wireless

How Do I Choose a UniFi Control Plane?

Here at Geekabit, one of our Wi-Fi engineers’ top choices when it comes to Wi-Fi hardware and cloud management is Ubiquiti UniFi.

This brand offers scalable, license-free cloud management which are vital features for business Wi-Fi. These features allow our clients to rapidly expand their network capacity, and thus supporting more users and devices without the complex maintenance.

If your business is looking for Wi-Fi that is:

Flexible
Cost effective
Centralised and secure

Then you’re in the right place.

For help with the technical jargon and terminology in this article, skip to the end for a detailed list.

How do I get my business Wi-Fi started with UniFi?

The best way to get started is with a Cloud Gateway. This combines UniFi management software with a powerful network gateway.

This article will look at how to get started with a Cloud Gateway and how they work.

Are there other control plane options?

Other control plane options are available, which usually run on dedicated hardware devices running UniFi OS like UniFi Consoles, and the UniFi applications (Network, Protect, Access, Talk, Connect) which serve as a local control plane.

We’ll look at the alternative consoles later, but it’s worth noting that these are recommended for advanced users.

How to Begin With a Cloud Gateway

For the best UniFi experience, our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit would strongly recommend starting with a Cloud Gateway.

This integrates the following into one single device:

Networking
Security
UniFi management software

Which one you need depends on the size of your deployment.

Which UniFi Cloud Gateway do I need for small to mid-sized Wi-Fi deployments?

For a balance of performance and management capabilities, the below products would work well for small to mid-sized Wi-Fi deployments:

The Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)
Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)
UCG-Ultra

The key difference between these is their form. The first two are UDMs and are rack-mounted. The UCG-Ultra and UCG-Max are desktop units.

I have a mid- to large-scale Wi-Fi deployment – Which UniFi Cloud Gateway do I need?

For mid to large scale Wi-Fi deployments, the below will provide significantly more CPU and RAM for additional users and UniFi devices, plus a second HDD for video recording resilience.

The Dream Machine Pro Max (UDM-Pro-Max)

Which UniFi Cloud Gateway is best for an enterprise-scale network?

A larger, enterprise network can benefit from the ultra-high performance with 25 GbE networking and support for more than 5,000 users via

The Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG)

Should I Offload Other UniFi Applications to a Different Console?

For more enhanced capacity and performance, you may opt to run other UniFi Applications like Protect, Access and Talk on a different, dedicated Console.

It’s worth noting that if you are using an Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG) for a larger network, then you can only run the Network application on that gateway, not the other applications. For the other UniFi applications, you will need a separate UniFi console.

To use Protect in a large UniFi deployment you could use the following consoles:

A UNVR-series device would provide reliable, high-capacity video storage and management
An ENVR provides even more storage and camera support for the most demanding deployments
Vantage Point can be used to manage multiple UNVRs from a single control plane

For Protect or Access needs in smaller UniFi deployments:

The CloudKey+ can support up to 12 cameras and multiple UniFi applications in a compact form factor.

What are the other Control Plane Options for advanced UniFi users?

Cloud Gateways are excellent Control Plane options for almost all types of Wi-Fi deployments, but there are other UniFi options that can also provide additional control plane choices. These are Hardware UniFi Consoles, Official UniFi Hosting and Self-Hosted UniFi Networks.

Most users choosing to use one of these options will pair it with a UXG for UniFi’s routing, VPN and security features.

Hardware UniFi Consoles

CloudKey+: This is a compact option for running UniFi Network, Protect, Access and Talk.
CloudKey Enterprise: This console is designed for larger UniFi networks, and can support up to 1,000 APs and switches.

Official UniFi Hosting

Official UniFi Hosting is a cloud-based UniFi Network management solution for users who prefer a managed hosting option over dedicated hardware.

Self-Hosted UniFi Network

Advanced users can run a Self-Hosted UniFi Network on their own hardware.

Detailed Comparison of UniFi Console Options

If you are an advanced user, the table below outlines specific details for each UniFi Console type and the related models.

Console Type	Function	Applications Supported	Key Models / Form Factors
Cloud Gateways	Combines UniFi Network management with routing, security, and performance optimization.	All UniFi applications (except for EFG, which runs UniFi Network only).	Compact: UCG-Ultra (1Gbps routing), UCG-Max (2.3Gbps routing & full suite) Rack-Mounted: UDM-Pro / SE (3.5Gbps routing & full suite), UDM-Pro Max (more CPU/RAM, 2nd HDD), EFG (25 GbE, 5,000+ clients, Network Only)
CloudKeys	Dedicated UniFi Consoles for small and mid-sized deployments.	CloudKey+: UniFi Network, Protect, Access and Talk. CloudKey Enterprise: UniFi Network manager (supports up to 1,000 APs and switches).	CloudKey+, CloudKey Enterprise
UniFi Network Video Recorders	Primarily designed for UniFi Protect deployments.	Protect and Access only.	UNVR, UNVR-Pro, ENVR
Official UniFi Hosting (OUH)	Cloud-based UniFi Network hosting (not a physical console but functions as one).	UniFi Network only.	N/A (Cloud-based service)

Do you need help with your Wi-Fi deployment?

If you’re interested in utilising UniFi components in your business Wi-Fi network, whether it’s a small, mid-size or enterprise deployment, then our Wi-Fi engineers here at Geekabit can help.

From Site Surveys to Network Design to Deployment, let our Wi-Fi experts guide you and make sure your business Wi-Fi is as reliable, robust and secure as it can be.

Get in touch with Geekabit today.

UniFi Console Terminology

Tech terminology can get confusing. If you’re wondering what all the abbreviations and terms mean, then read on.

EFG: Enterprise Fortress Gateway

OUH: Official UniFi Hosting

UCG: UniFi Cloud Gateway

UDR: UniFi Dream Router

UDM: UniFi Dream Machine

UniFi Cloud Gateway: A UniFi Console with a built-in network gateway, such as a Dream Machine Pro or UCG-Ultra. These devices combine network management, security, and routing in one unit.

UniFi Console: A UniFi Host running on Ubiquiti hardware, such as a CloudKey+, UNVR, UNAS or Cloud Gateway.

UniFi Host: A general term for any device running UniFi applications.

UNVR: UniFi Network Video Recorder

ENVR: Enterprise Network Video Recorder

With thanks to https://uk.store.ui.com/uk/en/products/udm-pro for the image.

by admin9th February 2026

Cisco Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 7

Could 2026 Be Wi-Fi 7’s Breakout Year? Cisco Thinks So

Matt MacPherson, CTO at Cisco, says 2026 could reveal a Wi-Fi 7 turning point.

Wi-Fi 7 has long been in the pipeline, but with notably low adoption rates (especially in the United States) it might not seem that way. But now, according to Cisco, the stars have finally aligned for Wi-Fi 7 with the perfect timing of 3 main things seeing a marked turning point. .

Cisco CTO Matt MacPherson believes 2026 will be the turning point for Wi-Fi 7 due to the alignment of:

Market conditions
Deployment readiness
Customer Demand

Let’s take a look at each of these in turn to see what their convergence could mean for more widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 7.

How Are Market Conditions and Device Readiness Affecting Wi-Fi 7 Uptake?

Devices are ready now. Top of the range phones from the likes of Apple and Samsung were compatible with Wi-Fi 7 last year (2025). In 2026 we’ll start to see this more across the board, to include other devices like laptops. Devices bought now are more likely to have Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.

Can We Skip Wi-Fi 6E and Go Straight to Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 brings an essential refresh. Wi-Fi 6E unfortunately caused a degree of confusion, with many customers still using Wi-Fi 5 and wondering what the benefit was to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E or just wait for Wi-Fi 7. Cisco is starting to see a long overdue refresh already, now that enough Access Points (APs) are finally available. Customers are more than ready to go to the next technology. Any confusion about whether to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E is mopped up with the introduction of a new full generation – Wi-Fi 7.

Will Wi-Fi 7 Bring More Benefits to End Users?

The Wi-Fi 7 standard is set to be the most reliable generation yet. It’s jam-packed with features to provide a reliable connection, such as:

Multi-Link Operation (MLO) – This allows devices to dynamically choose the best path by using multiple bands simultaneously
Enhanced OFDMA and MU-MIMO – These provide more efficient resource allocation to handle more devices and data.

These features, sets of applications and services couldn’t be done before, resulting in a standard which expands the market for Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 7 will grow its set of use cases, and should be able to handle the increased demand that will come with it. Cisco believes that everything is aligned for a big boom in the Wi-Fi market this year.

Here’s 3 Reasons Why Cisco Thinks 2026 Will be Wi-Fi 7’s Breakout Year

In conclusion, as 2026 unfolds Cisco sees 3 main things leading to the breakthrough that Wi-Fi 7 needs.

Availability of Wi-Fi 7 devices removing the barrier to wider adoption of the standard
An increase in scale with a fresh demand is leading to a Wi-Fi standard refresh and deployment readiness
Redefining what Wi-Fi can support realistically with new architectural features will mean Wi-Fi 7 devices can meet customer demand and expectations

by admin26th January 2026

6 GHz Power over Ethernet Ubiquiti UDB Switch Wi-Fi 7

New Ubiquiti UDB Switch Offers 5 and 6 GHz Wi-Fi Uplink and PoE+

(Image source: Ubiquiti)

Ubiquiti’s new UniFi Device Bridge (UDB) Switch is designed to easily connect multiple remote IoT devices with wired connections to a network and supply them with power via Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+).

How does the UDB Switch Work?

The UDB switch connects IoT devices with wired connections to a network and supplies them with power via PoE+ by using a Wi-Fi 7 uplink across 3 frequencies.

For example, an environment with heavy Wi-Fi traffic would use the 6 GHz band.

For wired devices that are installed in places that can’t be reached with a cable, the UDB switch acts as a Wi-Fi Bridge. The switch also has features that can bring PoE devices onto a network.

Power

The UDB switch itself needs 25 watts of power, but it also supplies 185 watts to connected powered devices. These can be connected to eight RJ45 ports. PoE+ (also known as IEEE 802.3at) with up to 30 watts is available as well.

It should be noted that Ubiquiti only includes a 60 watt power supply with the switch, which reduces its power budget to just 35 watts. Users who need more than that should order the optional power supply with 210 watts.

Speed

Furthermore, there are noteworthy differences in terms of speed. One of the ports is a 10GbE connection that can also serve as an uplink, while the other 802.3bz ports offer up to 2.5GbE.

Network Connections

For connecting to the main network, the UDB switch also has a Wi-Fi unit. The 6 GHz and 5 GHz bands are used for this, it does not support the lower band. Moreover, it supports the Wi-Fi standards 802.11a/n/ac/ax/be and WPA3. According to the spec sheet, 802.11b/g is not supported.

Diagnostics and Environment

For diagnostics on-site, the Ubiquiti UDB switch comes with a small non-touch status display.

The network device is also flexible in diverse environments such as warehouses where temperature can fluctuate. The UDB switch can be used in cooler environments down to -30°C and warmer climates up to 40°C.

If you’re going for the optional additional power supply, then do bear in mind that it’s only suitable for temperatures above freezing.

Coming Soon

Ubiquiti’s new switch will be available in the UK soon for £286.80 inc. VAT.

You can shop the range of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Bridging on their website here.

by admin4th December 2025

Access Point AP Association Authentication Data Transfer Management Frames

How Does My Device Connect to Wi-Fi Access Points?

Have you ever wondered how your device connects to an Access Point? If you’ve got strong Wi-Fi and broadband, then connecting your device to a network can feel instant. But there are actually several states and sequences that a device and Access Point need to work through in order for you to connect and be able to send and receive data.

What is an Access Point?

An Access Point, or AP, is a bridge that bridges traffic between mobile stations (for example, laptops, tablets, smartphones) and other devices on a network. Before a mobile station can send data traffic through an AP, it must be in an appropriate connection state. There are three 802.11 connection states.

These connection states are:

Not authenticated or associated
Authenticated but not yet associated.
Authenticated and associated.

For bridging to occur, a mobile station must be in an authenticated and associated state.

In order to get to an authenticated and associated state, the mobile station and AP will exchange a series of 802.11 management frames.

802.11 Management Frames

A mobile station (for example your laptop, smartphone or tablet) always starts out as not authenticated and associated.

Probe Request

The mobile station will send a Probe Request to discover 802.11 networks within its proximity.
A Probe Request advertises the mobile stations supported data rates and 802.11 capabilities, for example 802.11n.
The Probe Request is sent from the mobile station to the destination layer-2 address and BSSID of ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff resulting in all AP’s that receive the request to respond.

Probe Response

APs receiving the Probe Request check to see if the mobile station has at least one common supported data rate.
If they have compatible data rates, a probe response is sent advertising the SSID (wireless network name), supported data rates, encryption types if required, and other 802.11 capabilities of the AP.
A mobile station chooses compatible networks from the Probe Responses it receives. Compatibility could be based on encryption type.
Once compatible networks are discovered the mobile station will attempt low-level 802.11 authentication with compatible APs.

Keep in mind that 802.11 authentication is not the same as WPA2 or 802.1X authentication mechanisms which occur after a mobile station is authenticated and associated. Originally 802.11 authentication frames were designed for WEP encryption however this security scheme has been proven to be insecure and therefore deprecated. Because of this 802.11 authentication frames are open and almost always succeed.

Authentication Open Sequence 1

A mobile station sends a low-level 802.11 Authentication frame to an AP setting the authentication to open and the sequence to 0x0001.

Authentication Open Sequence 2

The AP receives the Authentication frame and responds to the mobile station with authentication frame set to open indicating a sequence of 0x0002.
If an AP receives any frame other than an Authentication or Probe Request from a mobile station that is not authenticated it will respond with a deauthentication frame placing the mobile into an unauthenticated and unassociated state.
The station will have to begin the Association process from the low level authentication step. At this point the mobile station is authenticated but not yet associated.
Some 802.11 capabilities allow a mobile station to low-level authenticate to multiple APs. This speeds up the Association process when moving between APs. A mobile station can be 802.11 authenticated to multiple APs however it can only be actively associated and transferring data through a single AP at a time.

Association Request

A mobile station will send an Association request to the AP that it has determined it would like to associate to.
The Association request contains chosen encryption types if required and other compatible 802.11 capabilities.
If an AP receives a frame from a mobile station that is authenticated but not yet associated, it will respond with a disassociation frame placing the mobile into an authenticated but unassociated state.

Association Response

If the elements in the Association request match the capabilities of the AP, the AP will create an Association ID for the mobile station and respond with an association response with a success message granting network access to the mobile station.

Data Transfer

The mobile station is now successfully associated to the AP and data transfer can begin.

It’s worth noting that if WPA/WPA2 or 802.1X authentication is required on the wireless network, the mobile station will not be able to send data until dynamic keying and authentication have taken place after the 802.11 Association is complete.

by admin3rd November 2025

Broadband Business Wi-Fi Connectivity Hampshire Internet Network Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wireless Network Wireless Technology WLAN

Could Technical Jargon Be Confusing Consumers When It Comes to Buying Internet Services?

What do you call the network in your household or business?

Are there shrieks of ‘Muuuum is the Wi-Fi down?’ or perhaps partners asking ‘What’s going on with the broadband babe?’

Or if you’re the boss of a SME, maybe you’ve got employees interrupting your meetings asking why the internet is lagging.

What’s the most popular name for internet connections?

Broadband Internet Service Provider TalkTalk engaged Axicom to commission a new online survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by OnePoll. The survey claims to find that the most popular name for home internet connections is Wi-Fi.

A third of respondents said they describe their internet connection using the term Wi-Fi, with ‘broadband’ and ‘internet’ coming in second and third place respectively.

The survey also quizzed respondents on their understanding of different wireless technology terms, with 76% of those asked saying they ‘confidently understand’ the term Wi-Fi.

Less confidently understood was ‘fibre’ with only half of the respondents confident with their understanding of its meaning. Interestingly, ‘fibre’ is often a term flung around by telecoms companies to describe their broadband products and services, which begs the question – Do consumers actually understand what they are being sold?

Do Consumers Understand the Internet Products and Services Being Sold to Them?

The results to this particular survey would suggest the answer is unfortunately no, with 69% of respondents admitting that technology-related jargon is difficult to understand.

Perhaps then, the aim of this most recent online survey was to gather information on how ISP TalkTalk can market their products and internet services to potential customers – Both business and residential.

If consumers are not understanding terms like ‘fibre’ then perhaps the focus on the term ‘Wi-Fi’ instead will increase understanding and thus sales. It does seem to be the renewed focus of their recent brand refresh, despite the technical terminology not being entirely correct.

Does this therefore reinforce a misconception around the understanding of technical internet terminology, rather than provide an accurate explanation?

What is your understanding of some of the terms used in the survey? You can see a breakdown of the most understood terminology below, given in percentages.

There seems to be a healthy understanding of the terms Wi-Fi, Wireless, Router and IP Address. Those less understood were concepts like Latency, FTTP/FTTC, Mesh, PSTN and LLU.

What Do TalkTalk Have to Say?

The Product and Propositions Director for TalkTalk shared the companies thoughts on their recent survey and how the results are influencing how they talk to their customers in order to ensure the best understanding of their services and products.

“Wi-Fi is a staple in all our homes, yet as an industry we haven’t kept up with the times when we talk to our customers. At TalkTalk, we’re shifting to talk about Wi-Fi more and more, as it’s the connectivity – making sure streaming or browsing is seamless – that matters most for our millions of customers.

Our latest research tells us that people prefer to communicate in the same way that they speak, without jargon, and our industry should reflect that. We know we’re not perfect, and we have much to do, but this is the first step in delivering a Better Way to Wi-Fi for customers who just want transparency and information they can confidently understand. And this builds trust between us and our customers too.”

What Does Wi-Fi Mean to You?

Whilst the term Wi-Fi might still feel like technical jargon to some, most homes and businesses use Wi-Fi to describe a WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network connection that originates from a router that distributes the broadband internet connection from your Internet Service Provider.

Wi-Fi and Broadband are not the same thing, but consumers seem to be regularly using the term ‘Wi-Fi’ to loosely apply to their wireless internet connection as a whole.

When this starts to run into difficulties is when an issue arises. Someone shouts ‘The Wi-Fi’s gone down!’ – What’s the problem? It could be that the router is faulty and not transmitting a signal to user devices. In this instance, the actual broadband connection coming from outside the property could be completely fine – It’s only the transmission of the signal that has the issue.

Likewise, the router could be transmitting a signal to end users and their devices remain connected, but conference calls aren’t connecting. The problem isn’t the hardware, but the actual broadband connection coming from the ISP.

2 very different problems but both labelled as a ‘Wi-Fi’ problem.

Do You Get Lost in Technical Internet Jargon?

If you need reliable Wi-Fi for your business but find it hard to follow all the terminology, then don’t worry. Not everyone can be Wi-Fi Experts! Thankfully the wireless engineers here at Geekabit have all the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate your network and get you the best wireless connection for your premises.

Get in touch with our Hampshire, Cardiff or London based teams today to see how we can help.

by admin6th October 2025

Business Wi-Fi Cat6 Ethernet Cable Connectivity Fibre Broadband Ubiquiti Ubiquiti UniFi Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Design Wi-Fi for Historic Premises Wi-Fi for Hospitality Wi-Fi Installation Wi-Fi Site Survey Wireless Network

Geekabit Deploys Wi-Fi Solution to New Gastropub in Historic Space in Farnham, Surrey

This week on the blog we’re excited to share the completion of a recent Wi-Fi project for a client over in Farnham, Surrey.

Find out how our Wi-Fi engineering experts helped to transform this remarkable historic space into a well-connected Gastropub.

The Venue

Third Monkey is a new Gastropub, Restaurant and Cocktail Bar providing high-end hospitality and fun family dining in the heart of Farnham.

The historic building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the late 1800’s and whilst much of his original architecture will remain, the updated premises will boast 2 floors of buzzing atmosphere plus a roof terrace.

The building has been used as The South Street Social Club in recent years, formerly known as the Liberal Club, but closed back in 2023 due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic as well as other factors.

Now under new owners, Third Monkey and its Executive Chef are breathing new life into this notable building, bringing with it ‘refined yet relaxed’ vibes through its welcoming Gastropub on the ground floor, and a more elevated dining experience in the Restaurant and Cocktail Bar upstairs. And let’s not forget the Rooftop Terrace complete with weekend DJ’s providing a late-night destination venue for Surrey’s most sought-after town.

You can find this exciting new venue at 46 South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RP.

Expert Wi-Fi Solution for Historic Premises Turned Gastropub

Wi-Fi Site Survey

As with all new Wi-Fi projects, we started with a Wi-Fi Survey. This is Geekabit’s key tool in analysing the performance of your network and helping to diagnose issues.

As you can imagine, a historic building built in the 1800’s isn’t going to have been designed with Wi-Fi in mind! Unlike modern constructions, this type of building can present unique challenges for signal penetration and Wi-Fi infrastructure installation. Therefore, carrying out a thorough Wi-Fi site survey is vital.

Upon visiting, it was clear that the Third Monkey, was a completely fresh and new fit-out –
and we could get involved at the earliest stages to ensure that the possibilities for Wi-Fi
access point placement could work with the new building materials being used.

In this instance for Third Monkey, we used the information gathered during the Wi-Fi Site Survey to advise on the necessary networking equipment required as well as Fibre WAN providers.

Wi-Fi Installation

Whilst some may think that installing Wi-Fi isn’t much more than sticking a box on the ceiling and plugging it in, there is actually a great deal more thought and expertise that goes into it if you want a successful Wi-Fi network.

There’s little point in carrying out a Wi-Fi Site Survey to identify how to equip a historic building such as this with robust internet connectivity, if you’re not going to follow it up with expert installation.

For Third Monkey, Geekabit completed a full Wi-Fi Installation using one of our favoured brands Ubiquiti Wi-Fi and Ubiquiti network equipment.

This Wi-Fi network deployment included:

Full data network installation
Network design
Data network cabinet installation
Termination of Cat 6 ethernet cabling
Setting up of network security devices
Commissioning of equipment, Wi-Fi configuration and optimisation, and post-installation Wi-Fi Site Survey

A big part of any Wi-Fi Installation also involves effectively co-ordinating with other suppliers and installers to enhance network efficiency and security.

Of course, we round off any Wi-Fi deployment right back where we started – With a Wi-Fi Site Survey. This ensures we leave our clients with their optimum Wi-Fi network.

Our Wi-Fi engineers are also on hand to provide ongoing Network Support, Wi-Fi Management and Wi-Fi Guest Portal services. Another benefit of bringing in the expertise and knowledge of a Wi-Fi professional.

Why Robust Wi-Fi is a Must for Hospitality Businesses

Despite the potential complexities that using a historic building for a modern use can have, this project shows that the two can indeed go hand-in-hand.

We know how vital it is for hospitality businesses to have reliable Wi-Fi. A strong wireless network is not only essential for operational efficiency (ie. supporting POS systems and internal communications) but also in enhancing customer experience through Guest Wi-Fi.

This particular hospitality venue is striving for a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, offering diverse customer experiences from casual dining to a late-night rooftop terrace. For this venue and others, seamless Wi-Fi connectivity underpins the ability to deliver high-quality service and attract a contemporary clientele, ultimately contributing to its success and reputation.

This Wi-Fi installation for Third Monkey demonstrates perfectly how you can take the charm of a historic building and bring it up to date with the modern amenities we come to expect from a high-end venue. Strong, reliable Wi-Fi is a must.

Steve Cross, Director at Geekabit, comments:

“We’ve been impressed by the team at the Third Monkey, who have been passionate advocates for ensuring they work with specialists in each field to create a high quality fit-out and venue that really raises the concept of the gastropub and restaurant. From an initial site survey visit, through to the entire Wi-Fi and network installation, we’ve been able to support the transformation of an historic space into a great addition to the Surrey town of Farnham.”

by admin21st July 2025

Broadband Broadband Speed Connectivity Estate Agents Fibre Broadband Full Fibre Hampshire Home Network Home Office Home WI-Fi SpeedScore Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Speed Test Wi-Fi Speeds

Broadband Performance: A Must-Have for Estate Agents to Showcase Dream Properties

A recent survey highlights the critical importance for estate agents to offer broadband performance reports when marketing properties, particularly “dream property” offerings.

Recent research suggests that Estate Agents should be focusing on providing home buyers with broadband performance reports if they want to meet the criteria of buyers dream homes.

The top ranked factor for the ‘dream home’ wish list when looking for a new property was reliable internet.

UK based platform Compare My Move assists home buyers, sellers, landlords and movers with the whole property buying process. They commissioned research with Front Door Comms and OnePoll, creating an online survey of 2,000 adults based in the UK, naturally representative of age, gender and region.

62% Brits Looking for Decent Wi-Fi When Looking at a Potential New Property

The survey found that 62% of survey respondents put decent Wi-Fi as the number one feature they would want in their realistic dream property. Strong Wi-Fi came above a private driveway and a walk-in wardrobe.

This would appear to highlight a shift away from fancy frills, instead favouring functional living and everyday essentials when looking for a new property.

If you’ve ever had your internet go down for a significant length of time then you’ll know how much you rely on that connection. From the obvious things like logging onto your laptop to work from home, to the more taken for granted things like asking Alexa for a timer whilst cooking dinner or trying to listen to music – Having no Wi-Fi is excruciatingly frustrating.

Since the pandemic when the UK was plunged into the world of working from home and home learning, Estate Agents have seen a dramatic increase in questions about reliable broadband when prospective buyers are looking at new property.

So it’s little wonder that prospective home buyers want to know exactly what kind of broadband connection they could expect from a potential new home – And if Estate Agents want to make a sale, and Estate Managers want to find a tenant then they need to be providing information that shows the available broadband for that property.

Reliable Broadband for High End Estate Agency

High End Estate Agents aren’t just matching High Net Worth Individuals with their latest luxury home – They need to give their buyers confidence that they will be moving into a well connected home with strong, reliable broadband.

Co-founder and MD of Compare My Move says it himself – The results show that “people are prioritising convenience, comfort, and connectivity in their everyday lives. While high-end extras might look impressive on paper, it’s the things we rely on daily – like Wi-Fi and a driveway – that really make a place feel like home.”

And thus, this needs to be reflected in the way that Estate Agents (including High End) and Estate Managers are marketing their properties.

Is Slow Internet the Dealbreaker That’s Losing You House Sales?

The survey reported above supports previous research from a few years ago when it was found that 20% of people would not buy a property if it had slow internet speeds.

Similarly, the lack of super-fast internet is often a deal-breaker when it comes to house hunting with many prospective buyers viewing the Wi-Fi connection more important than the number of bedrooms.

Whilst the size of a property is still important, Estate Agents must now recognise that for many house hunters the quality and speed of the internet is now on par with other deemed essentials. In Scotland and the Southwest, some prospective house buyers value the availability of high-quality broadband above everything else – Even house size.

Estate Agency and Estate Management clients are least likely to compromise on high-quality broadband when looking for a new home. Decent Wi-Fi was deemed more important than local amenities and space.

In addition to this, homes for sale that had a worse connection could see Estate Agents selling at approximately £5K less, based solely on whether a home had access to a 300Mbps connection or not.

How Many Homes Have Access to Full Fibre?

According to Ofcom, 20.7 million UK homes, or 69% of the total, have access to full-fibre broadband. This represents a significant increase from 17.1 million homes (57%) in September 2023.

Specifically, Ofcom’s Connected Nations report in July 2024 showed that:

Full-fibre coverage has expanded to 69% (20.7 million) of the UK’s 30.1 million homes.
This is an increase of 12 percentage points (3.6 million premises) since September 2023.
Full fibre is more prevalent in urban areas (71%) than in rural areas (52%).
Gigabit-capable coverage, including full fibre and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable, has reached 83% (25 million) of UK homes.
Northern Ireland leads the way with 93% of homes having access to full fibre.

SpeedScore from Geekabit Wi-Fi Experts

With over a decade of experience providing connectivity solutions to UK markets, Geekabit saw how house buyers, tenants and hospitality customers are getting more tech savvy and starting to ask Estate Agents and Estate Managers questions about internet speeds and reliability.

Thus, we launched our innovative Internet Connectivity Measurement Platform – Geekabit SpeedScore.

This gives Estate Agents and Estate Managers a variety of tools to help provide an independent certification of internet speeds and connectivity. Ideal if you’re trying to make a sale by proving the speed and connectivity of a property’s internet.

Whether it’s a high end luxury property or the dream home of the average buyer, a clear, concise and accurate presentation of a property’s broadband could be the leverage to close that sale.

You can read more about SpeedScore here.

by admin14th July 2025

Broadband Broadband Speed Heatwave Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Help Wi-Fi Problems Wireless Network WLAN

Does Summer Heat Affect Your Wi-Fi? Your FAQ’s Answered

We’ve been enjoying much sunshine here in the South of the UK these last few weeks, complete with a mini heatwave back in April. Around that time some delightful media outlets were circulating articles, scaring internet users into thinking that the higher-than-usual temperatures were going to wipe out their Wi-Fi and block their broadband. So is this fact or fiction?

Despite the odd Spring rain shower here and there, we’re set for more warm weather over the next fortnight, so we thought it as good a time as any to set the record straight about Wi-Fi in hot weather and hopefully put your minds at rest by answering your frequently asked questions.

“Will my broadband stop working in hot weather?”

The simplest answer is no. Hot weather is unlikely to disrupt your internet connection if you are exercising some common sense that you would extend to all electrical devices. In other words, if you keep your router out of direct sunlight then you’re not likely to run into heat-related problems.

“Has a heatwave ever caused a Wi-Fi outage?”

Technically, the answer is still no. However due to an unprecedented and extreme (albeit brief) heatwave back in July 2022 where UK temperatures soared to 40 degrees for the first time, internet service providers did take measures to protect broadband cabinets.

Over the course of 4 days, 2 of which recorded extreme temperatures, some ISP’s re-deployed engineers to monitor the cabinets and keep them as cool as possible. Hilariously, this included sheltering them from the sun with umbrellas and leaving the doors open to increase air flow. This novel approach in such unprecedented heat appeared to work, with no reported outages across various network providers.

“Can routers and other internet hardware overheat?”

As we’re sure you are aware, most electronic devices emit at least a small amount of heat, and that includes your router. This means that theoretically, it is possible that your router could overheat in high temperatures.

Thankfully, most manufacturers of said hardware take this into consideration when designing their devices, meaning that most are able to operate at temperatures of up to approximately 40 degrees (check with your manufacturer for specifics).

There is a chance that devices and hardware could continue to function in temperatures exceeding their stated tolerance, but that is of course dependent on individual experience and will vary between manufacturers.

Let’s not forget that our broadband router isn’t the only device or piece of hardware that could struggle in high temperatures. Smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices could also experience problems if we were to experience a heatwave.

“What happens if a router overheats?”

If a router becomes close to overheating or does indeed overheat, the first thing to happen will be an attempt to lower the heat output to protect itself from damage. This will likely lead to a degradation in performance instigated by the device’s processor and affect response times on the device’s user interface. This would likely then impact your LAN in terms of connection stability and Wi-Fi speed.

Most electronic devices, including routers, will restart themselves if they get too hot. Despite potentially causing your connection to drop, this should resolve itself quite quickly and cause minimal problems once it’s back online.

Complete hardware failure due to overheating is rare, and certainly not something we would expect to see in temperatures sitting in the mid-twenties. We’ll check back in in July if we’re approaching 40 degrees again.

Keep Your Connection Cool This Summer By Following These Warm Weather Wi-Fi Tips

Hopefully you are already in the Common Sense Club where you keep electricals out of direct sunlight and away from other sources of heat. Keep doing what you’re doing!

Here are a few other tips to keep your Wi-Fi from wilting in the warmer weather.

Choose the coolest room possible to place your router. This is usually a room downstairs and with thick external walls. Of course, the coolest place in the house may not be the most conducive to a reliable, strong connection throughout your home so you will have to weigh up the pros and cons.
Locate your router on a surface that enables good air flow and the ability for heat to escape. Wall-mounted can be a great option, although do bear in mind whether the wall is south facing and radiating absorbed heat from outside.
If we were to experience a heatwave similar to the one in 2022, then purchasing a cooling mat for your router could be a useful option. An similar alternative would be to point a standard fan in the direction of the router to keep the air as cool as possible and improve air flow around the device.
Did you know that you can disable non-critical router services? If not then perhaps it’s best you don’t try. If yes and we’ve just reminded you, then you could try lessening the load, thus reducing heat output and hopefully increasing functionality in extreme hot weather.
If your router is overheating due to indoor temperatures and you don’t actually need it to be switched on, then consider turning it off for a while to cool down. We do not recommend doing this often (not more than once in a day) and especially not if you are on an DSL/ ADSL/ FTTC connection.
In general, older devices are less tolerant to heat and are more likely to overheat. It could be worth considering replacing an old router for a newer model if you encounter persistent connection problems in hotter weather.

If the temperature outside is pushing 40 degrees like July 2022, then it’s likely you’ll be hanging out by the fridge door and/or dousing yourself in ice water. These might cool you down but are definitely not recommended for your router unfortunately.

If your house is 40+ degrees and your router is struggling to function then it might be time to step away from the internet and go outside to find a shady spot with as much breeze as possible.

But for the time being, let’s enjoy these comfortably warm mid-twenty days with a strong, steady Wi-Fi connection in one hand and a cold beer in the other.

by admin12th May 2025

Connectivity Hardware Home Network Home Office Mesh Network Technology Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Extender Wi-Fi Help Wi-Fi Speeds Wireless Network Wireless Technology

Can Wi-Fi Extenders Just Stop Working?

They can indeed. And it can be handy to know the signs if an extender is about to fail.

Disclaimer: Here at Geekabit, we don’t actually recommend Wi-Fi extenders as a solution to Wi-Fi problems. There are usually other more effective solutions that can be put into place with a little help from Wi-Fi experts like ourselves. However, we also know that people don’t always heed expert advice… So, here are some useful tips to keep in mind if you do go down the Wi-Fi extender route. And if that doesn’t work, you’ll know who to call.

Just like other electronic devices, Wi-Fi extenders can fail. Whilst they do tend to last a decent amount of time and generally don’t need too much maintenance or repairing, they still won’t last forever. As with anything in the tech world, components will start to wear out and older extender models will become obsolete with the emergence of new technologies. Let’s take a look at some of the main issues that could stop a Wi-Fi extender from working.

Why has my Wi-Fi Extender stopped working?

There could be a number of reasons why Wi-Fi extenders might stop working earlier than you would expect. The number one reason for a Wi-Fi extender to break down is heat.

Overheating

Like other electronic devices, Wi-Fi extenders generate heat. However, they don’t have fans or anything else to keep the heta from building up, so rely on passive cooling. This can be a big problem when they are switched on all the time, never getting the chance to cool down.

To prevent a Wi-Fi extender from failing too soon due to overheating, there are a couple of things you can keep in mind.

Place the Wi-Fi extender in a place where there is plenty of air flow around it e.g. an open book shelf
Avoid places where there is less air flow like shelving units, cupboards, cabinets or enclosed spaces

Dust

How often do you clean your Wi-Fi devices and hardware? A simple, regular clean of your Wi-Fi extender can help extend its life. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend taking a Wi-Fi extender apart to clean inside it, it’s definitely worth the effort to check the vents on it and blow away any dust.

New Technologies

As with any kind of Wi-Fi hardware, things do become obsolete over time as new technologies are developed and introduced to the market.

A popular reason for people to replace their Wi-Fi extenders is to make sure that their extended network is as fast and can handle as many devices as their primary network.

When should I replace my Wi-Fi extender?

If everything is working to your satisfaction, then there’s no need to replace anything. However, if you’ve been googling ‘do I need to replace my Wi-Fi extender?’ then you’re probably already experiencing problems and looking for the solution!

Preemptive replacement of Wi-Fi hardware would usually be for crucial network components, for example, your router. Wi-Fi extenders aren’t usually as important, so there’s usually no need to replace them until they break.

However, if you are relying on your Wi-Fi extender to provide internet access to parts of your home or to devices that must be connected (for example, perhaps a garden office or CCTV cameras) then you may feel it’s more important to stay ahead of problems and replace them before issues arise.

There isn’t really a set time frame for replacing a Wi-Fi extender – They can last for as long as ten years, maybe more. But there will come a time when internal components will start to fail as they naturally start to degrade. In scenarios like the above where your Wi-Fi extender is fulfilling a vital function, you might want to consider replacing it on a shorter timeframe e.g. every 5 years perhaps or when you notice any reduction in performance.

Can I tell if my Wi-Fi extender is starting to fail?

Unfortunately, there’s rarely obvious signs that a Wi-Fi extender is beginning to fail. They tend to work one day, and not work the next. There may be some clues that it’s starting to degrade, which we’ll outline below, but this may not always be the case.

Possible signs that your Wi-Fi extender is starting to fail:

Having to regularly reset the Wi-Fi extender. Whilst doing a factory reset may fix the issue, if you’re having to do this a lot then it’s probably time to consider replacing it.
Difficulty connecting to the Wi-Fi extender. If interference isn’t an issue, but your devices are having trouble connecting or staying connected then it might be time to replace the extender.
Slow internet speeds. If your connection is suddenly slower one day, then there is likely a problem with the extender. Also bear in mind that if your extender is older than your router, then it likely won’t support the latest Wi-Fi technology available to your router, hence causing a slower connection in the extended area.
Dropped connection. If you can connect a device to your primary network, but it drops out when connecting to the extender then there is likely a problem with the Wi-Fi extender.
Error lights. If lights on the extender are the wrong colour, flashing or not on at all then there is likely an issue. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out what the lights mean and how to resolve the problem.
Unable to turn the Wi-Fi extender on. It may have overheated, so let it cool down and then try again to turn it on. You could also try plugging it into an alternative outlet. Pressing the rest button may also help with this issue. If after trying these things it still won’t turn on then it’s probably time to replace it.

How can I help my Wi-Fi extender last longer?

No hardware can last for ever, so eventually all Wi-Fi extenders are going to fill and need replacing. That being said, there are some things you can do to take good care of it and help it to last as long as possible. As we noted above, the most common problems are caused by heat, so the main solutions lie in keeping the gear cool.

Help your Wi-Fi extender have a long life using these tips:

When you’re setting up, always place your Wi-Fi extender in a well-ventilated area. Never place it in an enclosed space like a closed shelf or cabinet. Not only will an enclosed space block the Wi-Fi signal, but it will also cause the extender to get hotter than necessary, which will shorten its life.
Use a surge protector in the same location as the Wi-Fi extender if possible. This can help stop voltage spikes which can cause severe damage to a Wi-Fi extender.
Regularly give the extender a clean and remove dust by dusting the outside of it and blow dust from the vents. Dust build-up can also contribute to overheating.
Sometimes firmware updates from manufacturers can help keep performance at its best. If you notice worsening performance then it’s worth trying to install a firmware update (if there is one) to help speed up an older Wi-Fi extender model.

Is my Wi-Fi extender causing network issues?

Problems with Wi-Fi connectivity and speed are the first clues when it comes to identifying if a Wi-Fi extender is failing or starting to fail.

Got a unique SSID for your extender? Then you’ll notice right away that you’re having problems connecting to it compared with your primary network.

Using a mesh network? If you’re using the same SSID and password for your extended network as your primary network or using a mesh network then you might notice you have connection trouble or slow internet speeds when you’re in the extended network area.

As you’ll remember from our disclaimer at the start of this article, here at Geekabit we don’t recommend Wi-Fi extenders. One of the reasons why we don’t is that they can cause problems for your network even when they’re working.

One of the biggest problems with Wi-Fi extenders is that they can actually cause interference on your primary network if they’re running on the same channel. So by trying to extend your network to a further area of your house and garden, you could be jeopardising your main network connection.

This issue is reduced when using a mesh network as they create one big network where devices are seamlessly passed from one extender to the next. However, your bog-standard Wi-Fi extenders can cause real issues with your main Wi-Fi router if they’re operating on the same or overlapping channels.

If you’re trying to create a reliable network across a large space and finding a regular router isn’t quite cutting it, then it might be time to call in the experts rather than reaching for the extenders. Give our friendly Wi-Fi engineers a call and we can identify the best Wi-Fi solution for your premises.

by admin14th April 2025

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 admin3rd February 2025