Recommend an access point with best range?

[ripcord]

My TP-Link Archer C3200 is getting long in the tooth and I'm thinking of replacing it. It's not one of the models with major security issues and it sits behind a Linux firewall so not super concerned about its security and it will only serve Wi-Fi.

Basically what I would like is an access point that has excellent range and can support a decent signal over my 1 acre lot from a central location in my wooden single story house without mesh networks or external antennas if possible. The Archer is about three quarters of the way there.

Any suggestions?

 

[Danno]

TP-Link does well in this piece.

https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/best-long-range-routers

 

[mk378]

The "LR" models from Ubiquiti have been quite good for range from a single AP. The latest one is U6-LR. Assuming your land is relatively flat, ceiling mount it on the first floor.

 

[Analog-1]

The laws of physics will only allow so much range on any given power level. All routers in the US are locked down to a determined power level by the FCC. That said of course some may be slightly better than others from a configuration standpoint but don't expect any big differences no matter what home router you buy. Placement and channel will make the biggest difference.

 

[wwillson]

Placement and channel will make the biggest difference.

...and antenna design and materials quality.

 

[OVERKILL]

I'd recommend a Unifi LR model, but they can't work miracles, so I'm not sure what kind of coverage you'll get.

 

[ripcord]

I was hoping to hear about amazing recent improvements in WiFi range, LOL, but it kinda sounds like I would be better off running a cable to the back of my house and installing an outdoor AP.

 

[Analog-1]

...and antenna design and materials quality.

All home routers by design are cheap trust me. As far as antenna design they all use the very same basic thing a small dipole antenna in cased in a plastic housing very little gain because they need to be omni directional. Again the FCC has the ERP clamped antenna gain is part of there calculations. He is better off hard wiring a AP point with better placement for the area he needs covered.

 

[alarmguy]

I was hoping to hear about amazing recent improvements in WiFi range, LOL, but it kinda sounds like I would be better off running a cable to the back of my house and installing an outdoor AP.

@Analog-1 said it best in post #4
Routers around the world are intentionally limited in output power by government agencies. The reason for this is to protect the public from radiation exposure. A person has to be able to sit next to a wifi router all day long and not suffer from excessive radiation. The same goes for WiFi devices and cell phones.

So pretty much, all routers put out the same amount of power AND all devices that you are using are putting out the same limited amount of power. So if you think about it, even the device you are using needs to most efficiently use that limited power.

When it comes to routers, placement is key. Also as mentioned by another, quality of components and antennas to most efficiently use that limited amount of power. So... the key difference in routers is just that. The ability to use the low power output allowed in routers in receiving and transmitting as best as possible. This means "cleaner" transmitting and receiving signals due to quality components and manufacturing not more power.

If you liked your TPLink, then stay with it or upgrade it. They do pretty well in range tests but each brand has good and not as good.
Also if this helps, if even on your own property right now, switch whatever it is you are using far on your one acre property to the 2.5 GHz band. You should get better range with the 2.5 as it passes through walls and obstructions better.

 

[wwillson]

The reason for this is to protect the public from radiation exposure.

I always thought it was to keep WiFi transmitters from interfering with each other in dense areas.

 

[Kalle.J]

I was hoping to hear about amazing recent improvements in WiFi range, LOL, but it kinda sounds like I would be better off running a cable to the back of my house and installing an outdoor AP.

If you don't need superhigh speed and have poweroutlet outside just get LAN over powercable with wifi.

Something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Powerline-802-11ac-Gigabit-PLW1000-100NAS/dp/B01B5CTRGE/

 

[supton]

I always thought it was to keep WiFi transmitters from interfering with each other in dense areas.

That too. Makes for the cell to be smaller.

Also, more robust against attack? means someone who wants to sniff your network has to be within reception. An unintentional "feature".

 

[alarmguy]

I always thought it was to keep WiFi transmitters from interfering with each other in dense areas.

You know? That thought never occurred to me. Maybe I am wrong though I did read something about it a while ago, doesnt mean the information was correct but I think maybe a mix?
I only read about the power limits due to health reasons but I see there is something about what you mention as well.

This was a quick search of what I was talking about, looking for the specific on limiting router power.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-devices-and-health-concerns

Update - I think you are correct and me wrong. I seem to run into interference more than health reasons as far as routers are concerned. Still searching, seems to be a dearth or information on the subject. But clearly your statement is correct. Interference is the reason. I read something a long time ago that was incorrect I guess. In the sense they were liking it to the limited power output of cell phones.

Anyway, with the limited power output we agree, component quality and engineering to make the best use of what is allowed.

One more edit!
Besides the above link I provided, there is talk, years earlier about the health thing. Funny, in the internet age you would think I can find the clear cut answer as to why... though I still think you are correct without a doubt but I wonder if this is also a consideration
https://www.networkworld.com/articl...elines-for-wi-fi-need-to-be-re-evaluated.html

and there was this, but not a FCC restriction on power. Seems the concerns were more on devices held up to the head when it comes to FCC.

"With that in mind, several school districts in the U.S. and other countries have tried to reduce exposure in the classroom to RF radiation from devices. The Maryland State Department of Education, for example, recommended in 2016 that school districts use wired networks instead of WiFi whenever possible, turn off routers when not being used, and keep routers as far away from students as possible. In France, WiFi is banned from nursery schools."
https://www.consumerreports.org/rad...ut-radiation-from-wifi-and-bluetooth-devices/

 

[PandaBear]

You know? That thought never occurred to me. Maybe I am wrong though I did read something about it a while ago, doesnt mean the information was correct but I think maybe a mix?
I only read about the power limits due to health reasons but I see there is something about what you mention as well.

This was a quick search of what I was talking about, looking for the specific on limiting router power.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-devices-and-health-concerns

Update - I think you are correct and me wrong. I seem to run into interference more than health reasons as far as routers are concerned. Still searching, seems to be a dearth or information on the subject. But running more into your reason.

Most engineering work would test only up to a certain limit to determine if things are ok or not ok. You can have the power crank up to 1000W and cook you like a microwave oven (they are the same frequency as your router) instead of the 0.1W but what's the point? This is like tell you sun light is good for you but then use a magnifying glass to beam on an ant then say it is harmful.

I think even the cell towers (at 1.9GHz and 2.1GHz, close enough to our wifi's 2.4GHz) is limited to 20W if I remember right. Even if you have beam forming antenna you might only x4 on that. Think of a 20W light bulb or even 4x 20W light bulbs, it is not going to cook you.

The interference range being smaller means more people can reuse the same frequency. This is how cell phones become cheaper in the 90s for everyone.

 

[BrendanC]

ubiquiti U7-outdoor. have one radiating a cul-de-sac at the lake house for the 4 houses on it to use our star link.

 

[alarmguy]

Most engineering work would test only up to a certain limit to determine if things are ok or not ok. You can have the power crank up to 1000W and cook you like a microwave oven (they are the same frequency as your router) instead of the 0.1W but what's the point? This is like tell you sun light is good for you but then use a magnifying glass to beam on an ant then say it is harmful.

I think even the cell towers (at 1.9GHz and 2.1GHz, close enough to our wifi's 2.4GHz) is limited to 20W if I remember right. Even if you have beam forming antenna you might only x4 on that. Think of a 20W light bulb or even 4x 20W light bulbs, it is not going to cook you.

Good post.
You know, I have seen cell towers with warning signs on them! Grabbing at straws for the exact word, mentioning radiation and do not climb or something.

 

[PandaBear]

Good post.
You know, I have seen cell towers with warning signs on them! Grabbing at straws for the exact word, mentioning radiation and do not climb or something.

Lawsuit avoidance, can't blame them.

 

[ripcord]

If you don't need superhigh speed and have poweroutlet outside just get LAN over powercable with wifi.

Something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Powerline-802-11ac-Gigabit-PLW1000-100NAS/dp/B01B5CTRGE/

Actually, I do have powerline LAN out to my little shop, but there is something up with my electrical that causes the connection to drop regularly. I've tried two different brands of adapters with the same results. I can get a weak Wi-Fi out there but it's not really usable.

 

[Kalle.J]

Actually, I do have powerline LAN out to my little shop, but there is something up with my electrical that causes the connection to drop regularly. I've tried two different brands of adapters with the same results. I can get a weak Wi-Fi out there but it's not really usable.

Needs to be on the same breaker if the distance is long, I think.
I was more thinking too the outside wall of your house.

POE to an accesspoint outside is another clean option. Just depends on how much time or money you are willing to spend.

 

[ripcord]

Needs to be on the same breaker if the distance is long, I think.
I was more thinking too the outside wall of your house.

POE to an accesspoint outside is another clean option. Just depends on how much time or money you are willing to spend.

Hmm... That could be the problem. There's a sub panel between the shop and all the outlets in my house. No GFI breakers or anything like that, though.