Ubiquiti UniFi AC In-Wall (UAP-AC-IW): The Ultimate In-Wall Wi-Fi Access Point

The Ubiquiti UniFi AC In-Wall Access Point (UAP-AC-IW) is a compact and versatile Wi-Fi solution designed to seamlessly blend into any environment. It replaces a standard Ethernet wall jack, providing both powerful wireless coverage and wired network connectivity, making it ideal for hotels, offices, dormitories, and modern smart homes.

Key Features at a Glance

• Dual-Band AC1200 Wi-Fi: Simultaneous 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz.

• Integrated 4-Port Gigabit Switch: Transforms one network drop into four, plus Wi-Fi.

• Sleek, In-Wall Design: Discreetly mounts into a standard wall plate footprint.

• UniFi Controller Managed: Centralized management for dozens or hundreds of APs.

• Zero-Handoff Roaming: Provides a seamless experience for mobile devices moving between APs.

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Powered by 802.3af/AoE PoE for easy installation.

Full Technical Specifications

**Zero-Handoff is a legacy feature; modern setups use Fast Roaming (802.11k/v).*

In-Depth Feature Breakdown

1. Compact Design, Maximum Utility

The UAP-AC-IW’s primary advantage is its form factor. It installs in minutes by replacing a standard Ethernet wall plate, making it the least intrusive access point on the market. This allows for high-density deployments where aesthetics and space are critical.

2. More Than Just Wi-Fi: A 4-Port Switch

This is a game-changer for rooms with multiple wired devices. A single Ethernet cable run to the wall powers the AP and provides connectivity to its four downstream Gigabit Ethernet ports. You can connect a desktop computer, smart TV, gaming console, and VoIP phone—all while delivering strong Wi-Fi to the room.

3. Managed Wi-Fi for Professionals

The UAP-AC-IW is not a consumer-grade “plug-and-play” device. It is fully managed by the UniFi Network Controller, a single-pane-of-glass software that allows you to:

• Configure multiple SSIDs and VLANs for different users (Staff, Guests, IoT).

• Set up a customizable captive portal for guest Wi-Fi.

• Monitor network performance and client statistics in real-time.

• Seamlessly manage a mix of dozens of different UniFi APs.

4. Seamless Roaming Experience

Part of the UniFi ecosystem, this AP supports Fast Roaming (802.11k/v). This means mobile devices like smartphones and laptops can smoothly and automatically switch to the strongest access point as users move throughout a building, maintaining a stable connection for VoIP calls and video streams.

5. Simple Power over Ethernet (PoE)

The access point is powered via 802.3af standard PoE from a compatible switch (like a UniFi Switch) or an included PoE injector. This eliminates the need for a power outlet at the installation point, simplifying cable management and installation.

Ideal Use Cases

The Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-AC-IW is perfectly suited for:

• Hotel & Hospitality: Provide reliable Wi-Fi and wired internet in every room from a single, tidy unit.

• Office Environments: Ideal for conference rooms and cubicles, offering both desktop connections and local Wi-Fi.

• University Dormitories & MDUs: Maximize connectivity in limited space without cluttering the room.

• Residential / Smart Homes: Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices to eliminate dead zones and connect wired devices like game consoles and smart TVs.

What to Know Before You Buy

• Requires a Controller: The UniFi Controller software is required for setup and configuration. It can be run on a local PC, a server, or a dedicated UniFi Cloud Key.

• Not a Router: This is an access point only. You will need a router (like a UniFi Dream Machine) and a PoE switch or injector to create a complete network.

• Wave 1, Not Wi-Fi 6: As an AC1200 Wave 1 device, it lacks newer features like OFDMA. For the latest technology, consider the UniFi In-Wall HD (UAP-IW-HD) or UniFi In-Wall 6 (U6-IW).

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti UniFi AC In-Wall (UAP-AC-IW) is a uniquely practical and powerful networking device. It masterfully solves the problem of delivering both high-speed Wi-Fi and wired connectivity in space-constrained environments. While it belongs to an older generation of Wi-Fi, its performance, features, and integrated switch make it a highly compelling and cost-effective solution for professional and prosumer deployments where functionality and a clean install are paramount.

Disclaimer: This product is typically end-of-life (EOL) or in a mature state. Ubiquiti has released newer models like the UAP-IW-HD and U6-IW. Always check for the latest available model that fits your performance needs.