In the article we will tell you how external access points differ from classic internal devices. We also reveal the key parameters, based on which you can choose the optimal access points for the street . Read on to find the one that suits your network requirements.
What are the features of outdoor access points?
Like classic indoor units, outdoor units are designed to maximize coverage and create a seamless network. However, unlike standard APs, the outdoor models are equipped with much sturdier enclosures with a significant degree of airtightness. Almost all external models are enclosed in anti-vandal cases, thanks to which their components are reliably protected from adverse weather conditions (heat, frost, wind, precipitation) and shock, as well as other mechanical damage. In addition, such devices are characterized by increased protection against radio frequency interference. What's more, they have more powerful transmitters and high gain antennas. All this is done so that external access points can transmit a high-quality Wi-Fi signal over long distances.
Main selection criteria
Outdoor access points differ in bandwidth. To a large extent, the supported data exchange rate depends on the Wi-Fi standard on which the device is running. So, now the 802.11.n models are in use, as well as ac and ah. The first option is suitable for an apartment, a small private house. At most, such an access point will be able to transfer 600 megabits of data per second. AC models (Wi-Fi 5) are suitable for offices, houses of a considerable area. They can transmit information 10 times faster. Well, the fastest models are Wi-Fi 6 (ah). Some of them support speeds of almost 10 Gbps. They are suitable for large infrastructures. However, there are a couple of points here:
-
the specified values are the speed excluding interference and physical obstacles;
-
Wi-Fi 6 is still supported by a small number of devices.
The operating frequency is also important. For home, a single-band 2.4 GHz access point is suitable. Such models are compatible with most client devices, and the signal passes well through physical obstacles. However, due to the congestion of the frequency, the speed can sometimes decrease. 5 GHz or both is a good choice for an enterprise-grade network. 5GHz is a freer band and is more immune to radio frequency interference.
In addition to these parameters, it is important to pay attention to indicators such as:
-
antenna gain;
-
transmitter power.
The steeper these characteristics, the better the signal.
To keep your network secure, pay attention to the encryption standard. Devices that support WPA2 are best protected.
The outdoor access point can support print or FTP server functions for communication. There are also models with ports:
-
LAN PoE - technology support will provide the ability to transfer data and power over a single twisted cable.
-
USB - to connect a 4G modem and create backup access to the network, to connect a storage device or other device (it can be remotely controlled over the network).
