Looking for upgrade suggestions for some aging Unifi APs. This install I did many years back.
As shown in the screenshot, most of the APs are UAP-AC-Lite models, with a couple of BeaconHDs and a FlexHD mixed in. The UAP-AC-Lite APs are almost 10 years old now, and I’ve noticed that as ISP speeds increase, they have not really been able to keep up.
Most devices connect just fine, but with growing demand—more smart TVs, phones, 10, security cameras, and they tripled their internet speed about 6 months ago—I want to make sure the network is ready to handle it all smoothly. At this point, I’m thinking of standardizing on a newer generation like the U7-Lite, U6+.
For the U7-Lite, the current network does not have a single WiFi-7 device; however the U7-lite also has WiFi 6 and 5 and is the cheapest option. But it only offers 1250 sq ft coverage, which is the same as the UAP-AC-Lite.
The U6+ is more expensive, but it offers 1500 sq ft coverage, which addresses their main complaint.
However, looking at the power and gain ratings, I’m confused as to why the coverage distance is 250 sq ft less on the U7:
| Specification | U7-Lite | U6+ | UAP-AC-Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antenna Gain | |||
| 5 GHz | 5 dBi | 5.4 dBi | 3 dBi |
| 2.4 GHz | 4 dBi | 3 dBi | 3 dBi |
| Max. TX Power | |||
| 5 GHz | 24 dBm | 23 dBm | 20 dBm |
| 2.4 GHz | 23 dBm | 23 dBm | 20 dBm |
| Power (Watts) | 14W | 9W | 6.5W |
| Coverage | 1250 ft² | 1500 ft² | 1,250 ft² |
| Cost | $100 | 130 | - |
Anyone already made the switch from AC-Lite or BeaconHD to the newer Wi-Fi 6 (or 7) models? Any noticeable improvement in stability, range, or client handoff?
Unifi AP Models Comparison
Open to any hardware suggestions or deployment tips. Especially for mixed environments like this one.
Update: I’m going to go with the U6+.