Recommendation for a PoE capable WiFi AX Access Point

Hardware Questions and Recommendations
1

Hello!

I currently have a BPI-R4 (with an OpenWRT snapshot) as my main router, and an old WRT1200AC as an additional Access Point + Switch in the basement (got some wired IOT stuff).

Now I m looking for a second access point. What I need:

  • OpenWRT (duh) - official support. Snapshots are okay for me, if it is a new device. Unofficial forks are not.
  • At least 3x Gigabit LAN (one to connect to the BPI-R4, 2 for the office workplaces)
  • No dedicated WAN port needed
  • Ideally 1 PoE port (to supply the router, no outbound PoE needed)
  • WiFi AX (2.4 + 5 GHz is enough, 6 GHz is optional)

My network setup consists mainly of tagged traffic. The R4 does all the routing/firewall, so the access points are just used as such. It has to take tagged traffic on one port, route one VLAN untagged to the other 2 ports, and host 3 or 4 WiFi networks which are bridged to 3 or 4 different VLANs, respectively.

I already have such a setup in place on the WRT1200AC and it works well.

Now I am looking for an as cost-effective solution as possible for the next AP (and might replace the aging WRT1200AC as well, eventually).

The BPI WiFi 6 Router looks amazing spec, feature and price wise, but since their Triductor chips seem to not be mainline capable it will not get official support, and I refuse to run some weird fork. What device would be my best pick?

I'm a bit lost with all the options. Especially PoE support is not a possible filter in the device selector. If someone can recommend me a good device and save me deep-diving into the WiFi 6 capable list one by one I'd be grateful.

Oh, the easier to install OpenWRT the better. I can mess around with UART, but I'd prefer if I could flash it without tinkering.

2

most PoE devices won't have three ports...

use a regular router/AP + a PoE splitter ?

try https://openwrt.org/toh/views/toh_extended_all and apply some filters.

1 Like
3

Oh, I did not realize there was a "Power Supply" filter in the extended list. Thank you!

Seems like there is indeed no device meeting all my requirements apart from some weird Netgear "wallmount" AP which has 1 Ethernet pointing into the wall (so not really useful for me, no idea how I would mount it).

PoE splitter would be an option I did not consider yet, and probably my best pick at that point.

I'm also considering weakening my "no weird forks" requirement and using the BPI - 5x Gigabit, AX, PoE support with an additional module, for 35$ (excl. the PoE module)... I wish they used a SoC that can be supported by an official build... As tempting as the price and features are (it covers 100% of my requirements), the fact remains that their fork will probably not get any more updates soon enough and I'm left with an insecure device. Even if I trust their build to be safe.

4

About PoE - you mean that the access point has to be powered over PoE?
=> If so, https://openwrt.org/toh/tp-link/eap615-wall would be an option.
(with 86 mm wall junction box)

And when looking for a challenge, meaning getting your hands dirty in making OpenWrt Support possible for a new device, then have a look at this with a more modern chipset https://www.cudy.com/products/ap3000-wall-1-0

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5

You may want to look at OpenWrt One: https://forum.openwrt.org/t/help-pre-select-new-openwrt-one-logo-in-the-poll/194452/22?u=underworld
A better link: https://docs.banana-pi.org/en/OpenWRT-One/BananaPi_OpenWRT-One

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6

oWRT One + some tiny dumb 4port switch fro 10 bucks would do the trick as well, true. Thy for the idea! And I'd support the project with it.

This would also allow me to power the switch off the power strip that powers both workplaces, and have the router always on over PoE. I like the idea.

1 Like
7

Well, I posted it, because it is advertised as POE- not sure if you need a switch.