ᐅ Unifi NanoHD on a Concrete Ceiling – What Type of Junction Box Should Be Used?

Created on: 6 Nov 2020 13:32

Hello everyone,

I’m wondering what type of mounting box would be best to install in a precast concrete ceiling to easily mount a Wi-Fi access point (the plan is to use a Unifi NanoHD, or possibly the already available Access Point AC Pro for now) without a suspended ceiling.

The architect suggests a HaloX 180, but that seems a bit excessive to me. Especially if, at least in the longer term, the NanoHD is going to be mounted on the ceiling. It only has a diameter of 16cm (6.3 inches) and therefore might not fully cover the HaloX or its mineral fiber panel.

Is it possible to install a standard flush-mounted box in such a precast concrete ceiling (apparently from Dennert, if that’s relevant)? I imagine it could be used to house the CAT cable, keystone jack, and a short patch cable, with the access point then installed on top. Would there be enough space for that?

Are there any better solutions?

Thanks in advance!

K1300S8 Jun 2021 11:50

#55

Stefan2.84 schrieb:

For example, there is not full reception even in the adjacent room.

This is by no means surprising, especially with 5 GHz. That’s why it is generally recommended to position the access points where you use them most – for example, not in the hallway if you spend all day working in the office and want to use it there.

Stefan2.848 Jun 2021 11:55

#56

Ok. Then it must be that way. I am a bit surprised, though. But overall it works quite well. I am still looking for features like guest Wi-Fi or similar to set up. I can’t find anything about that. In general, the app is rather disappointing.

K1300S8 Jun 2021 12:18

#57

I cannot comment on the app, but the range issue is largely independent of the manufacturer. The only way to significantly improve it is by making modifications that are not permitted, such as stronger antennas, higher transmission power, and so on.

hanse9878 Jun 2021 12:36

#58

Are you referring to the Android or iPhone app? If so, I’m out of the loop since the app was quite basic a few years ago. It might have improved now, but I switched to the controller software. It runs on a Raspberry Pi for me, but it doesn’t have to run 24/7 and can also be set up on a PC. It’s important to always use only one device because the configuration is stored locally. If you switch to another device, you need to restore the configuration backup first; otherwise, you have to start all over again. The controller software provides everything (and much more) that an average user might expect. I learned to use it by watching IDomiX videos back then.

In tests, Unifi devices usually aren’t the fastest because they’re designed more for stability and handling many users. For a wall, almost any device will experience some drop in the 5 GHz (5 gigahertz) network.

Stefan2.848 Jun 2021 12:44

#59

Android app. But the software costs money? I guess I’ll just have to live with that... Although everything basically works fine. There’s no big reason to complain. I just forgot the cable for the terrace... That’s why I’m worried it might not be long enough. Although the access point on the ground floor isn’t yet fixed in its proper position.

hanse9878 Jun 2021 12:54

#60

No, the controller software is free. You can download it directly from the Unifi homepage. If you want a simple solution, install it on a Windows PC. Using a Raspberry Pi requires Linux knowledge, and without it, it can take a while to get everything running on the Raspberry Pi.

ᐅ Unifi NanoHD on a Concrete Ceiling – What Type of Junction Box Should Be Used?

Reaktionen