The demand for high-speed and reliable wireless connectivity has never been higher, especially in business and commercial settings. The Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC In-Wall, also known by its part number UAP-AC-IW, is a product designed to address this need by transforming Ethernet wall jacks into powerful dual-band 802.11ac access points. Combining sleek design with enterprise-grade performance, this Ubiquiti access point represents a robust solution for environments like hotels, offices, and residential complexes that require seamless Wi-Fi coverage.
Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC In-Wall Access Point | UAP-AC-IW – High-Speed 1167Mbps, 2×2 MIMO, PoE, Compact Wall-Mount Wi-Fi Solution
The Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC In-Wall is part of Ubiquiti’s renowned UniFi ecosystem, which integrates network management into a single platform. This access point is specifically designed to replace existing Ethernet wall jacks, instantly upgrading any space with high-performance wireless coverage. With a maximum throughput of 1167 Mbps and 2×2 MIMO technology, it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, ensuring fast and stable connections for multiple devices simultaneously.
One of the standout features of the UAP-AC-IW is its compact, wall-mounted design, which allows for a clean, unobtrusive installation. Unlike bulky ceiling-mounted APs, this model integrates seamlessly into the wall, maintaining the aesthetics of any room while delivering powerful wireless coverage. It also comes equipped with integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling wired device connectivity alongside the wireless network. Power over Ethernet (PoE) support simplifies deployment by delivering both power and data through a single cable.
Key Features and Benefits
High-Speed Dual-Band Connectivity: The UAP-AC-IW offers combined wireless speeds of up to 1167 Mbps, utilizing 802.11ac Wave 1 technology.
2×2 MIMO: Ensures efficient and reliable data transmission, providing stable connections even in dense environments.
Compact Wall-Mount Design: Its in-wall form factor replaces Ethernet wall jacks without cluttering the space.
PoE Support: Simplifies installation and reduces the need for additional power sources, leveraging PoE for both data and power delivery.
Integrated Ethernet Ports: Includes one PoE passthrough port and one standard Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections.
Seamless UniFi Integration: Managed easily through the UniFi Controller for centralized management of multiple access points.
Scalability: Ideal for scaling up as needed, allowing the deployment of multiple units across a property while maintaining consistent management and performance.
Applications
The UniFi AP AC In-Wall is ideal for settings that demand discreet and efficient wireless solutions. It’s particularly effective in hospitality environments, such as hotels, where individual rooms can benefit from dedicated wireless access points, ensuring consistent coverage and bandwidth for each guest. Office spaces can leverage the UAP-AC-IW to provide Wi-Fi access in meeting rooms or workstations while using its integrated Ethernet ports to connect wired devices like VoIP phones or desktop computers. Residential complexes also stand to gain, offering tenants high-speed wireless and wired connections with minimal visible hardware.
Ports and Connectivity
The UAP-AC-IW features three Ethernet ports on its bottom edge:
One PoE Input Port: Receives both power and data, eliminating the need for separate cabling.
One PoE Passthrough Port: Supplies power to downstream devices like IP phones or cameras.
One Standard Gigabit Ethernet Port: Provides a reliable wired connection to devices such as desktops or printers.
This configuration ensures flexible deployment in environments where both wireless and wired connectivity are required, with PoE passthrough adding convenience for powering additional equipment.
Practical Tips for Deployment
Optimizing Wall-Mount Placement:
To maximize the performance of the UniFi AP AC In-Wall, consider the location of existing Ethernet wall jacks and the density of users in the area. Position the access point where the signal can cover the intended room or space effectively without obstruction.
Integrating with UniFi Controller:
The UAP-AC-IW integrates seamlessly into the UniFi ecosystem. By using the UniFi Network Controller, IT managers can easily monitor network performance, configure settings, and manage multiple devices from a central dashboard. This feature is particularly valuable for managing large deployments in hotels, office buildings, or residential complexes.
Comparison with Similar UniFi Models
| Feature | UniFi AP AC In-Wall (UAP-AC-IW) | UniFi In-Wall HD (UAP-IW-HD) | UniFi AC Lite (UAP-AC-LITE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Throughput | 1167 Mbps | 2033 Mbps | 1167 Mbps |
| MIMO | 2×2 | 4×4 | 2×2 |
| Ethernet Ports | 3 (1 PoE in, 1 PoE out, 1 standard) | 5 (1 PoE in, 1 PoE out, 3 standard) | 1 |
| Form Factor | Wall-Mount | Wall-Mount | Ceiling/Wall |
| PoE Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Target Use | Hospitality, offices | High-density environments | General small to medium spaces |
| Price Range | Mid | High | Low |
This comparison highlights the UAP-AC-IW as a versatile and cost-effective choice for environments that require a balance of wireless and wired connectivity, but without the need for the higher performance of the In-Wall HD.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | UAP-AC-IW |
| Wireless Standards | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Frequency Bands | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1167 Mbps |
| MIMO Configuration | 2×2 |
| Ethernet Ports | 3 (1 PoE in, 1 PoE passthrough, 1 standard) |
| Power Method | 802.3af PoE |
| Max Power Consumption | 7W |
| Mounting | In-Wall |
| Dimensions | 139.7 x 86.7 x 25.75 mm |
| Weight | 210 g |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum wireless speed of the UniFi AP AC In-Wall?
It supports a combined speed of 1167 Mbps.Does UniFi AP AC In-Wall support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands?
Yes, it operates on both frequency bands for optimal performance.Is it compatible with PoE?
Yes, it supports 802.3af PoE for power and data over a single cable.Can UniFi AP AC In-Wall replace a standard wall Ethernet jack?
Absolutely, it’s designed to mount over existing Ethernet jacks.Does it provide Ethernet ports for wired devices?
Yes, it has one standard Gigabit port and one PoE passthrough port.Can I use UniFi AP AC In-Wall in a hotel room?
Yes, it’s perfect for hospitality applications.How is UniFi AP AC In-Wall managed?
Through the UniFi Network Controller.What’s the difference between UAP-AC-IW and UAP-IW-HD?
The UAP-IW-HD offers higher throughput and additional Ethernet ports.What’s the typical use case?
Environments needing discreet Wi-Fi coverage with minimal hardware footprint.Does UniFi AP AC In-Wall support seamless roaming?
Yes, as part of the UniFi ecosystem, it supports seamless client roaming.
Conclusion
The Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC In-Wall (UAP-AC-IW) is a smart, versatile choice for environments demanding discreet yet powerful Wi-Fi coverage. Its blend of performance, design, and flexibility makes it ideal for hospitality, office, and residential deployments. The addition of integrated Ethernet ports and PoE support further enhances its value, ensuring a reliable network backbone for both wireless and wired devices. If you’re looking for a seamless, scalable solution to enhance connectivity without compromising aesthetics, the UAP-AC-IW from Ubiquiti is an excellent investment.
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