If I understood correctly, the devices are essentially the same, it is only that cAP has better power management and somewhat more sensitive antenna (0,5 dbi; 2 vs 1,5). However, I don’t see any difference in receive power sensitivity?
I need to select between the two for a project, and the price difference is substantial - 32%.
Working of an antenna has reciprocity. The antenna gain works in both directions: send and receive.
But 0.5dBi is indeed small, not to say negligible (12%)
Differences? 1Gbps ethernet versus 100 Mbps. Dimensions of the unit.
I am not concerned very much about antenna send power, as I am about to use devices as APs. I usually reduce transmit power as much as I can to reduce interference. - The limiting factor is usually transmit power of the device.
When I took them apart, it was obvious that cAP and cAP lite are virtually the same. However, cAP seemed faster when I worked on it, and it had much better antennas.
On paper all looks similar, but when you try to test it the difference is dramatic. I got 50-100% better speeds on cAP than on cAP lite. There is a big difference in apparent SNR too, at least 4-5 dB, depending on the mode.
As for cAP ac, the device looks and performs like a spaceship. I was really impressed. The speed relation is in line of cAP vs cAP lite, and connection is much stable and reliable. Working in ROS is also very fast.
I set all devices to minim transmitting power.
Here are some simple results:
AP cAP lite; cAp; cAP ac
btest receive. 37,1; 43,5 / 81,4
snr/MCS 6/12; 16/11; 16/13