Do these need additional licenses, controller etc?
I'm looking for couple of cheaper APs to provide better WiFi coverage around the home.
I have quite a few Aruba AP's both instant and requiring a controller. The controller required version will be quite cheap, as you can find AP-225's with AC 866M speed for example, under 50$ US.
The IAP-version which does not require any licenses or controllers is typically a bit more. I've seen the IAP-225's as low as 130$ US each. I picked up a IAP-315 new last fall for around $200 US.
You just need to know your Aruba to get good deals on much better WiFi...
A few tips.. stay away, far away from the IAP/AP-1xx series. Old and your 20$ Dlink will be better.
If you want really good WiFi indoors, then something like this,
Aruba Networks IAP-325-US Instant IAP 325 Wireless Access Point - New! | eBay
Is what you want.
There are two variants... IAP-xxx-US and IAP-xxx-RW (and IAP-xxx-JP). You cannot mix these together in a cluster, as one is only for US (FCC only certified) and the RW model is for Canada, EU. You *can* use a -US version in Canada, but if you hook it up to Cloud Central it may not continue to work. Best not to hook it up to Cloud Central if you do that.
The IAP-225 is EOS, and support goes for another 5 years. If you want to future proof, stick to a IAP-3xx series. I would personally avoid the 305 series. The 2.4GHz is speed limited.
And yes, you will need a POE+ switch to run these unless you can find the adapters, which is not as easy as it sounds. They *will* work with regular POE, but two 2.4GHz antennas will be shut down.
I spent about 600$ US for 3 IAP's last fall, well worth it, as the WiFi just works, where before with my Ubquiti I would get strange disconnect and speed errors from some IoT devices I have.
HTH
