[OPLINTECH] AP Recommendations

[Chad Neeper]

We originally used a company/product called Open Mesh, which was targeted
toward hotels and was an absolutely perfect fit for the libraries we
support. But the company was bought out several years back and the product
was killed off. After looking around for other options, we landed on UniFi
as providing hardware that's not overly expensive, no subscription
requirements, not bloated with features we'll never need, readily
available, and robust enough to handle any situation we might need to
handle in and around our libraries.

We've been using UniFi for a few years now in our libraries and have been
happy. No regrets switching to it. Most of our libraries only have 3-7
access points around the building, so they're not particularly crazy
complex setups. Most of my libraries also use WhoFi for stats, which
supposedly integrates into the UniFi system. However, we haven't actually
explored that option as yet. (That's a relatively recent offering by WhoFi
and we've had WhoFi configured using a different method long before we
switched to using UniFi. We just haven't taken the time/effort to explore
the integrated method yet.)

If you're so inclined, have a decent networking skill set, you can DIY the
installation pretty easily, especially if you're able to re-use existing
network cabling and plan to simply replace existing access points. There
seem to also be a fair lot of local installers working with UniFi as well,
if you're not inclined to keep it in house.

2 cents,
Chad

______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in public libraries*


On Wed, Aug 14, 2024 at 11:22 AM Liz Razo via OPLINTECH <
oplintech at lists.oplin.org> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> We are looking to replace our WiFI APs and I'm looking for any
> recommendations you can provide.
> We currently use Aruba Instant APs with airwave to retrieve the
> statistics. Retrieving the statistics is super clunky and I'm looking for
> something with more functionality and ease of retrieving statistical data.
> In the past we have tried to use Who's On My WiFi for gathering stats, but
> the software doesn't seem to work with all APs unless we disable client
> isolation.
>
> Thanks for any help you can provide.
>
> Liz Razo, MLIS (she/her)
>
> Technology Services Manager
>
> Meeting Room Coordinator
>
> Way Public Library
>
> 101 E. Indiana Ave.
>
> Perrysburg, OH 43551
>
> 419-874-3135 ext. 135
>
> email: Elizabeth.Razo at waylibrary.info
>
> Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/WayPublicLibrary/> | Web
> <https://www.waylibrary.info/>
>
>
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