We tested these units using the Apple Extreme router and the Araknis router (which doesn't emit WiFi) and a separate Araknis access point placed right next to the Apple piece. This kept both units in the same vicinity for our comparison. We also had both devices simultaneously broadcasting WiFi to see if one unit might get "drowned out" more than another. Using Speedtest.net, we measured the download and upload speeds from different locations to see how the two WiFi pieces fared. The results:
In our office which is in a commercial setting, the Araknis consistently measured from 20% faster to 4X the speed of the Apple unit. Testing units were an iPhone 7, iPad Air 2 and a Toshiba laptop (in order below). Gear is inside a metal rack. See below:
1st location: Measured relatively close to the equipment/1 wall to pass through: Apple: 70.38, 38.75, 32.78 Mbps and Araknis: 94.02, 46.22, 38.70 Mbps. ARAKNIS WINS
2nd location: End of hallway through 3 walls and roughly 50' from equipment. Apple: 36, 36, 33.02 Mbps and Araknis: 49.46, 44.55, 42.50 Mbps. ARAKNIS WINS
3rd location: Past 2nd location through 2 more walls and mid-way down stair flight another 45' away: Apple: 5.21, 4.28 (no laptop) Mbps and Araknis 19.62, 8.22 (no laptop) Mbps. ARAKNIS WINS
In our residential setting, the above results were mirrored. When we were close to the WiFi routers/access points, we achieved 20-25% higher speeds with the Araknis. The disparity became greater in favor of the Araknis the farther away you walked from the equipment.
There are a couple other major benefits to using the Araknis networking equipment. Their WiFi systems use a cloud-based technology called Ovrc that allows the integrator (us) to remotely load firmware updates, reset routers/modems when power-cycling is needed and to monitor connected devices to determine if any connected equipment is misbehaving. For example, we could "tell" a connected AppleTV to reboot if Netflix isn't working or reboot your cable-company supplied modem automatically. This is a HUGE benefit to clients that might not be savvy when it comes to troubleshooting of their networked systems. With the Arkanis option and Ovrc, we can support your network completely, even if we're on vacation!
To sum things up, due to the faster speeds of the Arkanis WiFi product and the remote management capabilities, it has scored a knock-out of the Apple Extreme in our eyes and now occupies a spot in our line-up! Questions about Araknis or want better WiFi, San Diego? Call Aire Theater Designs, San Diego's Araknis and networking professionals.
San Diego Araknis WiFi and Networking installers proudly serves all of San Diego County especially the communities and cities of Central San Diego County which includes Del Cerro, Allied Gardens, Talmadge, Kensington, Hillcrest, Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, La Mesa, Lake Murray, Friars, North Park, Balboa Park, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Imperial Beach, Pt Loma and Downtown San Diego. We also gladly serve those in North San Diego County which includes Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Elfin Forest, Oceanside, Olivenhain, Escondido, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Santaluz, Alta Del Mar, La Jolla, Poway and Rancho Bernardo. We aren't forgetting about our East County friends in El Cajon, Blossom Valley, Lakeside and Alpine. Need help in Murrieta, Wildomar, Temecula, Fallbrook or Bonsall...we're there too