Aruba Instant On AP22 WiFi 6 Router Review: No more wires!

Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, released its WiFi6 devices and was kind enough to offer us an Instant On AP22 access point for review. This is an entry-level and low-cost WiFi AP, costing around 140 euros.

This is a 2x2 MU-MIMO (Multiple-User Multiple Input/Multiple Output) APP with speeds up to 1.2 Gbps in the 5 GHz range and 547Mbps in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Compared to the AP12, which is WiFi5 compatible, it loses the 3x3 MU-MIMO, and its speed in the 5 GHz spectrum is lower, but with WiFi 6 clients connected, expect the AP22 to be faster, despite its lower, than the AP12, specs.

Epilogue
The Aruba AP22 is not so affordable, but it won't empty your wallet. It also has a small footprint, so it can be installed anywhere without a hassle and offers decent speeds. Its control and monitor software is cloud-based, there is no local management option, but it is free, easy to use, and offers lots of options, for which you usually have to pay, to get your hands on. Although I had a much more expensive Engenius AP in my lab, I decided to replace it with the AP22, and this says it all. Kudos to Aruba's programmers for delivering such an easy-to-use, yet powerful UI for the instant-on management software. This access point is suitable for enthusiast users, even small business environments. You can always upgrade your network by installing more Aruba products and controlling them all over the cloud.

Time for a short wrap up, on the basic aspects and features of the AP22:
• It is WiFi 6 compatible with 1.75 Gbps max combined speed
• It supports WPA3
• Virtual LAN and multiple SSID Support
• Internal NAT (network address translation) for devices on a specific SSID
• PoE and support for power adapter
• Guest networks with isolation, to not connect to local resources
• No license is required for its cloud management
• Kensington lock makes it ideal for business environments
• Bottom low energy needs

The options & features I would like it to have
• No local management (τοπική διαχείριση) option
• Limited WiFi channel selection
• No 160MHz option in the 5 GHz range
• An on/off switch could come in handy
• No external storage option (through a USB 3.0 port)

#HardwareBustersInternational #Aruba #WiFi6

🐱 If you want to support us, please consider becoming our patrons.

🏁 Share this video with your friends:

📢 Follow us on social media:
Twitter: @hardwarebusters

[JimCKD]

So Aruba isnt ArLuba. Thats cool! Interesting access point. Thank u!

[ddEEE]

I looked at this, but ended up going with an Omada EAP620-HD. Very similar specs, but cost only US$120 and has local management instead of forcing you to the TP-Link cloud (which you could do, if you desired). The Omada has been our sole AP in the house for 3-4 months, and it has worked flawlessly.

[KikiNation]

I came to find out if it came with a ceiling mount and you addressed it 😀

[R_F_R_F]

After connecting AP26 to Aruba switch, internet speed becomes slow when on AP26. what could be the issue?

[AbsoluteNo_Thing]

This is worse than consumer level data tracking, is there anyway to delete the client traffic logs / disable it?

[biznakrivera]

Can this AP simply extend a WiFi signal from an existing router through POE without having to create more SSIDs?

[stevetaylorftw]

Low cost hardware with good software and no subscription fee: what do you suppose the business model might be here? Hard pass. Good review, but it appears that our “friends” at Aruba are dipping their toes in the data mining business.

[bme]

NOT having Internet access in this day and age is a downside.