Ubiquiti Networks Unifi AC Mesh 1167Mbit/s Power over Ethernet (PoE) White
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AI Verdict
This 802.11ac dual-band, IPX4-rated PoE access point with 140 m² coverage is for extending Wi-Fi 5 networks outdoors or in large indoor spaces.
This 802.11ac dual-band access point is a strong choice for expanding existing Wi-Fi 5 networks, especially outdoors due to its IPX4 rating and included PoE. However, its mesh capabilities can significantly reduce bandwidth per hop and impact network performance if not carefully planned.
If you need faster wireless backhaul or support for more concurrent devices, look for access points with dedicated mesh radios or the newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard.
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Pros
- IPX4 weatherproofing allows outdoor installation in temperatures from -30 to 70° C.
- Supports up to 200+ clients simultaneously across 140 m² coverage.
- Includes a PoE adapter for simplified power and data over a single Ethernet cable.
- Dual-band 802.11ac provides speeds up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
- Can use external antennas for directional coverage.
- Functions as a WiFi to Ethernet bridge for wired devices.
Cons
- Uses older 802.11ac (WiFi 5) standard, not WiFi 6 or newer.
- Wireless mesh performance can be reduced by up to 50% per hop.
- Mesh feature impacts the entire wireless network due to shared radios.
- Not designed for high-bandwidth wireless backhaul over long distances, especially 80m without line of sight.
Dimension Scores
Offers 140 m² coverage and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz, which is average for 802.11ac, but mesh hops cut bandwidth by up to 50%.
IPX4 weatherproofing and a wide operating temperature range suggest durability for varied environments.
PoE inclusion simplifies installation, and the UniFi ecosystem is generally user-friendly for network administrators.
Standard enterprise-grade Wi-Fi security is expected from UniFi, but no specific advanced features are highlighted in the specifications.
Best For
- Extending existing UniFi 802.11ac networks outdoors or in large indoor areas.
- Providing Wi-Fi coverage for up to 200+ clients in public spaces or campuses.
- Deployments requiring Power over Ethernet for simplified installation.
- Converting Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection for a device.
Not Recommended For
- Networks requiring the latest WiFi 6 or 6E speeds.
- Wireless mesh networks demanding high bandwidth between access points.
- Situations where access points are 80m apart without clear line of sight for mesh.
Watch Out For
- Wireless mesh connections can halve bandwidth per hop, leading to poor performance for demanding applications.
- The mesh feature utilizes the same radios as client connections, potentially impacting overall network speed.
- While it includes a PoE adapter, it lacks PoE passthrough for powering other devices from the AP itself.
- Performance is "less than stellar" when access points are 80m apart without line of sight.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B01NAAWOGO |
| Brand | Ubiquiti Networks |
| Color | White |
| Series | UAP-AC-M |
| Voltage | 24 Volts |
| Model Name | UAP-AC-M |
| Item Weight | 5.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | UBIQUITI |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Operating System | UniFi OS |
| Item model number | UAP-AC-M |
| Security Protocol | WPA2, WPA3 |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Personal Computer, Smartphone, Tablet |
| Product Dimensions | 1.34 x 1.81 x 13.94 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.34 x 1.81 x 13.94 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | 802.11ac, Ethernet |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11ac |
What Buyers Say
Many users appreciate the UniFi AC Mesh for its ability to extend Wi-Fi coverage, especially outdoors, and its integration into the UniFi ecosystem. However, a recurring point of contention is the performance degradation when using its wireless mesh capabilities, with some reporting significant bandwidth loss per hop. The fact that it's still Wi-Fi 5 is also a common observation, especially compared to newer, more expensive options.
“Man, this thing is okay for getting Wi-Fi outside, but don't expect blazing speeds if you're trying to mesh it across your whole yard, my laptop barely gets half the speed when it's meshed.”
Common Praise
- Functions well for extending Wi-Fi 5 coverage in outdoor settings.
- The included PoE adapter simplifies power and data cabling.
- Can be mounted on walls or poles with included hardware.
- Supports a large number of concurrent clients (200+).
- Ability to swap out antennas for different coverage patterns.
- Can act as a Wi-Fi to Ethernet bridge for wired devices.
Common Complaints
- Wireless mesh connections can reduce bandwidth by up to 50% per hop.
- The mesh feature uses the same radios as client connections, impacting overall network performance.
- Limited to 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) while newer access points offer Wi-Fi 6.
- Performance is "less than stellar" for mesh links over 80 meters without line of sight.
Ownership Tips
- Setting up a truly performant wireless mesh requires careful planning of AP placement to minimize hops and maintain line of sight.
- While it comes with a PoE injector, it doesn't have a PoE passthrough port to power other devices.
- The UniFi controller software is essential for managing the AP, which adds a layer of complexity for new users.
- The default antennas are okay, but external antennas can make a noticeable difference for specific directional needs.
- Performance can be heavily influenced by environmental factors like walls and interference, especially on the 2.4 GHz band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it come with a PoE injector?
Yes, a PoE adapter is included in the box, allowing both power and data to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable.
Can it be used outdoors?
Yes, it has an IPX4 weatherproof rating and can operate in temperatures from -30 to 70° C, making it suitable for outdoor use.
What Wi-Fi standard does it support?
It supports 802.11ac, also known as Wi-Fi 5, offering dual-band connectivity with speeds up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.
Can I use it to connect a wired device to my Wi-Fi network?
Yes, it can function as a Wi-Fi to Ethernet bridge, allowing you to connect a wired device to your wireless network.
How many clients can it handle?
It can support over 200 clients simultaneously within its 140 m² coverage area.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a mesh access point like this, you're trying to extend your Wi-Fi coverage without running new Ethernet cables everywhere. The big thing to understand is that wireless mesh, while convenient, often means a trade-off in speed. Each "hop" your data takes wirelessly between access points can cut down the available bandwidth, so don't expect the same speeds you'd get from a wired connection to every AP.
802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
This is the Wi-Fi generation. 802.11ac is older but still common; newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offers faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks, like upgrading from an older car model to a newer, more efficient one.
Dual-Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
Think of these as two different lanes on a highway. 2.4 GHz travels further and through obstacles better but is slower and more congested. 5 GHz is faster but has shorter range and struggles with walls, like a fast, short express lane versus a slower, longer local road.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
This means the device gets both its power and data connection through a single Ethernet cable. It's super handy for outdoor installations or places without power outlets, simplifying wiring significantly.
Mesh
Mesh networking allows multiple access points to communicate wirelessly with each other to extend coverage, creating one large, seamless Wi-Fi network. It's like having multiple small Wi-Fi broadcasters that all talk to each other to cover a bigger area, instead of just one central router.
Alternatives
If you need faster speeds or more efficient mesh performance, look for access points supporting Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, especially those with dedicated backhaul radios for mesh.
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