Ubiquiti In-Wall HD UniFi UAP-IW-HD Access Point

The Ubiquiti In-Wall HD UniFi UAP-IW-HD is a premium access point designed for spaces where aesthetics, performance, and coverage must work together seamlessly. Rather than using a traditional ceiling-mounted AP, this Ubiquiti access point replaces a standard wall Ethernet outlet and transforms it into a full-featured 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi access point. This makes it a perfect fit for hotel rooms, apartments, offices, and any environment that needs discreet, room-based wireless coverage without sacrificing speed or reliability.

Unlike bulkier wireless solutions, the In-Wall HD blends into the wall, providing a professional look and eliminating visible equipment clutter. It’s powered by 802.3af/at PoE and offers four Gigabit Ethernet ports on the bottom – including one PoE passthrough port – so you can connect wired devices such as VoIP phones, desktops, or smart TVs while maintaining a clean network installation.

Complete Overview of Ubiquiti In-Wall HD UniFi Access Point

The In-Wall HD is built with Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem in mind, meaning you get centralized management via the UniFi Network Controller or UniFi Network Application. It supports 4×4 MU-MIMO on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, delivering high-density performance ideal for multi-user environments. With simultaneous dual-band support, it reaches up to 2.3 Gbps aggregate throughput – enough for streaming 4K content, video conferencing, online gaming, and heavy enterprise traffic.

Its hardware is powered by a Qualcomm quad-core processor and ample memory, ensuring smooth handling of multiple clients without lag. Because it installs flush against the wall, coverage is more focused on the room it serves, reducing interference from adjacent rooms and allowing you to design a room-by-room Wi-Fi deployment with precision. This is why hotels, student housing complexes, and luxury apartments often choose the In-Wall HD as their go-to solution.

Use Cases and Applications

The In-Wall HD is perfect for:

• Hospitality deployments – Provide each guest room with a dedicated AP for excellent Wi-Fi speed and isolation from neighboring rooms.
• MDUs (Multi-Dwelling Units) – Give apartments or condos reliable internet without mounting ceiling APs in hallways.
• Corporate offices – Install near desks or meeting rooms where wired ports are still needed.
• Smart home upgrades – Deliver wireless coverage for living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices without bulky gear on display.

Essentially, wherever you need localized, high-performance coverage with wired connectivity options, the In-Wall HD is a perfect fit.

Ports and Connectivity Options

One of the biggest advantages of the In-Wall HD is its built-in 4-port Gigabit switch. Three of these ports provide regular Gigabit LAN connectivity, and the fourth port supports PoE passthrough, which is extremely useful for powering downstream devices such as VoIP phones or other small PoE devices.

This integrated switch reduces the need to run multiple cables back to a core switch, simplifying cabling infrastructure. It’s especially valuable in hotel rooms where you may have a phone, TV, and workstation that all require wired access.

Deploying In-Wall HD in Hospitality

When installing the In-Wall HD in a hotel or apartment complex, plan for one AP per room to ensure perfect coverage. Take advantage of UniFi’s RF planning tool inside the controller to avoid channel overlap between adjacent units. This will maximize performance and minimize co-channel interference.

Using PoE Passthrough

If you need to power an IP phone or another low-power device, use the fourth port with PoE passthrough. Ensure that your upstream switch supports 802.3at PoE+ to deliver enough power both for the AP and the downstream device.

Comparison with Other Ubiquiti Access Points

When deciding between the In-Wall HD and other UniFi APs, here’s how it stacks up:

If your priority is a room-based deployment with wired access options, the In-Wall HD is unmatched. If you need Wi-Fi 6 support, you might consider the newer U6-In-Wall, but the IW-HD remains one of the best Wi-Fi 5 solutions for enterprise and hospitality environments.

Technical Specifications Table

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum coverage area of the In-Wall HD?
Typically up to 30–50 meters indoors per AP, depending on wall material and environment.

2. Can the In-Wall HD run without a controller?
Yes, but you lose centralized management features like monitoring, statistics, and easy firmware upgrades.

3. Does it support WPA3 security?
No, WPA3 is supported only on UniFi Wi-Fi 6 devices. It supports WPA2-Enterprise and WPA2-PSK.

4. Can I use the In-Wall HD outdoors?
No, it is designed for indoor use only.

5. What PoE switch do I need?
Any 802.3at PoE+ capable switch from UniFi (USW-Lite, USW-Pro, etc.) or other compatible vendors.

6. How many clients can it handle?
Up to 200+ concurrent clients, but practical performance depends on bandwidth requirements.

7. Can I disable the LAN ports?
Yes, you can configure them in the UniFi controller to block or allow traffic per port.

8. Is there a Wi-Fi 6 upgrade path?
Yes, Ubiquiti now offers the U6-In-Wall, which is the Wi-Fi 6 successor to the In-Wall HD.

9. Does it require a cloud subscription?
No, UniFi Network is free to use – there are no recurring license fees.

10. Can it be powered with passive 24V PoE?
No, it only accepts 802.3af/at PoE.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti In-Wall HD UniFi UAP-IW-HD is one of the most versatile access points for hospitality and professional deployments. It delivers enterprise-grade performance, integrated Gigabit switching, and a clean in-wall design that keeps networking infrastructure invisible to guests or clients. If you’re building a modern network for a hotel, apartment complex, or office space, the In-Wall HD is an excellent investment that combines wireless and wired networking into a single, elegant solution.