Choosing Enterprise Access Points Over Mesh Systems

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Evaluate your network topology

   Identify if your environment supports hardwired Ethernet backhaul. Unlike mesh systems that rely on wireless hops, professional access points require a physical connection to your router or switch for maximum bandwidth and lowest latency.

   Note: Wireless backhaul inherently degrades performance by half for each additional hop.
2. 2 min

   Calculate your coverage requirements

   Use a floor plan to map out physical locations for your access points. Prioritize high-traffic areas such as living rooms and home offices, ensuring each unit has a direct Ethernet path back to your central switch.

3. 2 min

   Procure a PoE+ switch

   Select a Power over Ethernet (PoE+) switch capable of delivering sufficient wattage to all access points simultaneously. A managed PoE switch simplifies power delivery and allows for granular port control, which is unavailable in standard mesh kits.

   Note: Ensure your total power budget exceeds the sum of all access point requirements.
4. 10 min

   Mount and connect hardware

   Install access points on ceilings or high-wall positions to minimize signal obstruction. Connect each unit using shielded Cat6a cabling directly to your PoE+ switch ports.

   Note: Mounting at height improves signal propagation and reduces interference from furniture.
5. 5 min

   Deploy the controller software

   Install your hardware manufacturer's controller software on a local server, cloud key, or PC. Adopt each access point into the controller to manage SSIDs, radio frequency channels, and power levels globally across your network.

   Note: Centralized control eliminates the need to configure each device individually.
6. 5 min

   Fine-tune radio settings

   Navigate to the Radio settings in your controller. Manually set non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11 for 2.4GHz) and adjust transmit power to prevent client 'stickiness' where devices refuse to roam to the nearest access point.

   Note: Lowering 2.4GHz power while maintaining 5GHz/6GHz power encourages faster roaming.