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(More customer reviews)This is a really nice, really small device that can act as an access point (transmit a wireless signal), or as a station (receive a wireless signal), which is also known as a "client-bridge". Confusion abounds though regarding the specifications of this cool device...
First off, the photo in the Amazon listing is that of a Ubiquiti Nanostation. The Picostation is much smaller and has an external antenna connector. I chose this model not just because of its small size, but also because it has that antenna connector. This makes the unit MUCH more flexible than a model with only a built-in antenna, because you can swap to an antenna with more gain than the provided 6dBi one if need be, or use a directional antenna rather than the supplied 360 degree omni antenna. Or you can simply fit it with a higher gain omni.
Furthermore, there is confusion about how powerful the Picostation is. Some descriptions rate the output at 100 milli-watts, while other descriptions put it at 1,000 milli-watts. The Ubiquity website adds to the confusion with a poor link to the product page. It is here: [...]. Per the Ubiquiti datasheet for the Picostation2, it rates the power output at up to 100mw (though at the highest connection speed of 54Mb/s this figure actually drops to 32mw). The claims of up to 1,000mw I believe is either a typo or it has to do with "Effective Radiated Power" (ERP), which is the actual power generated, and varies according to several factors, primarily the choice of antenna. If you take the amount of power the Picostation generates at its fastest connection speed of 54Mb/s, which again is 32mw, and multiply that by the gain you get from the supplied 6dBi antenna (there is a formula for this), you get 125mw of effective power. However, if you instead mate the Picostation with an easily found 15dBi antenna you get, count 'em, 1,000mw of effective (actual) radiated power. That's why I like external antenna connectors. ;>
Having said all that, "power" is just one aspect of getting a fast, reliable wireless connection. Too many variables to state here, but as a real life example the Picostation I purchased replaced an Engenius brand wireless unit rated at 400MW. Both have acted as a "client bridge" (a receiving station connected to a computer), receiving a wireless signal from a 400MW Access Point with a high gain directional antenna. The Picostation slipped into the environment without incident, with the supplied antenna, even though it's theoretically less powerful than the unit it replaced.
Another point of confusion is with the various Picostation models. There seem to be three. This one being reviewed is simply the "Picostation2". This is a 2.4Ghz device that works on the wireless "b" and "g" standards (2.4Mhz). There is also the "M2HP" version, which utilizes Ubiquiti's proprietary AirMax wireless technology. You can achieve speeds up to 150Mb/s throughput, but it requires an Airmax capable model on both ends of the link. No need to spend the extra money for this model unless you meet that criteria. Finally, there is a 5Ghrz model that operates with the "a" standard (5mhz). Some, but not all, wireless cards in laptops can receive "a" signals as well as "b" and "g" signals.
All said and done, I am a big fan of the Ubiquiti line, and as a consultant I have switched to this line exclusively for my client's wireless networking needs.
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Ubiquiti Networks PICO2 2.4GHz 802.11bgPicoStation ships standard with the powerful and intuitive AirOS by Ubiquiti Networks. It also is supported by a Linux SDK to encourage open source development.In addition to the LSDK support, PicoStation ships with 32MB RAM and 8MB Flash to encourage developers to customize Pico Firmware to create their own applications such as Hot-Zone deployments, mesh networking, and metering applications.Features Include:Processor Specs: Atheros MIPS 4 KC, 180MHzMemory Information: 32MB SDRAM, 8MB FlashNetworking Interface: 1 x 10/100 BASE-TX (Cat. 5, RJ-45) Ethernet InterfaceApprovals: FCC Part 15.247, IC RS210, CERoHS Compliance: YESPower Method: Passive Power over Ethernet (pairs 4,5+; 7,8 return)POE power supply / injector included.DatasheetDatasheetQuick Setup GuideUser's GuideSetting up a Vista computer to talk to a UBNT deviceBeginner's Quick Setup Guide for Mobile Users (RV's, Marine, Truckers)How To Configure A Simple AP with AirOSAirOS Wireless Repeater/Network Extender ConfigurationBridging two locations using two UBNT devices
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