Determining the number of UniFi access points needed for a network depends on several factors. The most important considerations are the size of the area that needs Wi-Fi coverage, the number of users on the network, the types of wireless devices, and the bandwidth requirements. Following general Wi-Fi network design best practices ensures complete wireless coverage with sufficient capacity.
What is a UniFi Access Point?
UniFi access points (APs) are Wi-Fi networking devices from Ubiquiti Networks that allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network. UniFi APs feature:
- 802.11ac wave 2 Wi-Fi supporting high speeds and many simultaneous connections
- Dual-band connectivity on 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies
- Seamless roaming for mobile devices within the wireless network
- Simple mounting options with Power over Ethernet (PoE) to streamline installation
UniFi APs pair with Ubiquiti’s UniFi Network Controller software for centralized management. The controller handles configuration, monitoring, access control, and more. UniFi AP models include the nanoHD, HD, FlexHD, In-Wall, Mesh, and outdoor wireless APs, with options optimized for different deployment scenarios.
Factors That Determine How Many APs You Need
Size of the Area
The physical size of the area needing wireless coverage is a main factor determining the number of access points needed. Wi-Fi range from a single AP is limited. While rated wireless range could be over 100 feet in ideal conditions, in practice the usable range is usually 50 feet or less indoors.
More APs are required to provide a strong signal throughout larger homes, offices, venues, and outdoor areas. The number of walls, building materials, and physical obstructions also impacts usable range. More APs help compensate for attenuation going through walls and objects.
Number of Users
Supporting a high density of Wi-Fi clients requires deploying more APs. Each UniFi AP can handle up to 200-500 or more devices depending on the model. But performance suffers as maximum connections are reached. Adding more APs spreads users out to relieve congestion issues when there are 100+ clients.
UniFi APs support bandwidth intensive uses like video streaming for many users. But adequate capacity requires an AP density matching the number of high-bandwidth clients expected.
Types of Wireless Devices
The types of Wi-Fi devices on the network influence how many APs to deploy. Many IoT devices like sensors are lightweight. But Wi-Fi 6 phones or laptops use more bandwidth which strains AP capacity. High-bandwidth wireless use cases like video or voice may justify densifying APs even for fewer clients. Older wireless devices are also slower and take up more airtime. The mixture of 1, 2, 5.5 and 10 Gbps capable devices impacts how many APs an area needs.
Bandwidth Requirements
Total bandwidth or speed available to Wi-Fi users is another key factor. Adding more APs increases aggregate bandwidth capacity. While individual UniFi APs can deliver 100s of Mbps or multiple Gbps, total throughput depends on AP density. More APs in the same area means faster speeds for everyone by reducing the client load per AP.
Desired Performance
The desired overall Wi-Fi performance influences how many APs are needed. Light usage in a home may be fine with a single AP. But enterprise networks require more APs to deliver robust high performance throughout. Critical factors include:
- Consistent signal strength of around -60 to -70 dBm minimum
- High data rates, with most devices connecting at 200+ Mbps
- Low latency for time sensitive applications like video and voice
- High availability with seamless failover and redundancy
Optimizing these metrics requires deploying extra APs.
AP Deployment Best Practices
Following Wi-Fi network design best practices ensures complete wireless coverage while right-sizing the number of APs for the use case. Key aspects include:
1. Determine AP Locations
Planning AP locations ahead of time ensures even coverage throughout the target area. APs should:
- Space APs within typical wireless range, about 50 feet apart indoors.
- Place APs centrally in each coverage zone rather than just at edges.
- Align coverage cells so they overlap by around 20%.
Proper AP spacing avoids gaps in the coverage map that result in dead zones.
2. Perform a Site Survey
A wireless site survey scans for RF interference and validates planned AP locations. Survey tools measure signal propagation within the physical space. This identifies ideal mounting locations and any RF obstacles. Surveys confirm whether designed AP density provides sufficient signal levels everywhere users need coverage.
3. Deploy APs Systematically
Bring up the Wi-Fi network systematically after completing the site survey. First deploy APs in core coverage zones. Verify performance before adding APs in the peripheral areas. Startup in phases helps validate system stability and coverage reach.
4. Tune and Monitor the Network
Continuously monitor signal levels and network analytics. Fine tune AP configurations like channel and transmit power for optimal performance. Watch for coverage gaps or congestion indicating a need for more APs. Adding APs incrementally fixes issues missed during initial planning.
5. Perform Post-Deployment Validation
Do final wireless testing and measurements after completely deploying all APs. This validates full coverage across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Continuous monitoring and optimization remains important after deployment to maintain performance.
UniFi Access Point Models
Ubiquiti offers different UniFi AP models optimized for various deployment scenarios. Selecting suitable APs for each use case helps right-size deployment density.
nanoHD AP
The UniFi nanoHD AP delivers high performance Wi-Fi 6 for high density deployments. Key features:
- 4×4 MU-MIMO with up to 2.5Gbps speed
- Fits optimized layouts with compact form factor
- Ideal for apartments, offices, venues etc.
Typical usage is around 50 clients per nanoHD AP.
HD AP
The UniFi HD AP is a cost-effective dual-band model for indoor coverage. Key features:
- Wave 2 Wi-Fi with up to 1.7Gbps throughput
- Supports 100+ client devices
- Great for small/medium businesses and homes
Plan for around 100 clients per HD AP.
FlexHD AP
The high-gain UniFi FlexHD AP delivers long-range outdoor coverage. Key features:
- Flexible mounting options for ceilings, walls and poles
- Weatherproof housing for outdoor deployments
- Great for outdoor public Wi-Fi networks
Typical usage is 50-100 clients per FlexHD AP.
Mesh AP
The UniFi Mesh AP provides outdoor mesh networking and bridging. Key features:
- Dual-band meshing creates a wireless backhaul
- AP Steering balances mesh traffic loads
- Connects remote areas up to 200+ meters
Plan for 30-50 clients per Mesh AP.
In-Wall AP
The low profile UniFi In-Wall AP easily mounts to standard wall boxes. Key features:
- Unobtrusive design with paintable trim
- Great for hospitality, healthcare, education etc.
- Blends into environment with minimal cabling
Ideal for 50 or less clients per In-Wall AP.
Sample AP Densities
Determining how many APs to deploy depends on the specifics of the wireless environment and performance goals. But some typical AP densities by use case are:
| Environment | Typical AP Density |
|---|---|
| Small home | 1-2 APs |
| Large home | 3-5 APs |
| Small/medium business | 1 AP per 1,000 – 3,000 sq ft |
| Office | 1 AP per 1,500 – 2,500 sq ft |
| Auditorium | 1-2 APs per room |
| Restaurant | 1 AP per 1,000 – 1,500 sq ft |
| Warehouse | 1 AP per 5,000 – 10,000 sq ft |
| Outdoor campus | 1 AP per acre |
More APs are generally needed to support high density client loads, bandwidth intensive uses, or weak client devices. These guidelines assume mostly modern 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 capable devices in the environment.
When to Add More APs
Even with proper upfront planning, networks often need more APs added over time. Be sure to monitor analytics and watch for these indicators that existing APs are overloaded:
- Poor or inconsistent signal strength in parts of the coverage area
- Slow data transfer speeds and performance complaints
- High channel utilization over 70% during peak times
- High AP loads approaching max associated clients
- Client devices struggling to connect or dropping connections
- Dead zones with zero coverage appearing
UniFi APs and the controller software make it straightforward to add more access points incrementally. Start by densifying APs in problem areas first. Adding just 1-3 APs at a time can optimize performance for high density environments.
Conclusion
Determining adequate UniFi AP density follows Wi-Fi network design best practices. The key factors are coverage area, client count, device types, and bandwidth needs. While specific AP models and quantities depend on use cases, following planning guidelines avoids under or over provisioning the wireless network. Monitor analytics and add APs gradually as needed. With proper deployment density, UniFi APs deliver high performance, seamless roaming, and consistent coverage across large facilities.
