that series of blogs looked at the elements that complete the Ubiquiti UniFi network and how they could provide you with a better connected business. After the last 18 months, we’ve all seen how vital it is to have a reliable connection. This series of 3 blogs on Ubiquiti UniFi highlights how these interconnected devices could be the ideal solution for keeping your business well connected.

[Part 3] Ubiquiti UniFi – The Elements

Ubiquiti Access Points are a staple in our Wi-Fi toolkit. We’re confident that their selection of access points are straightforward to match to our clients needs and satisfy your end users. For a blog that takes you through choosing the right Ubiquiti access point for your business, check out the link below.

How Do I Choose The Right Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point?

Of course, Ubiquiti isn’t the only provider out there. How does it compare to some other top options on the wireless device market? See how it stacks up against popular choices from Meraki and Aruba.

UniFi vs Meraki vs Aruba

With all the Wi-Fi 6 hype, you might be wondering what the choices are in terms of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 6 products. In that case, you’ll probably want to have a read about the Amplifi Alien – The new Wi-Fi 6 router from Ubiquiti.

Amplifi Alien – The New Wi-Fi 6 Router from Ubiquiti

If you have a large area to cover with your network range, then mesh could be the right option for you. Mesh is essentially like a interconnected grid or net of access points that all communicate with each other, ensuring that even if one goes down you don’t drop your connection. If this sounds like something that could work for your business Wi-Fi network, have a read of the blog below explaining Ubiquiti UniFi Mesh models.

Ubiquiti UniFi – What are Mesh and Mesh Pro Models?

The latest from our Ubiquiti blogs is the range of Ubiquiti airMAX products. With something to match every business Wi-Fi need – from a functional perspective to design aesthetics – This blog will take you through the Ubiquiti airMAX device choices.

Which Ubiquiti airMAX product should I choose?

If you need Ubiquiti Wi-Fi expert help then give us a call here at Geekabit. Our Wi-Fi experts operate out of London, Hampshire and Cardiff and are all competent in Ubiquiti wireless devices.

To get in touch, give us a call or drop us a message.

 

by admin
597 Views0
Technology Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Design Wi-Fi Installation Wi-Fi Product Feature
UniFi vs Meraki vs Aruba

If you’re in the market for a bit of wireless kit then you’re rather spoilt for choice nowadays. Whilst it’s great to have a choice of products, it does beggar the question, how do I choose the right wireless product for my business?

Some of the big players when it comes to wireless network products are Ubiquiti, Meraki and Aruba. But which one is right for your specific deployment? Let’s have a look at them one by one.

Ubiquiti Network Wireless Products

We’ve spoken a lot about Ubiquiti and their range of wireless products – They are a firm favourite with our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit. Ubiquiti provide a range of wireless networking products including access points, wireless controllers, antennas and wireless bridges. Whatever your Wi-Fi requirement, they’re likely to have a product solution.

Product Portfolio

  • Ubiquiti have the product range to meet a complete enterprise network
  • They cover both wireless and wired products
  • They have the management and security systems to go alongside

The Benefits for Small to Medium Sized Business Networks

  • They are easy to deploy and use
  • Lots of features
  • One intuitive User Interface to make the human-computer interaction as simple as possible
  • Unbeatable value

The Benefits for Enterprise Networks

  • All access points, switches and routers are easy to manage from one Use Interface
  • It has central management capabilities and troubleshooting
  • It is straightforward to use for network admin staff, with no certification needed
  • Cloud and on-premises management available
  • Very high access point performance
  • Good HD Wi-Fi control capabilities

The Benefits for Arena / Stadium Networks

  • They can provide arena access points with integrated high gain antennas
  • One access point can have up to 3 5GHz client serving radios
  • Multi 5 GHz radio access points save in installation and cabling costs
  • Outstanding performance in a high traffic environment

User Experience

  • Quick and easy deployment with no licenses required
  • A single, intuitive user interface for all Ubiquiti elements with secure remote access
  • It’s easy to expand the network if and when needed without additional licenses
  • They provide free support (without needing a support agreement) plus a community of Ubiquiti users for extra support, buffered by Ubiquiti employees

Price-point

  • The price-point for Ubiquiti wireless products is low compared to other brands, offering fantastic value for money

Meraki Wireless Products

The Meraki MR series from Cisco delivers Wi-Fi 6 access points, faster access point deployment, simplified administration, and richer visibility.

Product Portfolio

  • Meraki have the product range to meet a complete enterprise network
  • They cover both wireless and wired products
  • They have the management and security systems to go alongside

How it Fares for Small to Medium Sized Business Networks

  • They are easy to deploy and use
  • You have to pay a subscription fee, which renders the product useless if not paid
  • It works well for smaller businesses and enterprises, apart from it being expensive
  • For better prices, you need to commit to several years and pre-pay

How it Fares for Enterprise Networks

  • It is easy to deploy and use cloud infrastructure
  • There is no on-premises option
  • Performance falters with high traffic
  • Ongoing licensing is expensive

How it Fares for Arena / Stadium Networks

  • There are no capabilities specifically targeted to venues of this size or type
  • For focused radio frequency, external antennas are required which will incur extra costs and will need mounting
  • There are no multi 5 GHz radio products, and RF tuning capabilities are weak
  • HD Wi-Fi performance is weak

User Experience

  • Quick and easy deployment but a lack of flexibility may cause problems
  • Licensing is required, but all features are included
  • It has a single, intuitive user interface
  • Support services are available from Meraki, but a service subscription is required. Without it there is no support
  • Additional support is available at an additional cost

Price-point

  • The price-point for Meraki MR wireless products is high compared to other brands, with licensing and subscription fees pushing it up.

 

Aruba Wireless Products

The range of Aruba Access Points deliver a fast, reliable Wi-Fi solution with great performance levels and a boost to network efficiency. They will also support the growing mobile and IoT density demands on your network.

Product Portfolio

  • Aruba have most of the product range to meet a complete enterprise network need
  • They cover both wireless and wired products
  • They have the management and security systems to go alongside

How it Fares for Small to Medium Sized Business Networks

  • Controller based products can be difficult to deploy and use
  • Instant access points lack features unless you have other Aruba products such as Aruba Central or Aruba AirWave licenses
  • Aruba Central has a good cloud-based product for small to medium sized business, but it is very expensive

How it Fares for Enterprise Networks

  • Large configurations can handle large networks
  • The base product is a traditional single tenant hardware controller which can make it difficult to deploy and use
  • For adequate reliability, you will need redundant controllers which are pricey
  • The Aruba instant access points are not sufficient for larger enterprises or multisite premises
  • Aruba Central provides a cloud alternative but uses separate licenses for features. This means that you may require additional licenses for future functionality which could prove very expensive
  • The ongoing admin of handling expiring licenses is time consuming

How it Fares for Arena / Stadium Networks

  • As with Meraki, for focused radio frequency with Aruba products, external antennas are required which will incur extra costs and will need mounting
  • There are a maximum of 2 5 GHz radios per access point
  • The Aruba multi 5 GHz access points have filtering
  • HD Wi-Fi performance is weak

User Experience

  • Deployment is difficult, with added complexity of ensuring you have the right licenses which can be time consuming
  • Depending on the products used, you may require multiple user interfaces
  • Expanding your network or adding new features may require additional licensing and subsequently more costs
  • Aruba does provide support within a 90-day product failure warranty. Additional support after that requires a paid support agreement. If you don’t pay, you don’t get support

Price-point

  • The price-point for Aruba wireless products is lower than Meraki but medium compared to other brands. As with Meraki, the costs involved with licensing and subscription fees with Aruba pushes the price up.

 

Still not sure what wireless products you need for your network?

If you’re unsure what wireless products would be suitable for your network – Whether it be small or arena sized – Our Wi-Fi experts would be happy to chat through the options. Our experienced Wi-Fi engineers can match the right wireless network products with your requirements to get you the most reliable Wi-Fi possible. Let’s strengthen your connections today – Get in touch now.

by admin
2,521 Views0
Home Network Home WI-Fi Optimising Home Network Remote Learning Technology Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi Advice Working From Home
Amplifi Alien – The New Wi-Fi 6 Router from Ubiquiti

In this week’s blog we’re going to take a look at the new Wi-Fi 6 router from Ubiquiti – The AmpliFi Alien. With attractive performance features, this router could be great for a busy household working and learning from home as well as the intrepid gamer.

This Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 router brings a revolutionary Wi-Fi 6 benefit into your home along with an elegant design.

What are the key features of the AmpliFi Alien?
  • Wi-Fi 6 compatible
  • It has a scalable mesh system. This is great for gamers! The Wi-Fi 6 standard Mesh system can easily cover any home, providing 4K/8K UHD streaming and online gaming to multiple users in any room
  • It has true Gigabit mesh
  • An 8×8 super antenna system
  • You could get up to 4 times your current network capacity (compared to an AmpliFi HD)
  • Boost your coverage by up to twice your current network (compared to an AmpliFi HD)
  • Reduce battery drain in mobile devices
  • It has 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi 6 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 radios
  • From this single unit, they deliver a total capacity of 7685Mbps and 16 spatial streams
  • Build a virtually unlimited Wi-Fi capacity within your home by easily meshing multiple units over the air
  • It has a convenient touchscreen which displays the network status and provides instant controls
  • The AmpliFi Alien has a single Gigabit internet interface and internal power supply
  • It is integrated with a LAN switch with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • You can use Wi-Fi 6 for wireless connectivity and the LAN ports for local wired connectivity
  • It takes just one minute to set up using their easy-to-use app.

 

What performance features could make the AmpliFi Alien a good choice for remote working and home learning in a device heavy household?

There’s a lot of households across the UK that are suddenly finding themselves in a network nightmare at home. Families where both parents are working from home, plus multiple children doing home learning lead to multiple Zoom / Microsoft Teams / Google Meet video conferences all needing to happen at the same time. And this can cause some big issues with internet and Wi-Fi. The AmpliFi Alien has some performance features would be enticing for anyone currently in this predicament.

  • The Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien is optimised to provide your home network with the highest possible performance – Irrespective of how many users or devices are connected at the same time
  • The AmpliFI Alien can eliminate dead spots and increase the total capacity in your home network by 4 times through utilising MU-MIMO and OFDMA for communication across 12 Wi-Fi 6 spatial streams
  • Got a video meeting you just cannot have interrupted by lag or loss of video? The AmpliFi Alien has 5Hz radio with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) speeds which you can choose to dedicate to performance critical devices
  • Using the above features can help you to avoid competing for bandwidth with any other devices on your home network
Sounding good, but worried you don’t have the technical know-how to set something like this up?

The AmpliFi Alien comes with the AmpliFi App – A simple app that allows you to set up your network in just a minute. It’s user friendly yet full of controls and statistics to enable you to configure the AmpliFi Alien for your environment.

For more information and detailed specifications on the Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien, head to their website.

What other products are in the Ubiquiti AmpliFi range?

The AmpliFi Alien is the latest router that Ubiquiti have added to their extensive range of Wi-Fi products. You can find out more about their range of products by heading to their website, plus see real-life reviews of how Ubiquiti AmpliFi products have changed home networks for the better including all the stats.

 

We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty excited to see the AmpliFi Alien in action!

 

 

by admin
997 Views0

© Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved