As we all know a solid network in the home is pretty crucial nowadays in this industry. One disappointment I find is why can nobody out there make an attractive flush mount access point other then pakedge (wx-1). I just checked the internet quick of many of the popular including brands luxul, ubiquiti, ruckus, araknis and no one other then pakedge has an access point this is aesthetically pleasing and flush. Pakedge's whole lineup is probably the best looking out there but they are just too overpriced. I really wish this industry would start realizing that most people don't want ugly wall/ceiling warts. Wall mount touch panels and iPads look much better flush yet very few mounts and panels are flush. This technology needs to blend with the home and decor not stick out like a sore thumb.

Who else feels my pain?
Are you clients happy with big square or round boxes on the ceiling that stick out like a sore thumb?

What happens when the AP fails, and you can't find anything else that fits in the same hole? Or, even assuming it doesn't fail, what about in 5 years when the wifi technology is outdated?

Why not just locate the best WAP's possible in inconspicuous places?

We put them in the attic anyway. Dont care what they look like. Of course, all houses we do now have spray foam, so its a no brainer.

Ubiquiti does too but if you read the fine print it has about 1/3 the range and output of the full size models. It makes me wonder if there is an inherent drawback to the form factor, like maybe the antenna can't possibly be big enough to have a high performance radio.

That being said, I have never had an issue placing normal size units in inconspicuous places such as the lid of a closet, mechanical rooms, pantries etc. we have even placed them in a hallway lined up with recessed lighting and it really doesn't look bad.

This is assuming you are doing PoE with no visible ac adapters or anything.

Ubiquiti has a new PoE access point that fits in a single gang box. I haven't used one yet. I don't know if I can use standard Decora rings, but it looks like I could swap their ring for Decora. It's 2.4GHz only with somewhat limited range, but you can drop one in every room.

Edit: typo

good points as you can't trust the manufacturer will a.) still be around b.) release a new version in the same form factor.

What area are you in that they are doing that? Spray foam is nice stuff. Of course it can present some challenges too.

yah i saw these awhile back. Haven't tried one. Cool idea but range can't be that stellar but like you said can drop them all over and the hardwired port is nice.

All of our new construction is pretty much spray foam now. In our opinion spray foam sucks from an ease-of-work/efficiency standpoint. Nasties up our wires real good. No more fishing wires down the wall easily for retrofits. But that's more work for the painter patcher-upper guys.

I'm not convinced in 20 years spray foam will last any better than fiberglass. Same with that cheesy red and blue plastic pipe the plumbers now use(maybe the plumbing equivalent of HDMI).

Central Texas. I assume the challenges you refer is getting wire down walls that were previously foamed? Not really too challenging at all. Nothing a glow rod wont fix. The bigger challenge is always damn fireblocks. But, we dont do too many retro's. SO nice to work in attics on a spray foam job. No looking for rafters to step on, MUCH cooler spaces and wide open work area.

However, I agree most WAP's are not attractive qand some are down right obtrusive. Ubiquiti has the best looking, IMO, and the "flattest" install. But we stopped using ALL Ubiquiti products months ago and rid ourselves of that silly control/AWS situation. Life is so much better now. :)

The best solution for that is to put the AP in an upstairs closet. This way, no one sees it and you can use whatever AP you want.

I am amazed at the thought of running an AP in 140 degree heat. If the rest of the components are in a location running that warm (a cabinet), then a fan gets installed to prevent that kind of heat buildup.


In a 2-story, better performance in an upstairs closet than a downstairs closet? Or depends on the AP?

ya i was referring to some retro challenges. Who do you use now if you dropped ubiquiti?

I've heard horror stories of some cheap branded foam that actually melted wiring from the heat of it curing. From an insulation standpoint the stuff it really is incredible compared to almost all forms of insulation especially regular batt insulation. Just fills the voids so much better. Strengthens the structure. Great resistance to water and air (closed cell). I also am a huge fan of pex plumbing. especially the uponor expansion fitting style. Reliable and so damn easy to work with.

Ya thats a potential concern I didn't think of. Also right out of the gate in most of these hidden installs your already cutting range down blowing thru closet walls or attic ceilings etc. But the tradeoff is probably worth it, just plan for it and have enough access points.