Introduction

It has been nearly two years since TechPowerUp last had a networking product review, and things have changed so much since that we felt it was time to bring such reviews back again. Smart devices have taken over the world with or without your consent, and I count at least 14 devices at my own place that can benefit from a Wi-Fi connection. The days of routers that look like mech-spiders have not gone yet, but companies are quickly realizing that a router is best kept near the action center in the living room for optimal performance, and wall/ceiling mounting them is not for everyone either.

Ubiquiti Networks decided to tackle this by creating a whole new division - Ubiquiti Labs (ULabs). The company is not a new name to this game, and using their access points is widely regarded as one of the best decisions you can make for a personal or professional network in terms of consistent performance and enthusiast support alike. Shortly before CES 2018, a representative on behalf of ULabs, and in particular their brand AmpliFi, contacted me about the new AmpliFi Teleport that aimed to make a hardware VPN solution easily accessible to the public. This was intriguing by itself, and the opportunity to test it out in Las Vegas while being able to potentially access my local network here was great timing as well. So here we are then to take a look at the product, and thanks again to them for providing us with a review sample.


For the sake of simplicity, the product shall be referred to as the AmpliFi Teleport Kit, which in turn includes the AmpliFi HD mesh router and new Teleport unit. The Teleport is also available as a standalone purchase; however, this assumes you already have an AmpliFi router for it to connect to. Newcomers to the brand, such as yours truly, would thus want to get this kit or perhaps even the standalone with an AmpliFi Wi-Fi mesh system. To introduce the Teleport unit better, here a direct quote taken from the product page:

"AmpliFi Teleport provides a secure and convenient way to access resources at home, even when you are not. Utilizing any Wi-Fi hotspot or wired Ethernet connection, Teleport is able to create an encrypted connection to your home network, expanding it wherever you go."

AmpliFi is marketing this to the not-so-tech savvy among us who are traveling and want access to their files on the home/office network or simply want to catch up with content that is geo-blocked, for example. We begin the review with a look at the specifications below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

First impressions are often long-lasting, and AmpliFi has gotten it right with the packaging that provides a premium unboxing experience. A thick cardboard cover has the company and product name along with a color-printed illustration of the unit in action. There are salient specs and marketing features on the sides and back, with certification stickers galore accompanied by information about the mobile app that is best used to install and monitor the devices. The inner box is made out of cardboard just as thick, and all this will help protect the contents inside against any shipping and handling issues.


This box has the Ubiquiti Labs logo in a glossy print on front, and a magnetic clasp keeps it closed. Opening it reveals two sides that separate away to reveal the contents which are presented akin to a gift box, and the monochrome color scheme going on here is pleasing, at least to me. Taking a look from left to right, we see an accessory box, the AmpliFi Teleport and the AmpliFi HD mesh router, all in shaped-to-fit compartments for a snug fit. Underneath the accessory box lies the power adapter in its own little compartment.


The accessory box has the Ubiquiti Labs logo as well, just in case you forget who made this, as well as a seal on a side. Cutting that open, we see a quick start guide and a product brochure for the AmpliFi brand, along with two white Ethernet cables to match the white router and Teleport units. The quick start guide is very handy, and I strongly recommend going through it if you have not set up a router before. It is all the more handy when you have to set up and use the Teleport unit as well, so keep it close the first time at the very minimum.


The power adapter, also in white, has a smooth rubber finish throughout, and this unit, for the US market, has the 2-prong US power plug at the end to plug in to the wall. It can accept 100-240 VAC (thus making it compatible with international power plug adapters), 50-60 Hz, and up to 0.5 A to output 5V/3A or 9V/1.7A DC power via the male USB Type-C connector on the other end. In a pinch, it can charge your other USB Type-C products as well, which is always appreciated.