I’ve owned the hAP ac router for quite some time. Overall, it has performed well, but I’ve noticed that it tends to reboot when under stress, particularly when streaming HD video over Chromecast or using TeamViewer with video. I’m not certain whether this is due to the demands on the CPU or other factors, but it has been frustrating as it prevents me from engaging in certain activities without experiencing a reboot.
Recently, the AC power supply has failed, prompting me to consider my options. I’m debating between purchasing a new power adapter or upgrading to the AC3 version of the router. I’m particularly drawn to the AC3 version because of its antennas, which I believe could potentially provide a stronger WiFi signal. This is important to me as I’ve encountered issues with weak signal on my balcony. Additionally, the AC3 version boasts a faster CPU, which raises the question of whether I would still encounter similar rebooting issues as with the AC model, or if these problems might be resolved.
I’m open to any advice or suggestions you might have. Are there other factors I should take into consideration?
Reboot under stress is not normal and usually is an indication of another problem (mostly config related).
What version of ROS are you running on that device ?
If ROS6, should be latest stable or longterm.
If you consider the upgrade:
AC3: a lot better then hAP AC, faster CPU etc. but … can also use wifiwave2 (after upgrade to ROS7) which makes an immense difference for wifi (IMHO).
However … why not take the next step as well and look at AX3 ? Same case/antennas as AC3 but even more performant processor, more memory and Wifi6.
Just to add to what @holvoetn wrote: reboting under stress might be indication of pre-failure of power adapter.
Capacitors drying out mean that power is not regulated as good as it should be. “Device under stress” tends to draw power close to rated value and a failing PA may not be able to deliver required power. So your option is also to try with known good PA and see if your good old hAP ac can work trouble-free again. If the performance is otherwise fine, then this would be the cheapest solution.
As usual a very valid additional comment.
I keep forgetting about PSU failures as possible cause … (been rather lucky not to be confronted with it yet, I guess).
In terms of the configuration, it’s difficult to determine whether it was correct or not. Everything seemed to function properly during regular usage, and the power adapter used was the original one. Unfortunately, I’m unable to verify the software version, but I’m fairly confident it was the latest stable release.
In regard to the AX3, I’ll take the time to examine and compare it, as its price point is slightly higher than that of the AC3.
And if you would have to pick between AX2 and AC3?
From my personal observation using AX2 and AC3 (with wifiwave2 package on it) at home as access points:
AC3 has a better range crossing walls and other domestic obstacles.
But AX2 can get to higher speeds then AC3. Do you need that ? You should know.
Performance wise (processing power) AX2 is better then AC3.
It has 4 times more memory, same storage.
AC3 has USB port which may be useful for some things.
If hAP AC has been serving your network up til now without problems, both will be more then sufficient.
So it depends on what you plan to do with it (and also consider what you may plan to do with it in future, that’s the tricky part).