UniFi offers more in-depth settings and statistics, but has more software instability and bugs. If you’re not familiar with Ubiquiti’s software standards, lets just say they aren’t enterprise grade. Aruba has an edge when it comes to offering a hassle-free experience, but RF nerds like me always want more knobs to tweak. The Instant On portal and mobile app do an OK job at exposing the basic settings you need, but I would like to see the software mature and expand the number of settings offered. If you want more settings from your Aruba APs, consider one of the enterprise-level Instant APs instead. You’ll also have to consider licenses and possibly an Aruba WLAN controller. All Aruba Instant On access points have an installed TPM for secure storage of credentials, keys, and boot codes. Basic Service Set Coloring (BSS COLORING)

consumption, extending the battery life of clients. Multiuser, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO)Allows you to serve multiple clients (Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6) at the same time. 1024-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (1024-QAM)

Beyond Wi-Fi 6, there’s also the promise of Wi-Fi 6E on the horizon, which is a more meaningful upgrade than the 10-20% speed improvement you can expect from upgrading from a good Wi-Fi 5 AP. Wi-Fi 6 and 6E are only relevant when you have clients that support them. Wi-Fi 6E devices are just starting to roll out in 2021, and it will be a while until it’s common for most home users. Aruba Instant On Mesh Wi-Fi uses multiple access points that communicate with one another to blanket your indoor and outdoor spaces with a strong signal. Want to extend your network coverage or strengthen the signal in an area? Just add another access point. For the next test, I switched over to my MacBook Pro and it’s 3 spatial stream Wi-Fi 5 radio. This is an interesting test because it shows the impact of an additional spatial stream, and removes the highest-end modulation (1024-QAM) and longer symbol duration of Wi-Fi 6. This is a more even playing field, and a chance for the 3x3 and 4x4 APs to show their strength. Enables a 25% data increase over 256 QAM, improving throughput in your access points and devices. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) If all you want is the basics, the Aruba Instant On portal and mobile app offer just enough. The software isn’t remarkable, but it’s competent, and a step up from what typical consumer network equipment offers. If you want more look at UniFi, Aruba’s enterprise equipment, or another vendor. Router ModeEvery customer has different environment. They might want to authenticate with the ISP’s PPPoE server and provide static IP to the APs. Next-Generation 802.11AX WI-FI Features Overview For more information on the Instant On family of products for small businesses, please visit www.ArubaInstantOn.com. The range difference between the AP22 and the U6-LR is big enough that it could be the difference between needing one or two APs to cover an area. In some situations one U6-LR is better, in others one or two AP22s may be better. It’s hard to make general conclusions.