Maximising the utilisation of the Unifi AC HD AP

Abstract

This report covers a project aimed at testing the practical limits of a UniFi AC High Density (HD) Access Point (AP) in various propagation environments so as to identify the nature of environments for maximum utilization. The AP’s documented specifications include capacity to support 500+ users among others. A distributor, Simplifi networks wanted an independent third party to evaluate the AP from the users’ point of view and know which locations maximise the number of users on one AP.

The project was carried out in three phases; first, literature review and consultations with various Field engineers about the AP was done. Second, potential propagation environments for typical network setup were identified, categorized and simulated. Lastly, practical tests using the AP and real clients in the identified environments. The enabling factors were then identified and noted.

During the practical tests, a total number of 66 users was able to connect to the AP simultaneously and 180 users in total. Additional results that were collected to aid in the total numbers of users included the signal strength verses the distance and the throughput in each environment. The collected data was then analysed and conclusions were done. The major conclusion was that the AP can be best utilized in an indoor open space environment and an outdoor environment that is confined to a 55 m radius from the AP.