Case Study: How Robert Transformed His Home Network with Ubiquiti UniFi

Hi there! Juan David here, your Tech Lead Support and UniFi certified trainer at Flytec. Over the years, I’ve helped countless clients optimize their home and office networks, solving everything from frustrating dead zones to overwhelmed smart home setups. Today, I want to share the story of Robert, one of my recent clients. Robert came to me with a problem that many of us can relate to—his home network was failing him, and it was taking a toll on his productivity and peace of mind.

Meet Robert: A Frustrated Work-from-Home Professional

Robert works from home and relies heavily on a fast, reliable internet connection for his job. But two years ago, his internet setup was more of a headache than a help.

“When I was on video calls,” Robert told me, “The video would freeze or disconnect altogether. It was beyond frustrating, especially when I was trying to make a good impression at work.”

At the same time, Robert was building out a smart home with over 100 connected devices—smart lights, cameras, speakers, thermostats, and more. But his home network couldn’t keep up:

• Dead Zones: Parts of his house, like the garage and upstairs, had no signal at all.
• Unstable Devices: His smart home hubs and gadgets would constantly disconnect.
• Underwhelming Coverage: Despite paying for 1 Gbps internet speeds, his ISP-provided router struggled to provide consistent coverage across his home.

Robert’s productivity was suffering, and he knew something had to change. That’s when he reached out to me for help.

The Solution: Upgrading to UniFi

After discussing his needs and goals, I recommended an Ubiquiti UniFi system to overhaul Robert’s home network. Here’s the step-by-step solution we implemented together.

1. Centralizing the Network with the UniFi Dream Machine Pro

We started with the UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro) as the backbone of Robert’s network. This powerful device replaced his ISP router, offering features like:

• Support for up to 10 Gbps speeds, making it future proof.
• A built-in NVR (Network Video Recorder) for managing security cameras.
• Multiple ports to connect switches and access points for expanded coverage.

2. Adding a 24-Port PoE Switch

To support all his wired devices, we added a 24-Port Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch. We ended up going with the USW-24-POE. This allowed Robert to power his devices, including access points and cameras, while ensuring fast, reliable connections.

3. Eliminating Dead Zones with UniFi Access Points

To solve the issue of poor coverage, four UniFi Access Points (APs) designed strategically across Robert’s property:

• A U6 Lite (U6-Lite) in the basement.
• A U6 Long Range (U6-LR) on the main floor for centralized coverage.
• Two U6 In-Wall APs (U6-IW) one for the upstairs level and one for the detached garage.

Each AP was hardwired to the switch using PoE, providing strong, seamless Wi-Fi in every corner of his home.

4. Achieving Ethernet-Like Performance with Wi-Fi 6

Robert needed fast, reliable connections for his critical devices, like his home office and smart TV. Instead of relying on Ethernet, we took full advantage of Wi-Fi 6 technology through the strategically placed UniFi Access Points.

With Wi-Fi 6, Robert experienced real-world performance comparable to Ethernet:

• Speeds: Wi-Fi 6 consistently delivered download speeds of 800-900 Mbps in high-use areas of the house (on a 1 Gbps internet plan). This ensured smooth video calls, lag-free 4K streaming, and quick file transfers.
• Latency: Real-world latency averaged around 10-15ms, perfect for real-time activities like video conferencing and gaming.
• High Device Capacity: Even with over 100 devices connected, Wi-Fi 6 maintained stable performance without slowing down the network.
• Coverage: Signal strength stayed strong throughout the home, even in areas like the garage and upstairs that were previously dead zones.

By embracing the latest wireless technology, Robert’s network delivered Ethernet-like speeds and reliability without the hassle of running additional cables, making it both efficient and future-ready.

The Results: A Reliable, High-Performance Network

The transformation was immediate. Here’s what Robert experienced after upgrading to UniFi:

1. Full Coverage Across His Property

The strategically placed access points eliminated all dead zones. Whether he was in the garage, upstairs, or the basement, Robert enjoyed a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal.

2. Seamless Roaming

As Robert moved around his home, his devices automatically connected to the closest AP with the strongest signal. This ensured uninterrupted connectivity for video calls, streaming, and browsing.

3. Stability for 100+ Smart Devices

With the UniFi system, all of Robert’s smart devices stayed online consistently. Notifications about devices going offline became a thing of the past.

4. Improved Productivity

With a rock-solid network in place, Robert no longer had to worry about dropped calls or buffering. His work-from-home setup became a productivity hub, not a frustration.

Why Ubiquiti UniFi Was the Perfect Fit

For Robert, UniFi offered the reliability and flexibility he needed to take control of his home network. Here’s why it worked so well:

1. Reliability

The system’s robust hardware and smart design meant Robert’s network could handle the demands of his work and smart home without breaking a sweat.

2. Customization

We tailored the network to meet Robert’s specific needs, ensuring coverage for his detached garage and seamless integration of his 100+ smart devices.

3. Scalability

With support for hundreds of devices per AP, Robert’s network is ready to handle any future expansions to his smart home or work requirements.

4. No Subscription Fees

Unlike many solutions, UniFi doesn’t lock you into monthly fees. Once the hardware is in place, you have full access to its features.

Final Thoughts: A Productivity Game-Changer

Working with Robert was a rewarding experience. His home went from a network nightmare to a productivity powerhouse. Whether he’s hosting video calls, streaming, or managing his smart home, everything just works—and it works beautifully.

If your home network is struggling to keep up, don’t settle for frustration. Reach out, and let’s explore how UniFi can help transform your setup just like it did for Robert.

Until next time,

Juan David, Your Tech Support Lead & UniFi Networking Specialist

---