If you have an internet connection at your home or office, you must already be familiar with routers and their function. But, you must also know that routers have a limited range. Outside this range, they are not capable of providing a stable connection. And even if you manage to find a spot with a stable connection, you will face issues such as network drop or loss which is not ideal. To avoid that, users install an outdoor access point. Here are some things to keep in mind to get a decent outdoor access point:
- Network Band: The available network bands on your outdoor access point will grant you additional access to faster bandwidth capacity. For example, if you are simply connecting peripherals, you can utilize the 2.4 GHz band and save the 5 GHz one for content streaming and heavy tasks.
- Device Capacity: There are a certain number of devices that could be connected to an outdoor access point at once. While the number is usually well above the requirement of a normal user, you should make sure it is good enough for you.
- Reliability: Unlike indoor routers, the outdoor access points are subjected to changing weather and other problems such as moisture and dust. Thus, there is a higher chance of these devices getting damaged easily. You can take care of that by buying a reliable option with a long warranty period.
There are many applications that require you to install outdoor access points at your home or workplace. The major reason being the installation of CCTV cameras that could not be connected to the main router due to range issues. Furthermore, outside access points are needed to connect smart lights and other WiFi-based peripherals. In any case, you will find the best outdoor access switches right here. If you need any more info, take a look at our “Buying Guide” for the best outdoor access point.
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Best Outdoor Access Points in 2023
Outdoor Access PointBandsMaximum BandwidthWarrantyBuy Now NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access PointDual Band1800 Mbps1 yearCheck On Amazon TP-Link Omada AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Outdoor Access PointDual Band1200 MbpsLimited lifetimeCheck On Amazon WAVLINK Outdoor Wireless Access PointDual Band600 Mbps-Check On Amazon WAVLINK AC1200 High Power WiFi Range ExtenderDual Band867 Mbps-Check On Amazon Ubiquiti Networks Networks UAP-AC-M-US UniFi AC Mesh Wide-AreaDual Band1167 Mbps1 yearCheck On Amazon TP-Link Omada EAP110-Outdoor N300 Wireless Outdoor Access PointSingle Band300 MbpsLimited lifetimeCheck On Amazon NETGEAR Wireless Outdoor Access PointDual Band1800 Mbps5 yearsCheck On Amazon EnGenius Technologies ENH1350EXT Wi-Fi 5Dual Band1300 Mbps1 yearCheck On Amazon UeeVii Outdoor Access PointDual Band1000 Mbps-Check On Amazon EnGenius Technologies ENS620EXT Wi-Fi 5Dual Band867 Mbps1 yearCheck On Amazon
Best Outdoor Access Point Reviews
1. NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point
NETGEAR is a highly reputed brand and is known for making high capacity network devices. The outdoor access switch from NETGEAR is a similarly high capacity option.
We will start off our list with one of the most powerful outdoor access points available in the market right now. The NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point is one of the few options on our list that is capable of offering up to 1800 Mbps bandwidth thanks to the dual-band network. It also has a 4-gigabit ethernet port for a secured high speed wired connection. It consists of 3 antennas that offer up to 1500 square feet of coverage.
The NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point operates on WiFi 6 technology paired with MU-MIMO technology to provide you with the best experience even without paying a premium price. It is capable of connecting up to 64 devices at once which is quite a high number for domestic installation. It also comes with a power adapter for much easier installation. For security, it supports WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 with 3 different SSIDs. There is a year of warranty available on the NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point.
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Best Features
- High capacity outdoor access point
- Up to 1800 Mbps bandwidth capacity
- WiFi 6 coupled with MU-MIMO technology
- Supports 64 simultaneous connections
- 1500 square feet coverage area
- 4-gigabit ethernet ports
Pros
- Offers additional gigabit ethernet ports
- One of the fastest outdoor access switches
- You can create 3 different SSIDs for easier management
Cons
- The warranty period should have been longer
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2. TP-Link Omada AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Outdoor Access Point
TP-Link is yet another highly popular choice of brand when it comes to routers and other network-related devices. Therefore, we will be featuring a couple of options from TP-Link.
In the 2nd position, we have the TP-Link Omada AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Outdoor Access Point. Similar to our 1st choice, this access point is also a wireless option and supports gigabit bandwidth. It has dual-band WiFi that operates over MU-MIMO technology and offers up to 1200 Mbps bandwidth along with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. As for the effective range of the point, You can expect around 200 meters at 2.4 GHz and 300 meters at 5 GHz network.
The Omada series from TP-Link is powered by software-driven networking that helps it to integrate with all types of network devices such as gateways, switches, controllers, etc. with ease. TP-Link is also promising AI-based technology that will make the installation extremely easier as there will not be any need for initial setup. As TP-Link is a very reliable company, it is offering you a limited lifetime warranty period on the TP-Link Omada AC1200.
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Best Features
- High-speed outdoor access point
- Up to 1200 Mbps bandwidth capacity
- Dual-band access point
- 200-meter range on 2.4 GHz network
- 300-meter range on 5 GHz network
- Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Very reliable option
- Costs are lower compared to other options
- Gigabit access point
Cons
- Range should have been better
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3. WAVLINK Outdoor Wi-Fi Range Extender
We are back with yet another option from WAVLINK on this list. The following choice is quite similar to the previous one from the WAVLINK with slight changes.
The WAVLINK outdoor Wi-Fi range extender is a cheaper option compared to its previous outdoor access point. The access point still offers nearly 500 mW transmission power with up to 500m omnidirectional coverage area. It houses dual antennas, both of which have 7 dBi capacity for great performance in terms of connectivity at longer distances. It is also a dual-band router with support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. It supports the 802.11AC Wi-Fi standard and adopting dual MTK 7688A + 7610E chips will ensure more stable performance.
Also, it offers excellent outdoor weatherproof, fireproof, and lighting protection with its IP65 rating and ABS case. There are multi-operation modes for different network environment that supports wireless access points, Wi-Fi repeater, gateway, and router operation mode. For You can grab maximum wireless coverage for outdoor usage by electing AP mode.
Coming to the bandwidth, you will get about 150 Mbps speed with a 2.4 GHz and a massive 433 Mbps bandwidth capacity with a 5 GHz network. Therefore, you will not be getting any sort of latency in your network. You will also get a PoE adapter included with the access point which shall reduce the time required for installation. There is a 64-device limit on this model which is suitable for basic applications.
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Best Features
- Omnidirectional antenna with 360° coverage up to 500m
- 150 Mbps bandwidth over a 2.4 GHz network
- 433 Mbps bandwidth over a 5 GHz network
- Multi-operation modes for various network environments
- Up to 64 devices can be connected
- Excellent outdoor weatherproof and lighting protection
Pros
- Original PoE adapter included
- Best choice for home installation
- Dual 7 dBi antennas
- Supports both WDS and WPS
- Easy to setup and flexible deployment
- Antennas provide a long-range coverage area.
Cons
- Does not support gigabit bandwidth
- Not suitable for professional application.
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4. WAVLINK AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender
WAVLINK might be a premium brand compared to most other choices in the market. But, it still offers a decent option for outdoor access points as mentioned below.
The WAVLINK AC1200 is an expensive choice for an outdoor access point compared to a few other options on our list. But, it features 4 high powered omnidirectional antennas which are quite great considering its compact size and form factor. It provides you with a large coverage range which is needed from an outdoor access point. The antennas also support high transfer power up to 30 dBm that is ideal for outdoor connections. In case you haven’t noticed, it is also a dual-band router with 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands.
Talking about the bandwidth of the WAVLINK AC1200, it offers up to 150 Mbps bandwidth on 2.4 GHz connections and up to 867 Mbps over the 5 GHz band. The RK45 connector on the WAVLINK AC1200 is also weatherproof and supports built-in PoE for easier installation. The operating modes of WAVLINK AC1200 include AP mode, repeater mode and mesh operation mode. There are also further additional modes provided under the AP mode.
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Best Features
- Highly versatile outdoor access point
- 30 dBm antennas
- 4 high powered antennas
- 4 GHz and 5.8 GHz network bands are supported
- Up to 867 Mbps maximum speed
- Weatherproof connector
Pros
- Operating modes are great
- Durable quality casing
- Maximum supported bandwidth is good
Cons
- 4 GHz bandwidth is slower
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5. Ubiquiti Networks Networks UAP-AC-M-US UniFi AC Mesh Wide-Area
Ubiquiti is a fresh brand name for many as it hasn’t made as many sales as other popular brands yet. But, you should definitely consider the gigabit dual-band access point from Ubiquiti.
The Ubiquiti outdoor access point comes with plug and play mesh technology that reduces the requirement for critical initial setups. As it supports the mesh system, you can easily cover a large area without needing as many devices. Being cheaper than other premium brands, Ubiquiti is also offering gigabit support on this outdoor access point as you will get a maximum of 1157 Mbps bandwidth with this unit. There are 2 omnidirectional antennas provided on the access point that are adjustable.
The Ubiquiti access point supports dual-band access points to provide you with an additional choice for future installations. You can easily power the device via the standard 802.3af switch or the UniFi PoE switch. If you wish to save some bucks on the additional switches, you can use the included Gigabit PoE adapter as well without any problem. Ubiquiti is also giving you a year of warranty on the outdoor access switch.
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Best Features
- Works on 802.11ac technology
- Supports mesh system
- Large area can be covered with few installations
- Adjustable dual omnidirectional antennas
- Gigabit PoE adapter included
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- It’s a gigabit outdoor access point
- Compact size
- Supports 5 GHz network band
Cons
- Additional ports are not available
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6. TP-Link Omada EAP110-Outdoor N300 Wireless Outdoor Access Point
In most cases, users do not require a high-end device for nominal applications. Therefore, we are featuring the following affordable option from TP-Link.
TP-Link is bringing you yet another affordable choice for an outdoor access point. The TP-Link Omada EAP110 is a perfect choice if you wish to simply stay connected with your network when you are not around your primary router. It operates on a 2.4 GHz band and offers up to 300 Mbps bandwidth capacity. Still, there are no compromises made with the durability of the device as you will find a weatherproof design with a durable enclosure.
The TP-Link Omada EAP110 will offer you coverage of about a 200-meter range which is great considering it is a highly compact device with only 2 antennas. You also get access to the TP-Links SDN platform that makes it much easier to set up and use. Tp-Link will also be adding cloud-based controls on this unit which will make it possible to remotely access and configure the access point. You will also get the limited lifetime warranty period from TP-Link which is astounding for such a low budget option.
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Best Features
- 4 GHz outdoor access point
- Up to 300 Mbps speed
- 200 meters range
- Omada SDN integration
- Support for upcoming cloud-based controls
- Limited lifetime warranty period
Pros
- Technical support from TP-Link
- Omada SDN integration is great
- The range is good for the size
Cons
- Not suitable for professional application
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7. NETGEAR Wireless Outdoor Access Point
NETGEAR also has a highly premium access point available for commercial installations. The following choice will definitely cost you more than many other options but offer you many extra features.
The NETGEAR WAX610Y is also a wireless outdoor access point similar to our previous choice from NETGEAR. But, this unit does not have any external antennas which contribute to ease of installation as well as the elegant look of the device. It supports the latest WiFi 6 technology and offers a massive 1800 Mbps bandwidth capacity. At once, you will be able to connect nearly 200 devices with the NETGEAR WAX610Y access point which is necessary for commercial installations.
The overall coverage area for the NETGEAR Wireless Outdoor Access Point is about 2500 square feet which should easily cover all of the external devices that you want to connect with the access point. It has a very simplistic installation procedure thanks to the PoE+ support. NETGEAR includes a year of subscription to its remote management service which will allow you to set up the device via an application. As it is a premium device, NETGEAR is offering 5 year of warranty which is not bad for outdoor usage.
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Best Features
- Dual-band access point
- The wireless point with WiFi 6 support
- Up to 200 connections supported
- 2500 square feet coverage area
- 1-year remote management service subscription included
- IP55 weather resistance rating
- 5 years warranty
Pros
- Simple and attractive design
- No external antennas required
- Up to 8 SSIDs can be created
Cons
- Expensive choice for an outdoor access point
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8. EnGenius Technologies ENH1350EXT Wi-Fi 5
In the end, we are featuring one last option from EnGenius. Even if you were not familiar with the brand so far, you must be familiar with it now as we have introduced a handful of choices from EnGenius.
The EnGenius Technologies ENH1350EXTis our final choice for the best outdoor access points and is rather a value for the money option considering its wide range of features. First of all, it is an 802.11ac wireless access point with dual-band network support for better performance. The maximum bandwidth supported by this access point is about 867 Mbps on a 5 GHz network. Even on the 2.4 GHz network, you will get about 400 Mbps network speed which is much faster in comparison. Also, it is rated with IP67 weather resistance which is higher than its competitors.
The network created by EnGenius Technologies ENH1350EXT is completely crowd proof thanks to the MU-MIMO technology. It marginally improves the performance of the device as well as extending the supported number of connections at once. This is also one of the few options on our picks that offer a modular external design. You will find 4 detachable antennas in the package with 5 dBi transmission capacity each and omnidirectional output. Still, you will only get a year of warranty on this unit which is slightly underwhelming.
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Best Features
- 400 Mbps bandwidth over 2.4 GHz network
- 867 Mbps bandwidth over 5 GHz network
- MU-MIMO technology
- 5 dBi antennas
- IP 67 rating
- Modular design
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Weather resistance is great
- High speed over 2.4 GHz
- Great coverage
Cons
- The warranty period should have been longer
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9. UeeVii Outdoor Access Point
UeeVii UAP180, an outdoor high-power Gigabit Access Point that has significantly enhanced the outdoor wireless connectivity experience. With its dual-band coverage and speeds of up to 1200Mbps and can experience seamless browsing, streaming, and working outdoors without any frustrating delays or interruptions.
What impresses me the most is its ability to provide a strong WiFi signal throughout my entire outdoor area. Whether I’m in my backyard or up on my rooftop, the UAP180 ensures that I have a reliable and consistent connection. No more dead zones or frustrating signal drops!
Setting it up was a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design and included accessories like Gigabit Ethernet ports and a PoE adapter. I was able to effortlessly connect multiple devices, including my outdoor cameras, speakers, and lighting system.
Security is a top priority for me, and the UAP180 doesn’t disappoint. It offers various authentication methods, keeping my network safe from any unauthorized access. I can now enjoy peace of mind knowing that my data and personal information are well-protected.
To sum it up,the UeeVii UAP180 has truly revolutionized my outdoor wireless experience. It offers exceptional speed, coverage, and ease of use. If you’re looking to enhance your outdoor connectivity, I recommend giving it a try.
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Best Features
- High capacity outdoor access point
- Up to 1800 Mbps bandwidth capacity
- WiFi 6 coupled with MU-MIMO technology
- Supports 64 simultaneous connections
- 1500 square feet coverage area
- 4-gigabit ethernet ports
Pros
- Blazing-fast speeds of up to 1200Mbps.
- Extensive coverage with powerful antennas.
- Weatherproof design for outdoor use.
- Easy setup with included accessories.
- Supports multiple devices with Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- Enhanced security with various authentication methods.
Cons
- No mention of advanced features such as MU-MIMO or beamforming
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10 . EnGenius Technologies ENS620EXT Wi-Fi 5
Engenius is also a lesser-known brand as compared with popular choices in the industry. But, as it has many unique products available, we will include a couple of potions EnGenuis as well.
EnGenius Technologies ENS620EXT is our next pick for the best outdoor access point. This is a compact, robust and highly versatile outdoor switch that features 4 antennas for better coverage. You can get this unit to be used as a bridge, access point, mesh, WiFi extender or even as a repeater in your home. It is rated with IP55 certification so that you can easily install it outside without worrying about external damage.
All 4 of the antennas present on the EnGenius Technologies ENS620EXT are detachable so that you can remove a couple to make the installation even easier. Each antenna has 5 dBi transmission power and offers 360°coverage. Even if you are getting the device for professional usage, this device works perfectly as it has a maximum capacity of about 256 devices. You will have access to SkyKey or EzMaster cloud for managing the devices. There is also a standard 1 year warranty period on ENS620EXT.
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Best Features
- 5 dBi antennas
- 4 detachable antennas
- Dual-band access point
- 867 Mbps maximum bandwidth capacity
- Supports 256 simultaneous connections
- 1 year warranty period
Pros
- Very compact product
- Rated with IP55 certification
- Supports a large number of devices
Cons
- It’s not a gigabit access point
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Buying Guide For The Best Outdoor Access Point
Internet service is rather a necessity than a luxury nowadays as it is required for a lot of reasons in every household. On top of that, you also need a strong and reliable local area network in your home so that you can take advantage of services like IFTTT and smart home systems. With the local network, all of the smart devices installed in your home are capable of communicating with the source of command as well as with each other to provide you with a fruitful experience.
But, it becomes a problem in large houses where the primary router is not able to provide enough range to include all of the devices in a single network. Thus, you need to install additional network repeaters indoors and an outdoor access point outdoors. Today, we will talk about all of the things that you should consider before buying an outdoor access point. If you have already made up your mind, you can still check our buying guide and make sure all of the specifications on your preferred device are decent.
Coverage
The primary reason users need to install an outdoor access switch is to increase the range of their network and make sure all of the devices can be connected to the same network. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that your outdoor access point has enough range to connect with all of the devices that are installed outside.
Generally, a short-range outdoor access point fails to connect with the CCTV camera or smart light that is installed on the opposite side of your house. This will create a blind spot in your network which is unfavourable. Therefore, your outdoor access point must have at least a range more than or equal to the square footage of your real estate.
Bandwidth Capacity
Similar to connection limitations, routers, as well as outdoor access points, allow a limited bandwidth capacity. This capacity is presented in Mbps and mentioned with each of the options that you see here. Even though you do not require a gigabit point right now, you should consider future usage and buy the access point accordingly.
You might install a certain device in your backyard later on that requires higher bandwidth capacity for streaming content or upload/download large amounts of data. Thus, make sure you get a high bandwidth option to make your purchase future proof.
Supported Connections
You can only connect a finite number of devices to a router. Similarly, outdoor access points also have a limitation on how many devices you can connect to the point at once. If the capacity is low, you might run into trouble at the time of installation if you try to connect more devices than the limit of the access point.
Even if you are well under the limit, it is beneficial to connect a lesser number of devices as it reduces the strain on the point and offers better stability to the network. This way, your devices can communicate properly with the network and provide you with perfect performance.
Warranty
As we mentioned earlier, outdoor access points are constantly subjected to harsh weather and other outdoor problems such as dirt, wind, sunlight, etc. Thus, there is a much higher chance of these devices failing as compared to indoor routers. Therefore, you need to pay additional attention to the reliability of these devices and consider buying a reliable option that features a long warranty period. Thus, your device will be secured until the warranty period as you will be able to claim free repairs or replacement in case it fails because of natural reasons.
Network Bands
If you’re paying a good price for an outdoor access point, it needs to have at least dual-band network support along with other features. With dual-band supported network access points, you get a 5 GHz WiFi band that allows much higher bandwidth capacity compared to a 2.4 GHz network. This allows you to stream high-quality content from the internet on your laptop or smartphone while connected to the outdoor access switch. But if you are not planning to use the outdoor access point for any heavy task, you are good to go with even the 2.4 GHz single band choice.
Conclusion
If you are just setting up your local area network, it is the best time to introduce an outdoor network point in your system. Even if you don’t feel the need for one right now, you can use it as a standby option and enable it whenever you find the need for an extended network outside your home. Most routers, even expensive ones, only offer a limited range or connection capacity.
Thus, having an outdoor access point grants you access to a strong and fast internet connection even when you are outside. All of the outdoor access points mentioned on our picks today are great options and you will definitely find some suitable options right here. In case you are confused about which one to buy, worry not. We will leave you some impressive recommendations below.
- If you don’t have any specific application in mind and simply want network access outside, go with the TP-Link Omada EAP110-Outdoor Access Point. It is the cheapest unit you will find in the market right now. In fact, it is offered at less than half the price tag of our premium choices with 300 Mbps bandwidth capacity.
- TP-Link Omada AC1200 is one of the most reliable and high-speed options present on our list today. This outdoor access point offers dual-band connectivity with maximum bandwidth support of up to 1200 Mbps. It also has a limited lifetime warranty period from TP-Link.
- Lastly, we will suggest buying the NETGEAR Wireless Outdoor Access Point. It is a wireless outdoor access point that supports up to 1800 Mbps bandwidth capacity. It also has a 5-year long warranty which is great for an outdoor device.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
