Have you ever wrestled with tangled power cords and network cables, desperately trying to get your WiFi to reach that one dead spot in your home or office? Or perhaps you’re a business owner looking to expand your network without the headache of installing new electrical outlets? If so, you’re in the right place. Power over Ethernet, or PoE, might just be the solution you’ve been searching for, and in this article, we’re diving deep into the world of PoE access points to bring you our picks for the best PoE power over ethernet access points available.
PoE technology is a game-changer, plain and simple. It allows you to transmit both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable. This means you can power devices like access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones without needing separate power sources. This not only simplifies installations but also gives you greater flexibility in placement, especially in areas where running traditional power lines is difficult or costly.
Whether you’re a small business owner, an IT professional, or a tech-savvy homeowner, choosing the right PoE access point is crucial for ensuring a reliable and high-performance network. That’s where we come in. We’ve scoured the market, tested numerous devices, and considered a wide range of factors to bring you our picks for the best PoE power over ethernet access points. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What to Consider When Choosing a PoE Access Point
Before we jump into our recommendations for the best PoE power over ethernet access points, let’s break down the key factors you should consider when making your choice.
WiFi Standards and Performance
The WiFi standard supported by an access point dictates its maximum speed and overall performance. Currently, you’ll encounter WiFi 5 (802.11ac), WiFi 6 (802.11ax), and, increasingly, WiFi 6E.
WiFi 5, while still capable, is the older generation. WiFi 6 offers significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and the ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously. WiFi 6E takes things a step further by adding the 6 GHz band, providing more bandwidth and less interference.
If you want the best possible performance and future-proofing, a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E access point is the way to go, especially if you have a lot of modern devices that support these standards. Consider throughput; a higher throughput means faster speeds for your devices.
Power Requirements: PoE Classes
Understanding PoE classes is essential to ensure your access point receives enough power. The original PoE standard (IEEE 802.3af) provides up to 15.4 watts, PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) offers up to 30 watts, and PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) can deliver up to 60 or even 90 watts.
Check the power requirements of the access point and make sure your PoE switch or injector can provide the necessary wattage. Using an insufficient power supply can lead to unstable performance or even damage the device.
Range and Coverage
The range of an access point determines how far the WiFi signal can reach. Several factors influence range, including antenna gain, the materials used in your walls, and interference from other devices.
If you have a large area to cover, you might need multiple access points to create a mesh network. Mesh networks allow access points to communicate with each other, extending the WiFi coverage without requiring you to run cables to every location.
Security Features
Security should be a top priority when choosing an access point. Look for devices that support WPA3, the latest and most secure WiFi encryption standard.
Other important security features include guest network capabilities, which allow you to provide WiFi access to visitors without giving them access to your main network, and access control lists (ACLs), which let you restrict access to specific devices or IP addresses. Rogue AP detection is a great tool for business users to know if an unsanctioned access point is introduced to their network.
Management and Features
Consider how you’ll manage the access point. Some devices offer simple web-based interfaces, while others provide more advanced management tools, including cloud-based options.
Cloud management can be particularly useful for businesses with multiple locations, as it allows you to monitor and configure your access points from anywhere.
Other features to look for include MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output), which improves performance when multiple devices are connected simultaneously, beamforming, which focuses the WiFi signal towards connected devices, and band steering, which automatically directs devices to the optimal frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
Our Top PoE Access Point Picks
Now that we’ve covered the essential considerations, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are our picks for the best PoE power over ethernet access points on the market today.
Best Overall PoE Access Point
Product Name: Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Long-Range Access Point
The Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Long-Range Access Point is a powerhouse that combines exceptional performance with user-friendly management. It supports WiFi 6, offering impressive speeds and efficiency. It is designed for high-density environments and can handle a large number of connected devices without sacrificing performance.
Key Features: WiFi 6, up to 5.7 Gbps throughput, PoE+ powered, WPA3 security, cloud management via UniFi Controller.
Pros: Excellent performance, long range, easy to manage, enterprise-grade features.
Cons: Can be pricey, requires some technical knowledge for initial setup.
Ideal Use Case: Large offices, schools, or homes with demanding network requirements.
Best PoE Access Point for Small Businesses
Product Name: TP-Link EAP225 Omada
The TP-Link EAP225 Omada is a solid choice for small businesses looking for a reliable and affordable PoE access point. It supports WiFi 5 and offers good performance for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and video conferencing. It’s easy to set up and manage, making it a great option for businesses without dedicated IT staff.
Key Features: WiFi 5, up to 1350 Mbps throughput, PoE powered, WPA2 encryption, centralized management via Omada Controller.
Pros: Affordable, easy to set up, good performance for typical business use.
Cons: Lacks WiFi 6 support, limited advanced features.
Ideal Use Case: Small offices, retail stores, cafes.
Best PoE Access Point for Home Use
Product Name: Netgear WAX202
The Netgear WAX202 is an excellent option for home users who want a simple and reliable PoE access point. It supports WiFi 6 and offers good performance for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
Key Features: WiFi 6, up to 1800 Mbps throughput, PoE powered, WPA3 security, easy to manage via web interface.
Pros: Easy to set up, good performance, affordable, compact design.
Cons: Limited advanced features, not ideal for very large homes.
Ideal Use Case: Homes with moderate network demands.
Best Budget PoE Access Point
Product Name: EnGenius EWS357AP
The EnGenius EWS357AP offers excellent value for money. While it doesn’t have the cutting-edge features of some of the pricier options, it’s a solid performer for the price, making it an excellent choice if you are looking for the best PoE power over ethernet access points on a budget.
Key Features: WiFi 5, up to 867 Mbps throughput, PoE powered, WPA2 encryption, simple web-based management.
Pros: Very affordable, reliable performance, easy to set up.
Cons: Lacks WiFi 6 support, limited features.
Ideal Use Case: Homes or small businesses with basic network needs.
Best Outdoor PoE Access Point
Product Name: Ubiquiti UniFi AC Mesh
The Ubiquiti UniFi AC Mesh is a rugged and reliable outdoor access point designed to withstand the elements. It supports WiFi 5 and offers good coverage for outdoor areas like patios, gardens, and parking lots. Its flexible mounting options make it easy to install in a variety of locations.
Key Features: WiFi 5, up to 1167 Mbps throughput, PoE powered, weatherproof design, mesh networking support.
Pros: Durable, long range, easy to integrate into a UniFi network.
Cons: Can be expensive, requires some technical knowledge for setup.
Ideal Use Case: Outdoor areas, such as patios, gardens, or parking lots.
PoE Switches and Injectors
To power your PoE access point, you’ll need a compatible PoE switch or injector. A PoE switch provides power to multiple devices over Ethernet cables, while a PoE injector is a single-port device that adds power to an existing Ethernet connection.
When choosing a PoE switch or injector, make sure it supports the correct PoE standard (PoE, PoE+, or PoE++) and provides sufficient wattage for your access point. It’s also a good idea to choose a reputable brand to ensure reliability. Some popular brands for PoE switches and injectors include Netgear, TP-Link, and Ubiquiti.
Conclusion
PoE access points offer a convenient and flexible way to power your network devices, simplifying installations and providing greater control over placement. By understanding the key factors to consider and exploring the options available, you can find the perfect PoE access point to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance access point for a demanding office environment or a simple and reliable solution for your home, there’s a PoE access point out there that’s right for you. We hope that our picks for the best PoE power over ethernet access points has helped you in your decision-making process.
Carefully evaluate your network requirements, budget, and technical expertise before making a purchase. And don’t hesitate to read customer reviews and compare different models to find the best fit.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! What are your experiences with PoE access points? Do you have any recommendations or questions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
