What Are Some Best Outdoor Access Points?
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is more important than ever. With the increasing number of smart devices and internet-connected gadgets in our homes, gardens, and outdoor spaces, having a reliable and strong Wi-Fi signal has become essential for uninterrupted communication and entertainment. Best outdoor access points play a crucial role in bridging this gap by extending your Wi-Fi coverage to outdoor areas. In this article, we will explore some of the best outdoor access points available in the market that cater to a wide range of needs, from home users to businesses.
Outdoor access points, or WAPs (Wireless Access Points), come in many shapes and sizes, offering different features to suit various requirements. These devices are designed to be weatherproof and durable, allowing them to withstand harsh outdoor environments while providing seamless internet connectivity. They often include features such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, signal gain, and support for the latest Wi-Fi technologies like Wi-Fi 6.
When it comes to selecting the perfect outdoor access point, users need to consider factors like coverage range, the number of client devices it can support, and ease of installation. Some of the top outdoor access point models include the Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-AC-PRO, WAVLINK AC1200, and Netgear WAX214 WiFi 6 PoE+ Access Point. These models offer reliable performance and extensive coverage to help you stay connected, no matter where your adventures take you.
Best Outdoor Access Points Overview
Outdoor access points are essential for extending Wi-Fi coverage to outdoor areas like patios, yards, and outer buildings. These devices are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and are easy to install. In this section, we will discuss some of the top outdoor access points available in the market.
One of the best outdoor access points is the Hawking Technology Outdoor Access Point. This device is known for its powerful wireless capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those looking to expand their Wi-Fi connectivity outdoors. The access point offers a robust build and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
EnGenius Technologies is another popular brand in the market with its Wireless Outdoor AP/Client Bridge. The EnStationAC is specifically designed for outdoor use and provides long-range connectivity. It’s a versatile device, ideal for those looking to extend their Wi-Fi network to their backyard or other outdoor spaces.
The Ubiquiti UniFi HD 802.11ac Wave 2 Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point is a top pick for businesses and homeowners alike. This device offers several advanced features usually found in high-priced enterprise hardware, making it a cost-effective solution for outdoor Wi-Fi coverage. The UniFi HD is highly customizable and robust, ensuring smooth and reliable connectivity.
WAVLINK AC1200 High Power Outdoor Weatherproof Wi-Fi Range Extender/Wireless Access Point is another highly-rated outdoor access point. This device offers excellent value for money, providing a high-power weatherproof solution for extending Wi-Fi coverage outdoors. The WAVLINK AC1200 is easy to install and can handle various weather conditions with ease.
When selecting an outdoor access point, keep in mind factors such as range, weather resistance, ease of installation, and additional features. With numerous options in the market, you’re sure to find the perfect outdoor access point that caters to your needs, ensuring seamless Wi-Fi connectivity for your outdoor spaces.
Ubiquiti Unifi HD 802.11ac Wave 2 Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point
The Ubiquiti Unifi HD 802.11ac Wave 2 Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point (UAP-AC-HD-US) is a high-performance access point designed for both indoor and outdoor use in high-density networks and critical system applications. Boasting Wave 2 technology with 2+ Gbps aggregate throughput rate, it offers impressive connectivity to ensure reliable performance in various environments.
One of the key features of the UAP-AC-HD is its MU-MIMO technology, which stands for Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output. This advanced technology allows the access point to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, providing more efficient and faster connections. With a 4×4 MU-MIMO configuration in its 5 GHz band and 4×4 MIMO in its 2.4 GHz band, it offers better real-world performance than its predecessors.
In addition to its robust performance, the Ubiquiti Unifi HD 802.11ac Wave 2 Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point has an elegant design, making it a versatile choice for various settings such as offices, public spaces, and outdoor venues. Its sleek appearance blends well with most environments, ensuring it won’t be an obtrusive presence.
Some other notable features of the UAP-AC-HD include:
- Ethernet connectivity for reliable and fast connections
- Compatibility with numerous clients, making it suitable for events such as outdoor fairs
- Easy mounting options with a back plate designed to fit a variety of 1-Gang electrical wall boxes
In summary, the Ubiquiti Unifi HD 802.11ac Wave 2 Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point offers excellent performance, reliability, and design for both indoor and outdoor use. Its MU-MIMO technology ensures efficient communication with multiple devices, providing fast and stable connections. As a versatile and user-friendly option, the UAP-AC-HD is a valuable addition to any high-density network environment.
Hawking Technology Outdoor Access Point
Hawking Technology is known for its high-performance outdoor access points, designed to cater to various wireless network needs in outdoor environments. One of their popular products is the HOD45B Outdoor Dual Band Wireless Access Point.
The HOD45B offers a multifunctional solution for range and data-intensive network environments. Its weather-proof design ensures durability and reliability for long-lasting performance. Some of its key features include:
- Dual-Band Connectivity: This access point operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, ensuring that users can enjoy consistent wireless connections across multiple devices.
- Multiple Operational Modes: HOD45B can work as an access point, bridge, or repeater, offering flexibility to adapt to different network requirements.
- High-Gain Antennas: It comes with high-gain antennas that help in improving signal range and coverage. This makes it ideal for outdoor usage, where other access points might struggle.
Another offering from Hawking Technology is the HOW12ACM Outdoor Wireless AC1300 Access Point. This model is designed for industrial outdoor wireless network coverage and features:
- Wireless AC Technology: The HOW12ACM supports the latest wireless AC standard, which allows faster data transfer rates up to 1300 Mbps.
- Weather-Proof Construction: The device is built with industrial-grade materials to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, ensuring reliable performance.
- Simple Installation: It can be easily mounted on walls or poles, providing versatile deployment options for different outdoor settings.
The Hawking Technology lineup also includes the HOWABN1 Outdoor Wireless-300N Multifunction Access Point, which comes with the following features:
- Versatile Functionality: The HOWABN1 serves as an outdoor wireless access point, bridge, and repeater, making it a convenient choice for various network needs.
- Weather-Resistant Design: It is built to resist harsh outdoor conditions, ensuring durability and reliable performance.
- High Gain Antennas: Like the other models mentioned, this access point also includes high-gain antennas to enhance signal range and stability.
In summary, Hawking Technology offers a range of outdoor access points designed to cater to various network requirements. The HOD45B, HOW12ACM, and HOWABN1 are some of their notable models, featuring weather-proof construction, high-gain antennas, and multi-functionality to address different outdoor wireless network scenarios.
EnGenius Technologies Wireless Outdoor AP/Client Bridge
EnGenius Technologies offers a high-performance and versatile outdoor access point (AP) solution with their Wireless Outdoor AP/Client Bridge. This AP is specifically designed for long-range outdoor point-to-point and point-to-multipoint deployments, ensuring stable connections over large distances.
The EnGenius Wireless Outdoor AP/Client Bridge operates on the 5 GHz frequency and is powered by the advanced 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi technology. This technology provides faster wireless speeds, up to three times more than the typical 802.11n speed. EnGenius has also integrated the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology into their AP, which significantly improves its performance in congested environments, making it an ideal choice for large-scale deployments.
One of the notable features of this outdoor AP is its surprisingly long wireless range. The EnGenius AP can send wireless signals up to an impressive distance of 5 miles, enabling it to cover large areas, including small business networks, large campuses, and even rural areas.
Ease of installation and management is another key aspect of the EnGenius Wireless Outdoor AP. It is designed to be plug and play, with its weather-resistant and rugged design ensuring durability in various outdoor conditions. Moreover, the device is equipped with a 16dBi high-gain antenna, which not only boosts the signal strength but also increases the coverage area.
Some highlights of the EnGenius Technologies Wireless Outdoor AP/Client Bridge include:
- Operates on the 5 GHz frequency
- Utilizes 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi technology
- Features TDMA for improved performance in congested environments
- Provides wireless coverage up to 5 miles
- Weather-resistant and durable design
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a reliable and high-performing outdoor access point for long-range deployments, the EnGenius Technologies Wireless Outdoor AP/Client Bridge is an excellent option to consider. Its advanced technology, long-range capabilities, and ease of installation make it a great choice for both small businesses and large-scale networks.
Mikrotik RBSXTG-5HPND-SAR2 Outdoor Wireless Sector Access Point
The Mikrotik RBSXTG-5HPND-SAR2 is a high-quality, affordable outdoor wireless sector access point that operates on the 5GHz frequency band. This access point is designed to provide wider coverage with its 90-degree antenna and is perfect for use in various outdoor environments.
The device comes with a ready-to-mount enclosure and a built-in 14dBi antenna. This makes the installation process quick and easy, allowing you to have your access point up and running in just a matter of minutes. The RBSXTG-5HPND-SAR2 supports a frequency range of 5150MHz-5875MHz, although specific frequency ranges may depend on your country’s regulations.
Some of the key features of the Mikrotik RBSXTG-5HPND-SAR2 include:
- 5GHz Frequency Band: This access point operates on the less-congested 5GHz frequency band, ensuring better performance and faster connections.
- 90-Degree Antenna: The built-in antenna has a 90-degree coverage angle, providing a wider coverage area compared to previous SXT models.
- Easy Installation: A ready-to-mount enclosure and built-in antenna make it easy to set up the access point in no time.
The Mikrotik RBSXTG-5HPND-SAR2 outdoor wireless sector access point is ideal for those who require reliable and high-speed wireless coverage in outdoor spaces. Whether it’s for a campground, a sports venue, or any other outdoor location, this access point promises to deliver exceptional performance and coverage to cater to your needs.
Ubiquiti Unifi AP Outdoor
Ubiquiti is a well-known brand in the world of networking, and their Unifi AP Outdoor is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable outdoor access point. In this section, we’ll explore the features and specifications of some of the top Ubiquiti outdoor access points that cater to various needs.
The Unifi Flex HD is a versatile access point that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Its weatherproof design allows it to be mounted on a wall, pole, or base (standing) to provide seamless WiFi coverage. With its sleek and modern design, this access point adds a touch of style to your network setup.
Some key features of the Unifi Flex HD include:
- Indoor and outdoor usage
- Weatherproof design
- Sleek, modern aesthetic
- Wall, pole, or base mounting options
Another popular option is the UniFi Access Point Long Range – AC-LR. This older model is an affordable choice at just $109.00, offering slightly better performance than the newer Unifi 6 Lite access point, particularly on the 2.4Ghz band.
Specifications for the UniFi Access Point AC-LR include:
- Long-range coverage
- Affordable pricing
- Enhanced performance on 2.4Ghz band
For those seeking an outdoor-ready, dual-band WiFi 5 access point, the Access Point AC Mesh is an excellent choice. With detachable antennas, this model offers a 1.1 Gbps aggregate throughput rate and features a GbE RJ45 port (PoE In) for easy connectivity.
Key features of the Access Point AC Mesh include:
- Outdoor-ready design
- Dual-band WiFi 5 support
- Detachable antennas
- 1.1 Gbps aggregate throughput rate
Finally, the UniFi U6 Access Point offers customizable LED rings to match your space’s aesthetic, without compromising on performance. When mounted to the ceiling, these access points provide even wider coverage across high-traffic environments.
To sum it up, Ubiquiti offers a range of outdoor access points to meet various needs and budgets. Whether you prefer a customizable look with the UniFi U6 Access Point or require long-range coverage with the AC-LR model, Ubiquiti’s Unifi AP series caters to diverse networking requirements.
Conclusion and Final Recommendations
In this article, we have explored some of the best outdoor access points available in the market. When making a decision, it’s essential to consider factors such as weatherproof design, signal gain, coverage, power over Ethernet (PoE), Wi-Fi technology, ease of setup, security, and more.
Notable mentions for outdoor access points are:
- Hawking Technology Outdoor Access Point: a powerful option with excellent performance and features.
- Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-AC-PRO: a versatile choice, easy to set up, and with a vast range of features.
- WAVLINK AC1200: a mid-range offering with solid performance and a robust build.
- TP-Link CPE210: perfect for businesses seeking point-to-point setup, it is affordable, yet it could offer better security.
Remember to research various models and their features, taking the specific needs of your outdoor space into account. Invest in a product that balances performance, compatibility, and value for money. Keep in mind that it’s always good to look into brands with a strong reputation for creating quality access points, like HPE and Ubiquiti.
Furthermore, always read customer reviews and consider expert opinions before making a decision. By gathering as much knowledge as possible, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect outdoor access point for your needs. Happy browsing, and may you enjoy a seamless Wi-Fi connection outdoors!
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
