Ligowave NFT-3AC review

1)Intro

2)Features

3)Setup

4)Wireless configuration

5)Throughput tests (Wireless/Wired)

6)Closing Notes

Intro: The Ligowave NFT 3AC is an SMB  level wireless access point that is  somewhat affordable for small to medium businesses, has some decent features and can tolerate a a fair amount of usage.

Features: The Ligowave NFT 3AC features the following:

1) Dual band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz operation with 3x3 MIMO connectivity at up to 1300Mbps

2) 2 wired Gigabit LAN ports

3) 4 3x3 mimo  x3dBi  dual band internal SMA antennas with 30dBm output power for great wireless coverage

4) SSIDs with configurable VLANs for each one providing more security then standard guest networks

5) VLAN configuration

6) Client connectivity details and monitoring.

7) Fixed and DHCP client address assignments

8) And  more

Setup:

1) Very easy and done locally. Cloud is available as well, however untested.

2) My setup went pretty smooth and it works fine over PoE   

Main status page:

Here’s the WLAN config screens:

Radio Settings:

Security Settings:

The Ligowave NFT 3AC supports WPA/WPA2 and supports PSK and Enterprise authentication types that can be different for each SSID. Selecting “Enterprise” allows you to use RADIUS Authentication, which allows you to define a username and password rather then a static key, allowing for more fine control over your wireless network. User based controls allow you to define limits PER USER so that if let’s say, they get fired, you just delete thier user account and not have to change the ENTIRE NETWORK’S encryption key.

Throughput Tests: (Wireless)

I will be using LAN Speed test for the throughput tests and PRTG to generate the graphs. It also is a comprehensive enterprise level network monitoring software and it can record uptime, transfer rates, errors, etc.

Test environment: (Set 1)

Specs of Building: This is going through about 32 ft through 2 walls, a solid all-wood dresser, and a chimney. The room has plaster walls in some places.

Specs of server :(my machine in the same room as theLigowave NFT 3AC): Intel i5 3570K/16GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1600 RAM/Nvidia Geforce 650Ti/Samsung 840 120GB SSD/Windows Server 2012 Standard/Realtek GBE NIC

Specs of client: (remote machine in other room): AGNXAndrakon/AMD Phenom 9650/6GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 RAM/Nvidia Geforce 650Ti/Samsung 840 120GB SSD/Windows Server 2012 Standard/ASUS AC53 USB

5Ghz 802.11anac mode: Channel 36 -33dBm

LAN speed test: 25 stream 6GB file: 24Mbytes/sec or 192Mbits/sec

2.4 GHz 802.11n mode: Channel 1 -46dBm

LAN speed test: 25 stream 6GB file: 3Mbytes/sec or 24Mbits/sec

Test environment: (Set 2)

Specs of Building Test Run 1: 16Ft away thru a wood door hallway right outside the office where the Ligowave NFT 3AC is located.

Specs of server (my machine in the same room as theLigowave NFT 3AC): Intel i5 3570K/16GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1600 RAM/Nvidia Geforce 650Ti/Samsung 840 120GB SSD/Windows Server 2012 Standard/Realtek GBE NIC

Specs of client: HP2000-412NR/AMD E300/8GB DDR3 RAM/500GB SSHD /AMD RADEON 6310/Windows 7 x64 Home Premium/RalinkRT5390 WLAN

2.4 GHz 802.11n mode: Channel 1 -36dBm

LAN speed test: 25 stream 6GB file: 3Mbytes/sec or 24Mbits/sec

Same system New WLAN USB (Edimax AC600)

5.0Ghz 802.11ac mode channel 36 -29dBm

LAN speed test: 25 stream 6GB file: 6Mbytes/sec or 48Mbits/sec

Conclusion:

The Ligowave NFT 3AC Wireless Access Point is a decent cloud managed wireless access point. It has good 5Ghz connectivity, and a nice cloud managed UI.

Pros:

Ø Decent management software with an great amount of options

Ø CPU usage and quick stats at the top of every page

Ø Pretty solid 5Ghz throughput and stability

Ø Very easy to learn and use

Ø Cloud does not need license fees

Cons:

Ø Not enough mgmt controls (lacks QoS and firewall)

Rating:  8.5/10

Recommended: Yes