Upgrading Wi-Fi with TP-Link Omada Controller

The podcast episode discusses the decision to upgrade Wi-Fi by implementing TP-Link Omada controller and access points. The host shares experiences with a portable USB device that provided Wi-Fi connectivity with Ethernet pass-through. The device was initially used due to Wi-Fi limitations resulting in the need for a wired Ethernet connection. The host recalls a cost-effective alternative for wireless-to-Ethernet connectivity, which was originally marketed as a game controller for Xbox and PlayStation users. Fast forward to the present, the need for better Wi-Fi and increased spectrum availability motivated the upgrade. The host installed three EAP 225 access points across different locations, ensuring improved coverage. The Omada controller was added for wired backhaul, allowing devices to communicate via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi. The Ethernet jacks in the home were utilized, and power over Ethernet (PoE) injectors were used to power the access points. The host also highlights the benefits of connecting the Wi-Fi network to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The total cost of the upgrade was under $400 CAD, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution.