Choosing Between Two Flexible Wi-Fi 5 Access Points for Indoor/Outdoor Use: UAP-AC-M vs. UK-ULTRA

Hi there! Juan David here, your Tech Lead Support and UniFi certified trainer at Flytec. Today, we’re comparing two versatile and affordable Wi-Fi 5 access points from Ubiquiti: the UAP-AC-M and the UK-ULTRA. Both are designed for indoor and outdoor use and offer external antenna options to customize coverage. Let’s dive into their features and help you decide which one fits your needs better.

What Makes These Access Points Special?

Both devices share some key features:

• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Reliable performance for various applications.
• Dual-Band Connectivity: Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support.
• Indoor/Outdoor Capabilities: Weather-resistant designs for flexible deployment.
• External Antenna Support: Both support Ubiquiti's official antennas but are also compatible with third-party options, giving you even more flexibility to meet specific coverage needs.
• Affordability: they’re both budget-friendly choices.

While they share similarities, each device excels in different areas.

1. UAP-AC-M: The Reliable Mesh Workhorse

                                 

The UAP-AC-M is a popular choice for outdoor mesh networks, offering solid performance and flexibility.

Key Features:

• Wi-Fi Performance: Up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz with 2x2 MIMO.
• Client Capacity: Supports 250+ connected devices, making it ideal for medium-to-large environments.
• Mesh Capability: Seamlessly integrates into UniFi mesh networks, making it ideal for extending coverage.
• External Antenna Options: Comes with dual-band omnidirectional antennas and is compatible with Ubiquiti’s UMA-D directional antenna (UMA-D Antenna).
• Design: Compact and designed for outdoor durability with multiple mounting options.
• Power Options: Compatible with 24V passive PoE. (PoE injector is included)
• Third-Party Antennas: Easily pair with third-party antennas if you have specific range or directional requirements.

Best For: Users who need a cost-effective solution for mesh networking in outdoor environments.

2. UK-ULTRA: The Modern, Flexible Contender

                                 

The UK-ULTRA is a newer access point with a sleek design and enhanced versatility.

Key Features:

• Wi-Fi Performance: Up to 1167 Mbps total throughput (867 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) with 2x2 MIMO.
• Client Capacity: Supports 200+ connected devices, providing reliable coverage for medium-demand setups.
• External Antenna Options: Supports Ubiquiti’s UACC-UK-Ultra-Omni-Antenna for broad coverage and the UACC-UK-Ultra-Panel-Antenna for directional coverage (Omni Antenna, Panel Antenna).
• Design: IPX6-rated for better durability in harsher environments, with wall, pole, and ceiling mounting options.
• Power Options: Uses standard PoE (802.3af) with a maximum power consumption of 8W.
• Third-Party Antennas: Compatible with third-party antennas, making it adaptable for custom setups.

Best For: Users seeking a sleek, adaptable access point with advanced durability and flexible antenna setups.

Which Should You Choose?

The UAP-AC-M and UK-ULTRA are versatile indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi 5 access points with dual-band performance, weather resistance, and support for external antennas. The UAP-AC-M is best for mesh-capable setups, ideal for extending networks, while the UK-ULTRA offers a modern design, enhanced durability with an IPX6 rating, and standard PoE compatibility for flexible deployments. Both are reliable, cost-effective solutions, and their compatibility with Ubiquiti and third-party antennas gives you the freedom to customize your network setup.

If you’re still unsure which fits your needs or need help designing your network, feel free to reach out!

Stay Connected,

Juan David – Your UniFi Trainer at Flytec