FWIW, I believe in the newer versions of the firmware and mobile apps, you can provision and configure the APs directly from your phone. The need for a controller was a major limitation in recommending the gear to other people, but the new iOS/Android apps can basically manage a small fleet of APs with nothing else than a few clicks in an app.
Of course, this requires a recent enough firmware version on the AP itself to support that feature, which, when I first tried it, I conveniently did not have, meaning I had to install the controller to upgrade everything anyway...
My lesson for that one is, uh, don't buy the older gear from resellers. Buy the new models from Unifi or Amazon directly.
Well, it's not at all equivalent to an AP, Cloudkey and SG, but they DO have a consumer product: https://amplifi.com/
Unfortunately details are sparse on their incredibly annoying, scroll-hijacking marketing site. But it seems to be a simple enough, plug-and-play mesh network setup, and the industrial design is quite nice. I think Ubnt just doesn't have the marketing machine needed to really push it in the consumer space.
I bought an Amplifi with high expectations, and my expectations were exceeded. The router is great, but my favorite part is the included smartphone app. It makes diagnosing network problems, enabling guest networks, figuring out who's using all the bandwidth a cinch.
As I write this, I realize it sounds like an ad, so for clarity: I'm in no way affiliated with Ubiquiti - just a satisfied customer.
aseipp|9 years ago
Of course, this requires a recent enough firmware version on the AP itself to support that feature, which, when I first tried it, I conveniently did not have, meaning I had to install the controller to upgrade everything anyway...
My lesson for that one is, uh, don't buy the older gear from resellers. Buy the new models from Unifi or Amazon directly.
astrocat|9 years ago
Unfortunately details are sparse on their incredibly annoying, scroll-hijacking marketing site. But it seems to be a simple enough, plug-and-play mesh network setup, and the industrial design is quite nice. I think Ubnt just doesn't have the marketing machine needed to really push it in the consumer space.
calebm|9 years ago
As I write this, I realize it sounds like an ad, so for clarity: I'm in no way affiliated with Ubiquiti - just a satisfied customer.