Basically, the three APs in this three-pack mesh together to create one wi-fi network. That is, your devices (PC, smartphone, etc.) won’t know the difference. Having three of these lets you spread them around in a wifi-opaque house. Note: you will need a hard-wired network connection to each spot you want one of these. So: your house doesn’t have CAT-5/5e/6 drops all over? I solved that by using power-line adapters like the excellent series from TP-Link. Also, be aware that each AP in this pack has a little power-brick that takes two inputs (the aforementioned hardwired network connection plus power) and has one output to the AP disc, which is PoE (power over Ethernet, which lets it use one cable to send both signal and power to the AP). What this means is that you should plan for an outlet near your AP placements as well as planning for network cable from wall to power brick, then another network cable from brick to AP. You can use any CAT-5 or better cable to carry PoE to the AP – don’t buy cheapo ersatz cables that have fewer than the full 4 pairs of wires.

You also will need to install the Unifi management software (free download from their web site) on a PC that also has Java installed. This management software is what you’ll use to set up your wifi network; it’s a lot nicer than the web interfaces on most consumer routers, APs etc. but you do need a PC to run the software on, and you need to be just a little tech-savvy to get it all set up. The latest version of their software (v5.x) is far, far easier and nicer than a couple of years ago.

I have had a set of these running in my house for a year and a half without a single hiccup. They have never dropped or hiccuped, and routinely handle a large family’s worth of smartphones, iPads, Roku, printer, multiple laptops, Wii U, etc. I would definitely buy these again (already have…) and at this point my default is to immediately disable the lousy wifi on most consumer router/wifi devices and just install one of these. It’s more cost, more work, more wiring, but the wifi signal in a large or complex house is… beyond compare better.

I only gave tech support 2 stars because tried calling them once, to realize I never want to call again. And found myself scouring internet forums to figure out my own issues which has led me to better understand these devices and how they work – which ultimately leads me to rate it the way I did.

On top of this, 1 of the 3 APs is constantly disconnecting from the controller software. I am going to swap the AP with another to rule out the uplink, and then file for a return.