Reddit mentions of AmpliFi HD WiFi System by Ubiquiti Labs, Seamless Whole Home Wireless Internet Coverage, HD WiFi Router, 2 Mesh Points, 4 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 WAN Port, Ethernet Cable, Replaces Router & WiFi Extenders

You really need to have more than one AP for this. Even if you got a top-of-the-line $1000+ Cisco AP you can't handle that many clients over that much area, especially with walls. The "right" way to do this is typically to have an AP for each classroom, with placement and channels determined by a professional survey.

It sounds like you won't have the budget to do it the right way, so the next best is to get some inexpensive APs and put them in the middle of any high-use areas. Ceiling is the best place. I would not do less than 3 for this use case. I know you said that you don't have budget to run cable, but the time it will waste for students and teachers dealing with an insufficient setup would be a great disservice worth more than the ~$1000 dollars it would cost to run cable and buy APs.

Unifi is probably a good brand to look at for your use case. Solid hardware that's inexpensive. UAP-AC-Pro is best (especially convenient if you might ever have a POE switch), but the UAP-AC-Lite might be ok.

Another option (that I am not recommending) if you absolutely can't run cable might be to get one of the several brands of home-use mesh systems:

https://www.amazon.com/eero-Home-WiFi-System-Pack/dp/B00XEW3YD6

https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-High-Density-Home-Wi-Fi-System/dp/B01L9O08PW

Look into 'mesh WiFi'. It's like a repeater, but different tech. It's what big business and hospitals use. The best one available affordably is around $300 from Ubiquiti.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01L9O08PW/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1517775900&sr=8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Ubiquiti

I'm not really sure what you mean by lackluster. My AC Pros have all been wonderful and perfectly stable. Looking at my Unifi controller, I have pushed 1.57 TB of data through one of them just this week alone. I do have a high degree of control over the wireless network through the Unifi controller. Also in Unifi, there is really granular visibility about clients, interference, stats, etc...I have tried using various consumer grade wireless routers I have and put them into AP mode and my Ubiquiti AP's blow them out of the water in regards to stability, performance, and range.

If you are looking to have consumer grade ease of use with Ubiquiti, you will want to go with the Unifi product line and not get the EdgeRouter. So instead of the EdgeRouter, you would get the USG for $110. They are the same hardware, but the USG runs a different firmware than the EdgeRouter. You dont HAVE to use all unifi products...but if you use only unifi AP's only the AP's can be configured from Unifi, and the EdgeRouter can be configured via EdgeOS in the WebUI. Unifi...well...unifies everything in the same UI.


Take a look at this vid explaining the difference between EdgeRouter and USG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvWOx3PvYFM


Adding 2 AP's for $80 (Lite) to $130 (Pro) for a total of $270-370...

Within that range is another option, the AmpliFi HD (By Ubiquiti as well) for $325:

https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-High-Density-Home-Wi-Fi-System/dp/B01L9O08PW

You also can get single mesh points for coverage to be used with your existing router, for $125 each.

I have not tried these myself...but with how dead simple they seem to be from YouTube vids...I am feeling pretty comfortable dropping this in my parents network and not having to worry about stability. There are tons of YouTube videos explaining the Amplifi product, pros and cons. It is really consumer friendly and the mesh technology is very flexible and you can change its physical configuration easily.

AmpliFi HD (High-Density) Home Wi-Fi System
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hX3KAbJ7AA2K6

This router covers my garage and 1600 sqft house in 5ghz at 90-85% signal strength.

man, thats a tough one.

In general "range extenders" are crap. They dont help at all with transmit, and make it look like you have a passable signal, that doesnt actually work that well at all.

Its gonna get pricey. id run one AP per floor in the center hall/stairwell. UAP-AC-LR's are the right choice for you

If you have a good idea that the wiring in the house is good (good neutrals throughout, circuit layout well connected, no cloth wiring, etc), there are some passable powerline mesh solutions, I like the amplifi line

https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-High-Density-Home-Wi-Fi-System/dp/B01L9O08PW

Well, I'm not an internet expert, and this is waaaay out of your stated budget, but I just got one of these bad boys for my home network and I'm lovin' it.

Like this https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-High-Density-Home-Wi-Fi-System/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1527695765&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Ubiquiti&dpPl=1&dpID=419zbDrMBPL&ref=plSrch

What did you do just put one upstairs?

Edit: is this what you bought?

I used to always have issues with isp provided equipment. I would see if you can testa a new router like UBIQUITI Networks EdgeRouter X 5 Ports Gigabit LAN/WAN Router https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B011N1IT2A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xyCQCb906RRRA with Ubiquiti Networks UAP-AC-LITE WLAN Access Point https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016K4GQVG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aACQCb20H55SZ

But only if you are OK with lots of setup and reading...

If you got money and don't want to mess about this is good also :Ubiquiti Amplifi 4-Ports Home Wi-Fi System AFI HD Wireless Router https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hBCQCb32C5H0F

Something like this?

Yeah, I have 2 of these, one is running the lights on my headboard plus the lights under my bed that come on with motion to serve as a walking/night light and phone chargers.

The other is basic network equipment for Sonos, Hue, SmartThings and a little Plex server as well as a network switch, a smart RF remote and a Huge Bloom.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YLFFXL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dWpPDbYJ337H1

I had the Wifi problem too, but I've solved it by just upgrading the backbone of my network and pulling a network switch to other "low priority" devices.

Now I can run a theoretical 200+ devices at the same time without breaking a sweat.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_b0pPDbSVWWM8W

My preference (3000 sq ft / 3 floors) is to have an enterprise-class router/firewall (pfSense) and then an AP on each floor.

If you prefer something simpler, then you could look at a mesh router like AmpliFi HD WiFi System by Ubiquiti Labs, Seamless Whole Home Wireless Internet Coverage.

Someone I know (4500 sq ft / 3 floors) has one of these and is very happy with their performance.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-Ubiquiti-Seamless-Wireless-Extenders/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537895551&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=amplifi&psc=1&pldnSite=1

THANK you u/hot_java_cup for your very in-depth response! I purchased another Ring Doorbell Pro from a different retailer today and SAME problem, even after adding the Ring Chime Pro. However, as per Ring support’s recommendation, we tried connecting it to a hot spot from our cell phone and bypassing the Chime Pro and had a much different response (right flashing white light) and I believe this is because our cell service signal is very weak at our home (1-2 bars) so I’m convinced it’s a router problem.

Can you tell me, would [this] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_h6SQBbC0JHQB6)

AmpliFi HD WiFi System by Ubiquiti Labs, Seamless Whole Home Wireless Internet Coverage, HD WiFi Router, 2 Mesh Points, 4 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 WAN Port, Ethernet Cable, Replaces Router & WiFi Extenders

...be adequate for what you are recommending?

EDIT: Sorry, apparently I can’t figure out how to imbed a link in Reddit yet :/

Is this what you’re talking about? https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-Ubiquiti-Seamless-Wireless-Extenders/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1I44WU7Z9U2IN&keywords=amplifi&qid=1550273099&s=gateway&sprefix=Amplifi%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-3

If you get a cheap router, you'll get poor results. If you get a good one, you will get good results. I got a Amplifi by Ubiquiti, which comes with two wireless extenders that effectively create a seamless mesh network that covers my entire home and 1 acre property. It is rock solid reliable and very fast.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/

I have Amplifi HD and am very happy with it.

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I am an IT manager and have done a lot of testing of different AP's and routers and I have to say that the Amplifi HD is rock solid. I have never had an issue with it (over 1 year since install).

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My house (approx. 2,000 sqft w/ three levels) is a smart home to some extent with A LOT of devices connected to the wireless network. We have 3 laptops, 4 rokus (which are constantly streaming from my Plex server), 4 iPhones, two iPads, thermostat, Playstation 4, Wii U, two desktops, multiple Alexa devices, etc, etc.

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My wife does a lot of video editing and uploading to the web over the wireless is quick and not affected by other devices on the network, we are also gamers (COD, WoW, Sims) and the latency hasn't been noticeable.

If you are looking at Mesh, you get what you pay for.

I currently have the AmpliFi system from Ubiquity:

https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-Ubiquiti-Seamless-Wireless-Extenders/dp/B01L9O08PW/

All my stuff works great.

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If the latest generation of Eero had been out when I bought \^\^\^, I would have gotten it for the dedicated back-channel:

https://www.amazon.com/eero-Home-WiFi-System-Beacon/dp/B071HHK2PN/

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Thanks for taking the time to reply!

I was heavily considering the EdgeRouter X, but wasn't sure what would compliment it well.

Do you know if the EAP245 has to be hard-wired?

Seems pretty affordable for a proper at-home setup.

I was considering the Ubiquiti AmpliFi, but I see mixed feelings on it.(Not the system though)

I replaced it just now with this:

AmpliFi HD WiFi System by Ubiquiti Labs, Seamless Whole Home Wireless Internet Coverage, HD WiFi Router, 2 Mesh Points, 4 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 WAN Port, Ethernet Cable, Replaces Router & WiFi Extenders https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XHPXBb7896XJB

Liking it so far!

Either of these would work.

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You can buy just the "meshpoint" from amplifi and set it up easily with a phone. It's an easy fast setup process. https://www.amplifi.com/

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https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-Ubiquiti-Seamless-Wireless-Extenders/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540510584&sr=8-1&keywords=amplifi+mesh+node

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Synology just released a new mesh node as well. It runs about $130 on amazon. In fact I think they pushed new firmware that lets any synology router run as a mesh node. https://www.synology.com/en-global/company/news/article/PR_router_MR2200ac

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https://www.amazon.com/Synology-MR2200ac-Mesh-Wi-Fi-Router/dp/B07HPSQZKN/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540510620&sr=8-1&keywords=synology+mesh&dpID=318CC53a0SL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

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Okay.

Then should I get 2 Amplifi HD sets(https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-Ubiquiti-Seamless-Wireless-Extenders/dp/B01L9O08PW)

Or 2 Amplifi HD base routers(https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-Ubiquiti-Seamless-Wireless-Extenders/dp/B01L9O07FS?th=1)?

I'm guessing you are not looking at the US amazon :P

https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-Home-Wi-Fi-Router-AFI-R/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1494173999&sr=1-1&keywords=amplifi&th=1

They have everything listed there.

You could give this set up a try if you're worried about the UniFi price point and controller hosting. I set this up for my parents who have satellite internet, and live way the hell off grid. Now they have about 1000ft of coverage on their phones and devices around the house. Super easy, and you could figure out a place to set this up in your garage/2nd/3rd floor(s) if that were the case.

So if you don't have Ethernet on multiple floors I would look at something like the Amplifi HD. There may be cheaper options but Ubiquiti makes a good product and it should be pretty easy to configure.

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_a3hnDbVEJB9EC

Sorry, I lied, one of the co-workers went the AmpliFi route: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_nN1cAbYJAMRYN

By gig blast I assume you mean fiber maybe? Here is the fiber version of the router. Ubiquiti Edgerouter X SFP - Router - Desktop - Black (ER-X-SFP) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012X45WH6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-C7sDbRNTZ9DC

Access points: Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point (UAP-AC-PRO-US) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015PRO512/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eE7sDbCT7FFQT

The access points will act purely as a bridge from wireless to wired (aka not a router, just wifi) with your home's size I'd recommend probably 3 or possibly 4 of them depending on how well you want the wifi to reach. This type of wifi will be mesh meaning you'll only have one ssid and your phone will connect to whichever AP is closer automatically. (Youd need to download a controller software to a PC)

Again, this is just the most optimal setup and required a little bit knowledge of the devices and general networking to setup.

If you're strictly looking for good but plug and play this would be the best route: AmpliFi HD WiFi System by Ubiquiti Labs, Seamless Whole Home Wireless Internet Coverage, HD WiFi Router, 2 Mesh Points, 4 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 WAN Port, Ethernet Cable, Replaces Router & WiFi Extenders https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oH7sDbKR37G0G

Hope this helps clear things up!

Thanks for replying. To be more specific, here is what I see on amazon:

1. $346 3 pk Amplifi HD: https://www.amazon.com/AmpliFi-High-Density-Home-Wi-Fi-System/dp/B01L9O08PW
   
2. $299 3 pk Google Wifi: https://www.amazon.com/Google-Wifi-system-set-replacement/dp/B01MAW2294
   
3. $299 3 pk Luma: https://www.amazon.com/Luma-Whole-Home-WiFi-System/dp/B017DV1BPG
   
4. $499 3 pk Linksys Velop: https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Tri-band-AC6600-System-WHW0303/dp/B01N2NLNEH
   
5. $179 3 pk Plume: https://www.plumewifi.com/store
   
   I'm sure there are more in the pipeline.
   
   Orbi is only a 2 pk for $379, so that is not competitive, and has that horrible Netgear UI, so Eero has that beat hands down. I guess Linksys can afford to be so uncompetitive since they have a broad base of products. I've rebooted a Linksys router enough times to not want to trust them at any price point.
   
   Eero 3 pk is currently $454. Even with that discount from $499 MSRP, I'm not sure how well that competes with much of the above.
   
   I do appreciate the company support input here and on the community page on the website, so that is worth something. If you are using Netgear components, thank God you aren't using their UI. Still, I am very concerned about these eeros turning into very expensive bricks if the company cannot sell these at a competitive price point and goes south. Will they still work if there is no cloud?
   
   Most people will buy a Honda over a Lexus due to price, and luxury manufacturers have to sell to a different segment by differentiating themselves with perhaps better performance, service, or emotional appeal in a clear manner, where luxury buyers understand why they are paying more. I'm not sure how buyers will make such a connection between price and quality when the reviews are all generally comparable. There are a lot of reviews where people try one product and find another performs satisfactorily, so I can't see a consensus opinion that the Eero outperforms everyone else. Personally, I would like to have a better idea why these components are superior to the competition, but for the sake of the company, it probably needs to do a better job explaining that to the masses if they are going to use a luxury pricing model. Or is it just over-engineered for the task at hand? After all, we will all be looking to replace these in a few short years in the face of newer, better WiFi protocols. I don't need a 20 year router, but if you told me this better build quality results in fewer reboots than the cheaper competition, that would be worth something too.

I would recommend the ubiquiti amplify router and mesh points. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_46aYzbDF94GHV). If they don’t want to spend the money for the router and 2 mesh points the router and single mesh point would work fine. I have recommend the amplify rougher by itself for medium size houses (2500 ft^2) and 30 Mbps and they had great results.