sodamo
Super Star Member
- Joined
- May 20, 2004
- Messages
- 15,840
- Location
- Big Island, HI
- Tractor
- LS XR4140H (Mine) BX2380 (wife’s)
OK, as promised, my thoughts on my wifi upgrade. Those not interested feel free to disregard. 
By no means a network person beyond passing Network 101 back in the 80’s. But I have cobbled together to get by.
Currently I have 2 sources of internet, both AT&T cellular. Primary is a Mofi 4500 with AT&T sim that works pretty good feeding several house networks. My main house network is a 1st generation Eero mesh that works pretty well. I still have secondary Apple Extreme for guests also sourced by the Mofi. I have AT&T Mobley that feeds my Ubiquiti M2 Picostation for an outdoor network.
My improvements have 3 primary objectives:
1. Need a good solid signal to Tractorshed. Currently there is a weak Eero connection that services my off grid electrical, but would like better signal and also provide internet to the in progress caretaker suite. No way to run wire, has to be wireless.
2. Better wifi access any where on property. Currently, Picostation spotty at best.
3. After current tenants leave cottage I need to reestablish that connection.
Originally thought I could just expand on my Ubiquiti airos stations, but using the AP’s as repeaters degrades with each additional AP. Adding stations to receive the signal would also require switch and modems at receiving locations.
Opted to go with the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-M, with their Cloud Key controller. These are indoor/outdoor unites with omni directional antenna. Being mesh, they will link to each other. They are a convenient form factor. i will pole mount. Already have existing masts at 2 locations.
Some reference their range at upto 600 ft, some say not.
I intend to initially mount 3
1. On current mast at LivingRoom. This was our original point of entry for internet so is currently wired for POE. I may extend mast a few feet higher. I hope this to be a wired AP connected to the Mofi. It should be primary link to Tractorshed.
2. Tractorshed would be a wireless node that feeds switch and wifi yo both tractorshed and caretaker unit. it needs a mast.
3. The Master Suite currently hosts both the Mofi and Mobley, with wired connection for Mofi to Living Room. Mobley is POE to Picostation. antenna for both are on mast here. I had hoped that the new AP’s could connect with 2 wired sources, but not finding that so likely this will be a wireless also. BUT, I think I can add a Nanoswitch and still let Mobley source the Pico.
4. I have wired the tractor to host the 4th node, a mobile AP, 12-24vdc converter to POE to power the Ubiquiti mesh. My understanding is it will switch between the other AP’s as I move and I can connect iphone or ipad. The LTE signal is insufficient and sporadic.
I really don’t like the Ubiquiti documentation on Unifi. Seems I can never find a simple answer, just endless links.
I suspect this configuration will change, depending on performance and suggestions. It would seem to be expandable, even add a camera or 2 eventually. At this point I have 4 of the UAP-AC-M units, 2 picostation M2, and Nanostations M2 & M5.
Here is a busy overview, the out circles being the 600ft range, inner circle half that.
The #3 could be an off grid node. #4 just an artifact I forgot to delete.
By no means a network person beyond passing Network 101 back in the 80’s. But I have cobbled together to get by.
Currently I have 2 sources of internet, both AT&T cellular. Primary is a Mofi 4500 with AT&T sim that works pretty good feeding several house networks. My main house network is a 1st generation Eero mesh that works pretty well. I still have secondary Apple Extreme for guests also sourced by the Mofi. I have AT&T Mobley that feeds my Ubiquiti M2 Picostation for an outdoor network.
My improvements have 3 primary objectives:
1. Need a good solid signal to Tractorshed. Currently there is a weak Eero connection that services my off grid electrical, but would like better signal and also provide internet to the in progress caretaker suite. No way to run wire, has to be wireless.
2. Better wifi access any where on property. Currently, Picostation spotty at best.
3. After current tenants leave cottage I need to reestablish that connection.
Originally thought I could just expand on my Ubiquiti airos stations, but using the AP’s as repeaters degrades with each additional AP. Adding stations to receive the signal would also require switch and modems at receiving locations.
Opted to go with the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-M, with their Cloud Key controller. These are indoor/outdoor unites with omni directional antenna. Being mesh, they will link to each other. They are a convenient form factor. i will pole mount. Already have existing masts at 2 locations.
Some reference their range at upto 600 ft, some say not.
I intend to initially mount 3
1. On current mast at LivingRoom. This was our original point of entry for internet so is currently wired for POE. I may extend mast a few feet higher. I hope this to be a wired AP connected to the Mofi. It should be primary link to Tractorshed.
2. Tractorshed would be a wireless node that feeds switch and wifi yo both tractorshed and caretaker unit. it needs a mast.
3. The Master Suite currently hosts both the Mofi and Mobley, with wired connection for Mofi to Living Room. Mobley is POE to Picostation. antenna for both are on mast here. I had hoped that the new AP’s could connect with 2 wired sources, but not finding that so likely this will be a wireless also. BUT, I think I can add a Nanoswitch and still let Mobley source the Pico.
4. I have wired the tractor to host the 4th node, a mobile AP, 12-24vdc converter to POE to power the Ubiquiti mesh. My understanding is it will switch between the other AP’s as I move and I can connect iphone or ipad. The LTE signal is insufficient and sporadic.
I really don’t like the Ubiquiti documentation on Unifi. Seems I can never find a simple answer, just endless links.
I suspect this configuration will change, depending on performance and suggestions. It would seem to be expandable, even add a camera or 2 eventually. At this point I have 4 of the UAP-AC-M units, 2 picostation M2, and Nanostations M2 & M5.
Here is a busy overview, the out circles being the 600ft range, inner circle half that.
The #3 could be an off grid node. #4 just an artifact I forgot to delete.
