Our NEW NEW Office WiFi - Alta Labs AP6 Pro

ShortCircuit

31 Mar 202413:31

Summary

TLDRIn this video, the host excitedly introduces and sets up a new switch and AP networking system from Ala Labs, aiming to solve their office's internet connectivity issues. They discuss the features of the S2 PoE switch and the AP6 professional access point, highlighting their ease of installation, robust management capabilities, and impressive responsiveness of the system's dashboard. Despite a few concerns regarding the hardware's DRM and potential lack of redundant power supplies, the host is optimistic about the system's performance and looks forward to future updates, such as a local self-hostable controller.

Takeaways

🌐 The video discusses the setup and testing of a new switch and AP networking ecosystem from Ala Labs.
🔌 The S2 switch supports PoE with 24 plus 2 ports, and features rack studs and a single power supply.
💡 The AP6 Professional is a 4x4 dual-band Enterprise wireless access point, supporting 2.4 and 5G Wi-Fi but not Wi-Fi 6E.
🛠️ The AP6 has a variety of mounting options, including a plastic mounting bracket and t-bars for drop ceilings, with an IP54 rating for splash resistance.
🔄 The video highlights the ease of installation and setup of the AP6, including the use of the Ala Labs app for configuration.
🔒 The app allows for multiple Wi-Fi networks with different settings based on the password used, such as download caps and content filtering.
📊 The dashboard provides real-time traffic monitoring and device management without the need for a subscription or additional payment.
🔄 The switch and AP6 demonstrated fast software updates and responsiveness, with the switch showing a variety of network management features.
🌈 The concept of 'colors' in the app is used to group APs and Wi-Fi networks together for broadcasting specific networks.
🚀 The video expresses excitement for the potential of local, self-hostable controllers in the future for even more network control.
🔒 There is a concern about the device's DRM linking to an account, which could be problematic if selling or transferring ownership of the hardware.

Q & A

What problem were the hosts trying to solve at the beginning of the video?
-The hosts were trying to solve the problem of not having internet access in their office.
What is the S2 switch used for?
-The S2 switch is used for Power over Ethernet (PoE) and is part of the networking ecosystem that the hosts were exploring.
What feature did the hosts appreciate about the rack studs of the switch?
-The hosts appreciated that the switch came with rack studs, which they found cool, as it facilitates easy installation in a server rack setup.
What was the hosts' concern regarding the power supply of the switch?
-The hosts were concerned that the switch only had a single power supply instead of redundant power supplies, which could potentially be a drawback for reliability.
What type of Wi-Fi capabilities does the AP6 Professional access point offer?
-The AP6 Professional access point offers 4x4 dual-band Enterprise wireless capabilities, supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequencies.
What is the IP rating of the AP6 Professional, and what does it signify?
-The AP6 Professional has an IP54 rating, which means it is protected against dust and splashes of water from any direction.
How did the hosts find the process of updating the firmware on the AP6 Professional?
-The hosts found the firmware update process on the AP6 Professional to be very fast and responsive, with updates completing almost instantly.
What feature of the AP6 Professional did the hosts find particularly useful for managing different user groups?
-The hosts found the feature that allows setting multiple passwords and defining different settings based on those passwords particularly useful for managing different user groups.
What was the hosts' observation about the switch's port configuration options?
-The hosts observed that the switch allowed for detailed port configuration, including setting the native VLAN, tagged allowed VLANs, PoE speed, isolation, download/upload limits, voice VLAN, loop detection, and storm control.
What was the hosts' main concern regarding the switch's software DRM?
-The hosts were concerned that the switch's software was DRM-protected with cloud hosting, which could be an issue if they wanted to sell the device or if it was accidentally bound to another user's account.
What feature did the hosts wish the switch had that it currently does not?
-The hosts wished that the switch had a screen for easier management and navigation of its features.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Introducing Ala Labs' Networking Solution

The paragraph introduces the problem of lacking internet connectivity in the office and presents Ala Labs' switch and AP networking ecosystem as a potential solution. The speaker expresses excitement about experiencing this new ecosystem. The S2 switch for PoE is discussed, including its accessories, rack studs, power cable, and the lack of redundant power supplies. The switch's features, such as PoE power LEDs and rack mounting options, are highlighted. The paragraph also covers the unboxing of the s24 PoE switch with its 24 ports, 16 of which support PoE plus power, and the remaining 8 are normal gigabit ports. Additionally, two SFP plus ports are mentioned, which are expected to support 10 gigabit speeds. The design of the switch, including its fans, single power supply, and the placement of the reset button, is critiqued. The speaker also discusses the AP6 Professional, a 4x4 dual-band Enterprise wireless access point, its features, form factor, and the various mounting options included.

05:00

🔧 Setting Up Ala Labs' Wi-Fi and Networking Devices

This paragraph delves into the setup process of Ala Labs' Wi-Fi and networking devices. The speaker describes the initial connection to the neighbor's Wi-Fi and the ease of setting up the access points. The user interface of Ala Labs' website is explored, including the ability to add multiple Wi-Fi networks with different passwords and settings. The paragraph also discusses the features announced by Alta Labs, such as the capacity to set different network conditions based on the password used to connect. The speaker expresses appreciation for the ability to manage devices without a subscription or additional payment. A speed test is conducted to demonstrate the Wi-Fi performance, and the results are reported. The paragraph concludes with the speaker's realization that the switch is not initially detected but later appears in the setup interface, prompting a discussion about the device's software DRM and the need for a local, self-hostable controller.

10:02

🛠️ Exploring Switch Features and Customization Options

The speaker provides an in-depth look at the switch's features and customization options. The ports are described as being in a condensed manner, and the ability to power cycle the PoE is noted. Individual port settings, such as native VLAN, tagged allowed VLANs, PoE speed, isolation, download/upload limits, voice VLAN, loop detection, and storm control, are detailed. The inclusion of 802.1x for network access control is highlighted. The concept of color-coding to group specific APs together is explained, allowing APs to broadcast Wi-Fi networks that match their configured colors. VLAN settings and the ability to turn off link lights are discussed. The speaker expresses a desire for a screen on the switch and reflects on the overall responsiveness and live feed functionality of the dashboard. The paragraph concludes with the speaker's enthusiasm for the new competitor in the market, especially for small businesses and home enthusiasts, and the anticipation for a local, self-hostable controller to address the concerns about device DRM.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Internet connectivity

The ability to access the internet, which is a crucial aspect of the video as the hosts are trying to solve a connectivity problem in their office. The main theme revolves around setting up networking equipment to establish a stable internet connection.

💡Switch (S2)

A networking device that connects multiple devices together, allowing them to communicate and share resources like internet access. In the video, the S2 switch is a specific model they are using to create a network and provide power over Ethernet (PoE).

💡Access Point (AP6 Professional)

A device that enables wireless network connectivity, allowing devices to connect to the internet without the need for Ethernet cables. The AP6 Professional mentioned in the video is an enterprise-grade access point designed for robust wireless connectivity.

💡PoE (Power over Ethernet)

A technology that allows network cables to carry both data and electrical power to devices like wireless access points or IP cameras. The video highlights the use of PoE to power the AP6 Professional without needing a separate power cable.

💡Rack mount

A method of installing equipment, such as networking devices, in a standardized way for space efficiency and ease of maintenance. The video discusses the inclusion of rack studs and mounting brackets for installing the switch and access point.

💡SFP+ ports

High-speed network interfaces that can support data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps. The video mentions the presence of SFP+ ports on the switch, suggesting the potential for high-speed network connections.

💡Cloud management

The ability to manage and control networking devices remotely through an internet connection. The video emphasizes the ease of managing the devices through a cloud-based dashboard, which provides features like traffic monitoring and network configuration.

💡IP rating (IP54)

A classification that indicates the degree of protection a device has against the ingress of solid particles and water. The AP6 Professional has an IP54 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and splashes of water, making it suitable for indoor use.

💡Wi-Fi network configuration

The process of setting up a wireless network, including defining the network name (SSID), security settings, and other parameters. The video discusses the setup of multiple Wi-Fi networks with different passwords and settings to cater to various user groups and requirements.

💡Network optimization

The practice of adjusting network settings to improve performance, such as selecting the best Wi-Fi channel to minimize interference and maximize speed. The video includes a segment where the host optimizes the Wi-Fi channel settings for better network performance.

💡DRM (Digital Rights Management)

A system that controls the distribution and use of digital content, often to prevent unauthorized copying or sharing. The video mentions the switch's DRM with cloud hosting, which prevents the device from being reused without proper account deletion or permission.

Highlights

The introduction of a new networking solution to address the lack of internet in the office.

The presentation of a switch and AP (Access Point) networking ecosystem from a new, yet unnamed manufacturer.

The switch, named S2, supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and comes with an accessory pack.

The S2 switch features 24 PoE ports and 2 SFP plus ports, with the potential for 10 gigabit speeds.

The lack of redundant power supplies on the S2 switch, which might be a concern for some users.

The AP6 Professional is a 4x4 dual-band Enterprise wireless access point with the capability to support 2.4 and 5G Wi-Fi.

The AP6 has an IP54 rating, meaning it can handle splashes and is suitable for various installation environments.

The ease of installation for the AP6, with features like spring-loaded tabs for mounting on different surfaces.

The demonstration of the manufacturer's app, which allows for easy management and configuration of the networking devices.

The ability to set up multiple Wi-Fi networks with different passwords and settings, providing flexibility for various user groups.

The quick and efficient software updates for the networking devices, showcasing the responsiveness of the manufacturer's cloud-based management.

The switch's features, including 802.1x for network access control, VLAN settings, and storm control.

The color-coding system for grouping APs and Wi-Fi networks, which simplifies device management.

The potential for a local, self-hostable controller in the future, which could enhance the system's appeal.

The concern about the device's DRM linking to a cloud account, which could pose issues for resale or if a reset is not thorough.

The overall positive impression of the new networking ecosystem, its competitive pricing, and its suitability for small businesses and home enthusiasts.

The mention of April Fools' and the humorous conclusion that the office move was a prank.