Best deal for 802.11ac solely to work for wireless alongside pfsense box

[lostinclarity]

Hi,

I'm trying to find the best device solely to serve wireless to my network, I already have a dedicated device for pfsense & ethernet so Im trying to find the best for 802.11ac for range & quality signal. I see the ASUS RT-AC87U AC2400 seems to be good in that area but wondering if there would be another cheaper alternative if only working as a "wireless bridge".

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

[Derelict]

At that price point you probably want to at least look at the Ubiquiti Unifi-AC.

[jasonlitka]

@Derelict:

At that price point you probably want to at least look at the Ubiquiti Unifi-AC.

I wouldn't.  The benefits from their system are ease of management when using multiple APs.  If the OP only needs one there's little point because they aren't actually very good APs when compared to other hardware out there.

[lostinclarity]

Yeah I only need it solely to propagate G/N/AC wifi around my place! It won't even be in gateway mode! So technically I just need as powerful chipset and antenna quality/range from the unit as possible, without really caring about the other specs meant as router mode.

[Derelict]

So technically I just need as powerful chipset and antenna quality/range from the unit as possible

Careful what you say you're looking for or people might start recommending something like a Ruckus R500 or Aruba 205.

[lostinclarity]

I need strong coverage for up to 1000sqf apartment, G/N/AC mainly N & AC, whats goooood? :/

[jasonlitka]

@Derelict:

So technically I just need as powerful chipset and antenna quality/range from the unit as possible

Careful what you say you're looking for or people might start recommending something like a Ruckus R500 or Aruba 205.

R500?  Psh…  You want the R700!

@lostinclarity:

I need strong coverage for up to 1000sqf apartment, G/N/AC mainly N & AC, whats goooood? :/

1000 sq-ft isn't much so a single AP will do it, but the apartment part likely means that you're in an area where the signals are going to be congested.  I've had the best luck in environments like that with the Apple AirPort Extreme.  You won't find QOS, VLANs, or any other interesting features here, but if what you need is something that works, it's likely the closest thing you'll get to a guarantee.

[Derelict]

Re: Airport Extreme: You can run the normal SSID untagged and Apple hard-codes the guest SSID to VLAN 1003 tagged so you can make it do what you need.  If you can stomach needing a config utility to make it work and dealing with Apple's interface, it's a reasonable choice for a simultaneous dual-band .11ac AP for $199.