Tech Trends

UniFi 6 Long-Range Access Point ($179, Ubiquiti Inc.)

The UniFi 6 Long-Range Access Point (U6-AP-LR) is an enterprise-grade device that works in combination with a wired router to optimally provide the most advanced wireless network available today.

The U6-AP-LR is a professional networking access point that requires an 802.11a/b/g power over Ethernet (PoE) connection to the network router, which is provided by an injector or the network switch. Networks can be configured with multiple wired access points spread throughout a home or business to ensure maximum coverage. Setup is easily done through the UniFi Network Controller software (free), which handles network SSIDs, security and interfaces with the router to ensure that all wireless devices are connected properly to the network. Once an access point is powered up, the software detects the new device on the network and users simply adopt the device to the UniFi Network Controller. This adoption process is repeated for every new access point on the network. When the process is complete, all access points transmit the network configuration setup in the UniFi Network Controller, which supports multiple SSIDs and bands, guest access and more. Each U6-AP-LR uses Wi-Fi 6 technology and supports over 300 clients with a combined throughput of 3.0 Gbps with its 5 GHz and 2.4 Ghz radios simultaneously, far surpassing the performance specifications of any consumer-grade wireless router. The UniFi Network Controller seamlessly handles “mesh” coverage, providing consistent bandwidth speeds when handing off clients from one access point to another. With home and small-business internet speeds that now surpass 1 Gbps, the U6-AP-LR can deliver maximum throughput speeds to Wi-Fi 6 compatible devices without degradation in performance.

As consumer and business data usage increases, wireless networks must also adapt to meet the throughput demand to maintain operations and performance. The Unifi 6 Long-Range Access Point provides users with the ability to easily create high-performance, advanced wireless networks in their home or office today without compromise.

— Hubert Chan, DDS

Sony a7S III ($3,498, Sony)

From creating marketing materials to providing high-resolution video feeds for teledentistry appointments, cameras have become critical tools for dentists. In this crowded technological space, quality, versatility and ease of use are paramount to practitioners in the market for a new camera. In late 2020, Sony released its highly anticipated flagship a7S III mirrorless camera, a prosumer-grade product video camera for users of all skill levels. Part webcam, part cinema camera, part stills camera — the Sony a7S III checks all the boxes for versatility, and depending on a user’s needs, may also satisfy the quality and ease-of-use criteria.

The Sony a7S III is first and foremost a camera optimized to capture 4k video. To help accomplish this, it has a 12.1 megapixel sensor, which is lower than even the typical mobile phone camera. But this helps the a7S III cut down on superfluous noise, decrease its operating temperature and reduce processing power needed. Autofocus is intelligent and quick, its image stabilization system is solid and there are no video time limits. A bonus is that it can be used as a webcam for incredibly clear video streaming over conferencing applications like Zoom. For video, the a7S III delivers in most environmental conditions from near pitch-black darkness to under the high-noon sun. Its performance for photography suffers because of the 12.1 megapixel sensor: Photos cannot be magnified in print as much until loss of quality is visible. However, for clinical applications, the a7S III is adequate, as photos are typically viewed on a computer screen. The biggest drawback with this camera is Sony’s infamously inscrutable user interface. Though vastly improved from previous generations, all users will encounter frustration with how common features are accessed, the unresponsive touch screen and confusing terminology. Ultimately, novice users will be happy setting the a7S III to “auto” and allowing it to handle all their media creation needs while advanced users will use it for their videos and let another camera take the photographs.

— Alexander Lee, DMD