HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP21 2x2 WiFi 6 Indoor Wireless Access Point | Single-Room, Secure, Smart Mesh Support | Power Source Not Included | US Model (S1T08A)

I have used these access points for years now. One of the best in the market. Easy to configure, great management interface. Good speed and good signal. One draw back is bridge mode will not work with POE.

We have had another brand for a good with that is based on the West coast, a very well known brand. However, you have to pay for annual maintenance fees (or up to 5 years). If you do not renew, the services turn off and you're dead in the water till you renew. Looking at the cost of the renewals and have the devices for approx 10 years, I stayed looking around for some that was equivalent to our current working system and found these. I have used HP and Aruba switches for years for their warranties, but have not looked at their APs till now. WOW! These devices do the same thing that the others do, HOWEVER, there is NO annual fees! I replaced everything plus in the office for a whole lot less then what just the AP maintenance would run for the old one. Quick setup and works very well. Nice interface. Highly recommend.

There's no local only mode for this, which really is less than ideal. AND the configuration seems to be stored in the (seemingly mandatory) cloud, so if you lose power/internet access, your local network can have issues. Not interested in cloud-only devices, so this one goes in the "close but no cigar" pile. Which is a shame because I think it's well made and it has good range and speed. Boo.

Smaller than older units, good signal propagation, stable connectivity.

This Aruba Instant-On access point by Hewett Packard Enterprise is designed for small businesses and SOHO. The instant-On configuration app is only internet accessible and doesn't provide any 2FA or challenge authentication which doesn't meet typical enterprise security requirements for network equipment. The device does not support daisy-chaining one access point to another so each has to be wired independently back to the main switch if you are using more than one for large rooms such as schools and classrooms. The configuration setup is straightforward and only takes a few minutes to setup a new zone and the security and limitations imposed if any on the zone. There are policies that can be created on the network or by application. The network policies can be created to active or deactivate the wireless network only which if you want to lockdown wireless for a period of time. The application policies can block content based on predefined criteria but I'm not sure how it discerns what is considered under each broad category I included a partial list available. If you were to block email that may block SMTP or POP mail or Exchange server ports but almost everyone has webmail as an alternative to standard typical mail ports which is encrypted end-to-end from the browser to the mail server so the wireless access point would only see encrypted data on port HTTPS or 443.

Added this as a second AP to a home. Was debating between this and the more expensive AP22. This one exceeded my expectations. I disconnected the first AP to just test the range, and it's farther than I expected. For home users, be sure to get a separate power supply or POE injector if your switch doesn't have POE.

Added to my basement office and am now getting fantastic wifi

Listen up, tech aficionados! I've got a doozy of a tale to share about my latest networking adventure with the HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP21. Buckle up, because this ride is about to get wild! Let me start by saying that this little guy packs a serious punch. With its WiFi 6 capabilities, it's like having a lightning-fast wireless superhero guarding your digital fortress. Say goodbye to buffering woes and hello to seamless streaming and lightning-quick downloads. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! The mesh support feature is a game-changer, allowing you to create a seamless, interconnected network that spans your entire domain. It's like having a wireless wizard at your beck and call, ensuring every nook and cranny is bathed in glorious, uninterrupted connectivity. Now, let's talk about the pros and cons, shall we? On the pro side, this bad boy is a breeze to set up, even for the tech-challenged among us. Just follow the simple instructions, and voila! You've got yourself a high-speed wireless wonderland. Plus, the sleek design is a sight for sore eyes, blending seamlessly into your decor without sticking out like a sore thumb. But, as with any magical device, there are a few drawbacks to consider. For starters, you'll need to invest in a separate power source, which can be a bit of a hassle. And while the range is impressive, if you've got a sprawling mansion or a labyrinthine office space, you might need to invest in a few extra units to ensure complete coverage.