Since I was using a 2 stream client, the extra spatial streams in the 5 GHz radios of the AC-Pro and AC-HD didn’t come into play, besides possibly improving beamforming. The difference is more extreme when you’re very close to the AP, and in an ideal scenario like I’m testing here. In most cases, the throughput difference is more like 10-20%. In these results you can see the impact of higher 1024-QAM modulation and the longer symbol duration of WiFi 6, resulting in a theoretical 38% increase in data rates. The results are as you’d expect, and it’s not a very close competition. The Wi-Fi 5 standard only applied to the 5 GHz band, and the U6-Lite and U6-LR both stayed with older 2.4 GHz radios that support Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). Of these nine access points, the AP22 is the only one that supports Wi-Fi 6 on it’s 2.4 GHz radio. Wi-Fi 6 raises that to 287/574 Mbps, but that only applies to the AP22. With a normal 2x2 client, you’re more likely to effectively use 20 MHz channels with 150 Mbps data rates than 40 MHz channels with 300 Mbps. Most manufacturers quoted data rates for 2.4 GHz rely on this 40 MHz channel trick. In the best-case scenario throughput roughly doubles, but you’re more likely to have issues with interference, less range, and an inconsistent experience. Like 160 MHz channels in 5 GHz, there’s just not enough available frequency for them to be reliably used in most situations. There’s only one non-overlapping 40 MHz channel in North America, and the rest of the world only has two. I don’t recommend using 40 MHz channels in the 2.4 GHz band, due to them overlapping with over 80% of the already-crowded spectrum. ![]() Wi-Fi 6 Speed Comparison 2.4 GHz Speed Comparisonįirst, I tested all of the APs on 2.4 GHz, trying both 20 MHz and 40 MHz channels. This is a test of the APs capability in an ideal scenario, and how much data they can deliver to a single client. In typical use you’ll see less throughput. The first few tests cover an ideal scenario, with a nearby client on a clean channel. I cover my testing setup at the end of the article if you’re interested in more details about how and why I test this way. Keep in mind that these numbers represent averages rather than exact measurements. You won’t necessarily see the same results on your network with your devices, but it should give you a general idea of expected performance. I went over these numbers multiple times, and I tried to make them as accurate as possible. In all the speed test charts that follow, the numbers I’m showing are throughput in Mbps, averaged over five or more minute-long local iPerf TCP tests. The $79 AP11 is the cheapest AP here, so keep that in mind when viewing the test results. This isn’t the most fair of comparisons as the AC-HD retails for $349, but it gives you an idea of what a higher-end Wi-Fi 5 AP can deliver. The AC-HD is a newer AC Wave 2 model, offering 4 spatial streams on both of it’s radios. The $149 AC-Pro is an older 802.11ac Wave 1 AP, offering 3 spatial streams on it’s 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. The AP22 is the only AP with Wi-Fi 6 support on it’s 2.4 GHz radio, though.įor Wi-Fi 5 performance, all the other Instant On APs are compared against the UniFi AC-Pro and AC-HD. The AP22 is usually available around $160, so it fits between the two models in price. The U6-LR also has a slight edge in transmit power and a few other areas. The $179 U6-LR is a bit more expensive, but has the advantage of 4 spatial streams on it’s 5 GHz radio. The AP22 is a 2 spatial stream AP like the $99 U6-Lite. ![]() Single Client Speed Tests and Throughput Graphsįor Wi-Fi 6 client performance, the main comparision to watch is the AP22 vs. See the charts below for their full spec differences. I also tested the older AC-Pro and AC-HD to show some Wi-Fi 5 results. ![]() These both skipped upgrading their 2.4 GHz radios, making them N/AX1500 and N/AX3000 APs if you want to be pedantic. The AP22 is the only Wi-Fi 6 model, giving it an edge over all the other Instant On APs.įor UniFi, I tested the first Wi-Fi 6 models, the U6-Lite and U6-LR. The $169 AP22 is AX1800, with two spatial streams on each band. The $239 AP17 is Instant On’s only outdoor AP, which is another AC1200 model like the AP11. The AP11 and AP11D performed similarly, so I only showed results from the AP11. The AP11D features mostly the same specs, but can be mounted on a desk or in a wall outlet. Starting at the bottom we have the $79 AP11 (AC1200, 2x2), which has a variation known as the AP11D. Generally speaking, higher number = higher specs, and higher price. ![]() The first number is their generation (1 or 2), and the 2nd number is their place in the line up. There are 6 Instant On APs to pick from, and their model numbers mostly go in order.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |