Wiring Options for LCWA airCube Routers
Starting three to four years ago, LCWA standardized on the Ubiquiti airCube router for all new member installs. And it’s now our main recommendation for member router upgrades, too. Using this router at member’s homes leads to several member benefits. And using that router opens a few network wiring and support options that you may benefit from.
Benefits of the airCube Router
First, a direct benefit of this router for all members is it allows LCWA technical support to remotely debug internet issues that you report to us. Finding solutions remotely saves members a lot of money compared to paying for on-site technical help to come to your home to debug your connection.
It also saves members money because that router is very competitively priced at about $33, while still being an excellent and powerful router.
And there are more advantages. To see all the advantages, read this article: https://lcwireless.net/lcwas-new-recommended-router-aircube/
Standard Way to Plug in an airCube
Since the router shares the power supply with the rooftop radio, it also saves money by eliminating the need for a separate power supply for the router, or the need for you to find additional wall plugs. But that does mean you will plug in the airCube a bit differently from other routers.
The PDF at this link shows how to plug in an airCube when you share the power supply like this. Again, this is our standard wiring recommendation.
https://lcwireless.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/how-to-plug-in-aircube-V6.pdf
A Useful Wiring Alternative for LCWA airCube Routers
However, the default wiring discussed above may lead to non-optimal placement of the router. For example, if the radio wire comes into your house in a distant corner, then you are forced to put the router there. But if the airCube represents your sole Wi-Fi point in your home, you’ll often get better Wi-Fi reception by moving the airCube to a more central location in your home, or closer to your computers or TVs.
Can you do that?
Yes, you can, however you’ll need to find or purchase a separate power supply for the airCube. Doing so allows you to move the airCube away from the location where the rooftop radio wire comes into the house.
The optional separate power supply an airCube requires is a 5-volt, 2-amp, micro-USB power supply, like those used to power older Android cell phones and tablets. If you don’t have one of these laying around your house, you can order this power supply on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071KWFZ9Z/
Then you must change your airCube plug-in configuration significantly. The PDF at this link shows how to plug in an airCube when you use a power supply like this:
https://lcwireless.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/how-to-plug-in-aircube-with-usb-power-supply.pdf
Moving Your airCube Location
The advantage of this new wiring arrangement is that you can now run a very long Ethernet wire from the LAN port on the POE radio power supply to the Blue WAN port on the airCube. And now you can locate the airCube anywhere you want, potentially giving you more options for a better Wi-Fi point location.
You’ll want a long, indoor Ethernet wire to do that. For example, see this link on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Ethernet-Cable-White-Connectors/dp/B00WD017GQ/
Adding More Indoor Wi-Fi Access Points
Or, if you have a large house, another option is leave the airCube where it is, and to add more indoor Wi-Fi access points. We have an article about doing that here: https://lcwireless.net/wi-fi-coverage-for-a-larger-home-using-extenders-mesh-and-campus-systems/
I hope this article helps you to get the best Wi-Fi coverage you can in your house!
