Setting Up Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh Systems for Office Environments

Ubiquiti’s Wi-Fi Mesh systems are a powerful solution for providing seamless and reliable wireless connectivity across large spaces like office environments. Whether you’re working in a small office or a larger, multi-floor setup, Ubiquiti’s mesh network system ensures consistent Wi-Fi coverage, even in areas with many obstacles or high traffic. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up Ubiquiti Wi-Fi mesh systems in an office environment to maximise your network performance.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh Systems
2. Choosing the Right Ubiquiti Mesh System for Your Office
3. Planning Your Wi-Fi Network Layout
4. Setting Up Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh Access Points
   • 4.1 Installing Ubiquiti Access Points
   • 4.2 Configuring Ubiquiti Mesh System via UniFi Network Controller
5. Optimising Wi-Fi Performance in an Office
6. Managing the Ubiquiti Network
7. Troubleshooting Common Wi-Fi Mesh Issues
8. Conclusion

Introduction to Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh Systems

Ubiquiti’s Wi-Fi Mesh system leverages multiple access points (APs) to create a network that spreads your Wi-Fi signal evenly throughout your office. These mesh systems are ideal for larger environments where a single router may not provide sufficient coverage. The key benefit of a mesh network is its ability to provide seamless roaming, meaning devices can move around the office without losing connection. Ubiquiti offers a range of products, such as the UniFi AP series, that make it easy to set up a high-performance mesh network.

Choosing the Right Ubiquiti Mesh System for Your Office

Before setting up your Wi-Fi mesh system, it’s essential to choose the right model that meets the needs of your office. Ubiquiti offers various models based on the size of the area you need to cover, the number of devices connected, and the speed requirements. Consider the following options:

• UniFi UAP-AC-Lite: Ideal for small to medium-sized offices with moderate Wi-Fi demands.
• UniFi UAP-AC-Pro: A high-performance option for larger offices or those with higher traffic and speed requirements.
• UniFi UAP-AC-Mesh: Great for offices with a mix of indoor and outdoor coverage needs.

If you have a larger office with multiple floors, consider using UniFi AP HD or UniFi Mesh Pro, which offer extended coverage and faster speeds.

Planning Your Wi-Fi Network Layout

Proper placement of your Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh access points is essential to ensuring optimal coverage. Consider the following when planning your network layout:

1. Coverage Area: Identify the areas that need coverage. In an office, this typically includes meeting rooms, break areas, and workstations.
2. Signal Obstructions: Avoid placing access points near large metal objects, concrete walls, or equipment that can block signals.
3. Central Locations: Place access points in central locations for even coverage across the area. Avoid placing them in corners or too close to walls.

You can also use Ubiquiti's UniFi Network Controller software to visualise your office layout and map out the best placement for the APs.

Setting Up Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh Access Points

Once you have chosen the right mesh system and planned the network layout, it's time to install and configure the access points.

4.1 Installing Ubiquiti Access Points

1. Mount the Access Points: For optimal performance, mount the APs on the ceiling or high on walls, ensuring they have a clear line of sight to the office areas that need coverage.
   • Use the included mounting brackets or a compatible third-party mounting solution.
2. Connect the Access Points: Each AP needs to be connected to your router or a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch via Ethernet cables. Ubiquiti access points require Ethernet for data transmission, but they can be powered using PoE, which simplifies installation and reduces cable clutter.
3. Powering the APs: If you’re using PoE, ensure your switch or injector is compatible with Ubiquiti’s PoE standards (48V passive PoE is commonly used).

4.2 Configuring Ubiquiti Mesh System via UniFi Network Controller

1. Install the UniFi Network Controller Software: Ubiquiti’s UniFi Network Controller is used to manage and configure your Wi-Fi network. You can install it on a local computer or host it on a cloud service.
   • For cloud hosting, consider using UniFi Cloud Key or UniFi Dream Machine.
2. Set Up the Controller: Open the UniFi Controller, and follow the wizard to set up your controller. You will need to:
   • Create an administrator account.
   • Add your Ubiquiti devices to the controller by selecting Adopt once they are powered on and connected.
   • Set up a wireless network by creating SSIDs (network names) for your office Wi-Fi. You can set up multiple networks, such as one for employees and one for guests.
3. Configure Settings: From the controller interface, you can adjust settings such as:
   • Wi-Fi Channel Selection: Auto or manual selection of Wi-Fi channels to reduce interference.
   • Transmit Power: Adjust the power of the APs to optimise coverage.
   • Security Settings: Configure WPA3 encryption for better security.
4. Apply Configuration: Once the settings are configured, apply them to all access points. The system will push the configuration to each AP in your mesh network.

Optimising Wi-Fi Performance in an Office

After setting up your Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh system, there are several optimisation steps you can take to improve performance:

1. Monitor Network Traffic: Use the UniFi Controller’s dashboard to monitor real-time traffic and identify potential bottlenecks.
2. Adjust Channel Width: In high-density areas, narrowing the channel width can reduce interference and improve overall performance.
3. Use Band Steering: Enable band steering to automatically direct clients to the 5GHz band for faster speeds and less interference.
4. Enable Load Balancing: This feature allows the controller to balance the load between access points, ensuring no AP is overloaded.
5. Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your Ubiquiti access points updated with the latest firmware to ensure your system is secure and performs optimally.

Managing the Ubiquiti Network

Once your network is set up and optimised, it’s important to manage it effectively to ensure ongoing performance:

• View Network Insights: Use the UniFi Controller to access network insights and identify any performance issues.
• Add Guest Networks: Set up a separate guest network for visitors and restrict their access to sensitive office resources.
• Schedule Network Access: For additional control, you can schedule Wi-Fi availability during specific hours, which is useful for office spaces with restricted access during non-working hours.

Troubleshooting Common Wi-Fi Mesh Issues

Even with a solid setup, occasional network issues may arise. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

1. Slow Wi-Fi Speeds:

   • Check for interference from other devices or networks, and adjust your Wi-Fi channels accordingly.
   • Ensure the access points are not overloaded with too many connected devices.

2. Dead Spots in Coverage:

   • Review the placement of your access points. You may need to adjust the positioning or add more APs to cover areas that are not receiving a strong signal.
   • Make sure the APs are high enough to avoid obstacles.

3. Devices Disconnecting Frequently:

   • Ensure your access points are not too far apart. Mesh networks work best when the APs are within range of each other to relay the signal.
   • Check the network’s load balancing and adjust the device distribution across access points.

Conclusion

Setting up Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh systems in office environments provides reliable, high-performance connectivity across large spaces. By carefully selecting the right equipment, planning the layout, and configuring the system using the UniFi Network Controller, you can ensure seamless and secure Wi-Fi access for all employees. With proper optimisation and regular monitoring, you can maintain a robust network that meets the demands of your office.