Upgrading a Restaurant Network in Homestead, Florida with the UniFi NanoHD
Published by Juan David Ramirez on 20th Dec 2024
Hey there, I’m Juan David, Flytec’s Lead Tech Support and UniFi Certified Trainer. Today, I want to share an exciting story about how we helped a new restaurant in Homestead, Florida, set up a reliable, high-performance network on a budget. As you might know, Homestead is a rural area, and building a strong network in such environments can be tricky. But with the right tools—like the UniFi NanoHD (UAP-NanoHD)—anything is possible.
The Challenge: Affordable Connectivity in a High-Density Environment
When the restaurant owner approached us, they had a few critical requirements:
- Support for multiple devices: Staff needed connectivity for tablets, a smart POS system, and computers, while customers required seamless Wi-Fi for browsing and streaming.
- High-density performance: During busy hours, the network had to handle dozens of simultaneous connections without interruptions.
- Budget-friendly solution: While quality was essential, keeping costs down was just as important.
The restaurant had both indoor and covered outdoor seating areas, requiring complete Wi-Fi coverage across the space.
The Solution: UniFi UAP-NanoHD
After assessing the layout and connectivity needs, I knew the UAP-NanoHD was the perfect fit. Here’s why:
- High-density capabilities: With its 802.11ac Wave 2 technology, the UAP-NanoHD supports over 200 devices and delivers a 2+ Gbps aggregate throughput rate—perfect for handling high-traffic environments.
- Compact and elegant: Its sleek, unobtrusive design blended seamlessly into the restaurant’s aesthetic.
- Cost-effective: The UAP-NanoHD offered exceptional performance at an affordable price, ideal for staying within budget.
Network Design and Implementation
Our team designed a network tailored to the restaurant’s needs:
- Strategic Placement: We recommended the placement of three UAP-NanoHD access points to cover all areas: one in the kitchen, one in the dining area, and one on the patio. This ensured seamless connectivity throughout the space.
- Custom Configuration: Using the UniFi Network application hosted on a UCG-MAX UniFi Cloud Console, we optimized channel selection and power levels to reduce interference and maximize throughput. The 5 GHz band was configured for high-bandwidth applications, while the 2.4 GHz band supported older devices. Additionally, we designed separate SSIDs to ensure security and prioritize bandwidth, with one network dedicated to business operations and another for guests.
- Simplified Installation: The UAP-NanoHD’s PoE capability allowed us to power it directly through a UniFi USW-Lite-16-PoE switch, eliminating the need for additional power sources and keeping the setup clean.
The Results: Connectivity That Impresses
The restaurant launched without a hitch, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Guests enjoyed fast, reliable Wi-Fi, whether indoors or on the patio. Staff efficiency improved, thanks to seamless connectivity for their POS and order management systems.
Here’s the best part: all of this was achieved within the client’s budget. The UAP-NanoHD truly delivered on performance and value.
Adding a Touch of Style
To take the setup a step further, the client selected the nHD-cover-Concrete-3 to complement the restaurant’s industrial-style décor. These custom covers, designed specifically for the UAP-NanoHD, add a unique aesthetic while maintaining full functionality.
Other cover options include:
- nHD-cover-Black-3: Sleek and modern.
- nHD-cover-Wood-3: Warm and natural.
- nHD-cover-Marble-3: Luxurious and elegant.
- nHD-cover-Camo-3: Perfect for a bold, unique vibe.
Why the UniFi UAP-NanoHD is the Right Choice
This project showcases how the UniFi UAP-NanoHD can transform connectivity for any business, whether it’s a restaurant, office, or retail store. Its high-density capabilities, affordable pricing, and customizable design make it a versatile solution for even the most challenging environments.
If you’re looking to upgrade your network with a solution that balances style, performance, and cost, Flytec Computers is here to help. Let’s design your perfect network together!