7 best directional wireless access point
A directional wireless access point, often referred to as a directional AP, is a specialized type of wireless access point used in wireless networking to provide focused and high-gain wireless coverage in specific directions. Unlike traditional omnidirectional access points that broadcast signals in all directions, directional APs are designed to concentrate their signal in a specific beam pattern, making them ideal for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless communication in specific scenarios. Here are some key points about directional wireless access points:
Focused Signal Coverage: Directional APs emit wireless signals in a concentrated, directional beam rather than spreading the signal evenly in all directions. This design allows for greater range and higher signal strength in the chosen direction.
Use Cases:
- Point-to-Point Links: Directional APs are commonly used to establish long-distance wireless connections between two fixed points, such as connecting two buildings in a campus or providing internet access to remote locations.
- Point-to-Multipoint: They can also be used to provide wireless connectivity to multiple devices or clients situated in a specific direction, like serving clients in a linear fashion along a road or corridor.
High Gain Antennas: Directional APs are equipped with high gain antennas that focus the signal energy in the desired direction. These antennas are designed to minimize signal loss and interference.
Narrow Beamwidth: Directional APs typically have a narrow beamwidth, meaning the signal is concentrated within a specific angle.Common beamwidths include 30 degrees, 60 degrees, or even narrower, depending on the specific model.
Increased Range: Due to their focused signal, directional APs can achieve longer wireless communication ranges compared to omnidirectional APs, making them suitable for bridging networks over extended distances.
Deployment Considerations: When deploying directional APs, careful planning is required to ensure that the intended coverage area is properly aligned with the beam direction. Precise aiming and alignment are crucial for optimal performance.
Outdoor Use: Directional wireless access points are often used in outdoor environments, such as rural internet service providers (ISPs), remote monitoring applications, and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots.
Interference Reduction: The focused nature of the signal can help reduce interference from neighboring wireless networks or other sources, improving overall network reliability.
Compatibility: Devices connecting to a directional AP should be within the beam's coverage area and properly aligned with the AP's direction. Misalignment can result in a weak or lost connection.
In summary, directional wireless access points are valuable networking tools designed to provide targeted, high-gain wireless coverage in specific directions. They are commonly used for point-to-point links, extending network coverage over long distances, and providing connectivity in challenging environments where traditional omnidirectional access points may not be sufficient. Proper planning and alignment are essential when deploying directional APs to achieve optimal performance.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best directional wireless access point on the market
Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex T710 Outdoor Wireless Access Point (Omni Directional Antennas, Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Wave 2, 802.11ac, 802.3at POE) 901-T710-US01
Ruckus
Product description
Ruckus Wireless ZONEFLEX T710. Maximum data transfer rate: 1733 Mbit/s, Wi-Fi data rate (max): 1733 Mbit/s, Ethernet LAN data rates: 10,100,1000 Mbit/s.
- Omni-directional antennas with Concurrent dual-band (5GHz/2.4GHz) Outdoor Access Point
- BeamFlex+ support for up to 4 dB of signal gain and 10 dB of interference mitigation
- Wave 2, 802.11ac Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) 2 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports
- Backward compatible with legacy 802.11 clients, Multicast IP video streaming support
- 802.3at POE (Power Over Ethernet) AC power Input (100-250 Vac, 50/60 Hz). For deployment of multiple access points, a controller (sold separately) is highly recommended. Controller-specific features (such as Smart Mesh networking) are unavailable when the AP is running a standalone AP base image.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this compatible with the icx7150-c12p |
| Answer: | Yes, this is not a wireless router by itself. It either uses the same SSID as your wireless router, or you can set it up in AP mode. This is the mode I chose to use. The different modes are described in the product description. |
TRENDnet 5 DBI Wireless AC1300 Outdoor PoE+ Omni-Directional Access Point, TEW-841APBO, 4 X 5 DBI Omni Directional Antennas, Point-to-Point & Point-to-Multi-Point WiFi Bridging, IEEE 802.3AT PoE+
Product description
TRENDnet’s 5 dBi wireless AC1300 outdoor PoE+ Omni-directional access point, model TEW-841APBO, is designed for point-to-point and Point-to-Multi-Point Wi-Fi bridging applications. The wireless multi-point bridge can be powered with a PoE+ switch or PoE+ injector of your choosing. A variety of installation scenarios are facilitated with access point, WDS bridge, WDS access point, WDS station, and client bridge modes. The IP67 rated housing on the wireless multi-point bridge is designed for outdoor environments, and includes wall and pole mounting hardware. Wireless Multi-Point Bridge Use this dual band wireless AC1300 point-to-multi-point bridge to conveniently link two or more locations together with wireless AC speeds and performance. Wireless Modes Supports Access Point, WDS Bridge, WDS Access Point, WDS Station, and Client Bridge modes for a variety of wireless applications. Outdoor Ready Built for outdoor installations with an IP67 outdoor protection rating and an operating temperature range of -20° – 60° C (-4° – 140° F). PACKAGE CONTENTS TEW-841APBO 2 x Detachable 2. 4GHz 5 dBi antennas 2 x Detachable 5GHz 5 dBi antennas IP67 weather rated cable gland Mounting hardware Quick Installation Guide
- OMNI-DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS: 4 x 5 dBi omni-directional antennas
- WIRELESS MULTI-POINT BRIDGE: Use this dual band wireless AC1300 point-to-multi-point bridge access point to conveniently link two or more locations together with wireless AC speeds and performance.
- WIRELESS MODES: Supports Access Point, WDS Bridge, WDS Access Point, WDS Station, and Client Bridge modes for a variety of wireless applications.
- OUTDOOR READY: This omni-directional access point is built for outdoor installations with an IP67 outdoor protection rating and an operating temperature range of -20° – 60° C (-4° – 140° F).
- MOUNTING HARDWARE: Pole and wall mount hardware included for easy installation of the 5 dBi wireless access point.
User questions & answers
| Question: | How far can this go. i need about a 500ft coverage? would this work as ap |
| Answer: | Dear Neal! Thanks for your interest in TRENDnet! PoE+ is sold separately. Hope this helps! If you have any more questions, you can always respond directly to this thread and someone will be happy to try and help answer any additional questions you may have! Have a great day! Adrian TRENDnet CS |
| Question: | How far can this go. i need about a 500ft coverage? would this work as ap |
| Answer: | Type A:35.8"*28.7"*59"(for kids)/66.9"-90.6"(adjustable height for adults); Type B: 35.4"*22"*61"(for kids)/70.9"-90.6"(adjustable height for adults); type C: 35.4"*22"*59"(for kids)/70.9"-90.6"(adjustable height for adults); |
| Question: | Does it come with a poe? or is that a separate purchase |
| Answer: | the item as first picture is yellow and black |
Product features
Wireless Multi-Point Bridge
Use this dual band wireless AC1300 point-to-multi-point bridge to conveniently link two or more locations together with wireless AC speeds and performance.
Wireless Modes
Supports Access Point, WDS Bridge, WDS Access Point, WDS Station, and Client Bridge modes for a variety of wireless applications.
Outdoor Ready
Built for outdoor installations with an IP67 outdoor protection rating and an operating temperature range of -20° – 60° C (-4° – 140° F).
Concurrent Dual Band
AC1300: concurrent 867Mbps WiFi AC + 400Mbps WiFi N bands
Wireless Modes
Supports Access Point, WDS Bridge, WDS Access Point, WDS Station, and Client Bridge modes
Logs
Real time logs and statistics help troubleshooting
Mounting Hardware
Pole and wall mount hardware included
EnGenius Technologies Wi-Fi 5 Outdoor AC867 5GHz Wireless Access Point/Client Bridge, Long Range, PTP/PTMP, Additional 802.3at PoE Port, IP55, 26dBm with 19dBi Directional Antennas (N-EnStationAC Kit)
EnGenius
Product description
EnStationAC is a 5 GHz High-Powered, Long-Distance 11AC Wireless Outdoor AP/Client Bridge offering dual-PoE Gigabit ports and a high-gain directional antenna that emits a narrow signal beam for limited interference ensuring stable connectivity, high-bandwidth and 867 Mbps speeds over extremely long distances, extending the network up to 5 miles point-to-point. EnStationAC is engineered with a powerful independent RF interface that offers high-bandwidth and speeds up to 867 Mbps on its dedicated 5 GHz frequency band. This allows the EnStationAC to accommodate 4k Ultra High Definition (UHD) video and heavy multi-application traffic services, extending bandwidth over a wider channel range (80MHz) allowing network managers to fine tune channel usage based on the application. Offering greater flexibility in deployment, the EnStationAC features two Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) 802.3at-compliant Gigabit ports. With its secondary Gigabit PoE-802.3af-compliant port a second device, such as a remote IP surveillance camera or Access Point, can be connected and powered for greater deployment flexibility. These enhanced power options allow the AP/CB and a secondary device to be deployed where power outlets are scarce or unavailable, such as under the eaves of roofs, high atop light poles or in other remote locations. Tethering a series of 2 MP or 5 MP IP surveillance cameras to the EnStationAC's secondary port gives you "eyes on" places you might not otherwise see - no matter how far away, with significantly better results than traditional, non-tethered wireless surveillance setups. EnStationAC features 26 dBm output power and high receive sensitivity, coupled with embedded high-gain directional antennas that emit a narrow signal beam to deliver stable robust connectivity, optimal bandwidth and high speed data rates of 867 Mbps over extremely long distances - up to 5 miles in clear line-of-sight point-to-point deployments.
- 802.11ac High Speed Wireless to 867 Mbps. Operating temperature range is minus 20 degree Celsius to 60 degree Celsius
- Optimal Available Bandwidth Supports Heavy Video Application Delivery over Long Distances
- Secondary 802.3af-Compliant PoE Port Powers Remote IP Cameras or APs
- High 400mW Power and 19 dBi Dual Polarization, Directional High-Gain Antenna with Narrow Beam
- Point-to-Point & Point-to-Multipoint Wireless over Short and Long Distances
- IP55-Rated Waterproof & Dustproof Casing Withstands Harsh Environments
- 360-Degree, 3-Axis Pivoting Arm Locks for Precise Alignment
User questions & answers
| Question: | Setting up client bridge with 2 units. on ap side, set new ssid & wpa2-psk but unit broadcasts default ssid & open network. what did i miss? thanks |
| Answer: | Please remember to save all the configuration and then click "Apply" (you can find "Apply" on the top of EnStationAC graphical user interface). |
| Question: | If i have two networks in two separate buildings with switches, is this all I need to connect them or do I need additional hardware from EnGenius |
| Answer: | You need a router to use as AP. building A source set EnGenius set to AP. Building B EnGenius set to Client Bridge plug into router which set as AP. Building A router will give out ip address to building B AP |
| Question: | How do the units handle a desert environment |
| Answer: | I don't know about desert but it just handle Hurricane Irma last weeken in South Florida, wind gusts if 90mph |
| Question: | Using this pair with both as wds access point can it provide wifi signal 300-400 ft from the other |
| Answer: | Yes, it can provide point-to-point link up to mile. WDS Bridge Operation Mode, same channel, same encryption. |
Product features
EnGenius 802.11ac 5 GHz Extreme Long-Range Outdoor Wireless Access Point/Client Bridge
EnGenius EnJet™ EnStationAC is a 5 GHz High-Powered, Long-Distance 11AC Wave 2 Wireless Outdoor AP/Client Bridge offering dual-PoE Gigabit ports and a high-gain directional antenna that emits a narrow signal beam for limited interference ensuring stable connectivity, high-bandwidth and 867 Mbps speeds over extremely long distances, extending the network up to 5 miles point-to-point.
Superior Outdoor Wi-Fi
EnStationAC features ‘Time Division Multiple Access’ technology that cuts through RF-congested environments within Point-to-Point/MultiPoint applications. With EnJet enabled the EnStationAC gives every station a specific time slot to transmit on, thus the station will transmit whether or not another system is transmitting. EnJet EnStationAC assigns time slots to each station, providing faster and more stable performance and avoids hidden node issues.
Strong Wireless Performance over Broad Distances
Robust point-to-point and point-to-multipoint 802.11AC wireless performance of up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz frequency band, and 400 Mbps at ½ mile, creates a dependable network across great distances. EnStationAC features 26 dBm output power and high receive sensitivity, coupled with embedded high-gain directional antennas that emit a narrow signal beam to deliver stable robust connectivity.
Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint Deployments
Ideal for Point-to-Point applications that need to reach short or long distances where Ethernet or even Fiber cabling is not possible or practical. Longer ranges can be achieved when paired with another EnStationAC in a Point-to-Point deployment by aligning their dish-shaped antennas to face each other ensuring each gets the full impact of the narrow-focused, wireless beam, helping to reduce frequency interference over long distances — up to 5 miles away.
Extreme Distances Even in Extreme Weather
EnStationAC is designed to perform, even in harsh environments. Its IP55-rated waterproof and dustproof casing ensures it can withstand harsh outdoor climates and indoor industrial environments. This includes prolonged exposure outdoors to sunlight, extreme cold, frost, snow, rain, hail, heat and humidity, and indoors where temperature may be a factor.
Connect and Power A Second Network Device for Greater Deploy
EnStationAC’s secondary 802.3af-compliant PoE pass-through Gigabit port connects and powers an additional PoE-compatible device like a remote IP surveillance camera or AP for greater deployment flexibility and convenience.
Optimized Maximum Airtime Efficiency
By dividing a signal into different time slots & assigning them, the EnJet system provides steady maximum throughput & high link reliability to every client—even when bandwidth demands increase & devices are added.
Avoids Hidden Node Issues
No more collisions and interferences caused by devices that can’t “see” each other on a channel & transmit simultanously.
Steady, Uninterrupted Streaming
EnJet provides steady maximum throughput over long distances. Ideal for Video & Voice transmission for strong, uninterrupted streaming with low latency.
Retain Stable Performance
With EnJet you can keep the total throughput consistently high while even when the number of wireless stations increase in your outdoor network deployment
Long-range wireless point-to-point surveillance networks
Connect an EnGenius IP Surveillance Camera to EnStationAC’s secondary Gigabit port and utilize its long-range connectivity to send surveillance video back through the wireless network for extended surveillance coverage. Tethering a series of EnGenius IP Cameras to the EnStationAC gives you 'eyes on' places you might not otherwise see.
Grounded Power-over-Ethernet Extends Power to Unwired Areas
The 802.3at PoE-compliant port extends power where outlets are scarce or unavailable, such as under the eaves of roofs, high atop light poles or in ceiling rafters up to 328 feet.
Position for Maximum Connectivity
A 360-degree, 3-axis pivoting arm locks in place for precise alignment with a matching EnStationAC unit in point-to-point scenarios. EnStationAC is easily mounted to a variety of surfaces or poles with the included mounting kits
Convenient
Included passive 54v Gigabit PoE Adapter features disconnect, short-circuit and surge protection, protecting valuable network equipment from power surges or short-circuits associated with lightning strikes and electrostatic discharge (ESD).
EnGenius Technologies ENS500-AC 5 GHz Outdoor 11ac Wave 2 Wireless & Wi-Fi 5 Outdoor AC867 5Ghz Wireless Access Point/Client Bridge, 26dBm Transmit Power with 19dBi Directional Antennas, GigE Port
- Optimal Bandwidth Support Extends Application Delivery Over Long Distances
- Quad-Core CPU, 4x ARM Cortex A7 Processor, 717 MHz "Turbo Engine"
- 11ac Wave 2 Wireless Speeds to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz
- Up to 2x the Bandwidth Increase Over 11ac Wave 1 3x3 APs
- High-Gain 19 dB Directional Antenna Extend Wireless Networks Up to 5 Miles Point-to-Point
- Quad-Core CPU, 4x ARM Cortex A7 Processor, 717 MHz "Turbo Engine"
- 11ac Wave 2 Wireless Speeds to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz
- Up to 30% Faster Throughput Over 11ac Wave 1 3x3 APs
Leeofty Wireless Outdoor CPE Bridge 900Mbps 14dBi Directional Antenna Long- Point-to-Point Wireless Access(A+B) US Plug
: bydigital Transmission Speed: 900Mbs
Ratio Frency: 500mW
PoE: 24V 1A
Antenna: Built in 14dBi antenna
Wireless Standard: IEEE802.11b/g/n
Chipset: 9344
Compatibility: for Windows xp/7/8/Win2000, for Vista/Linux, for Mac/OS/X
Item Size: 24.6 * 9 * 5cm / 9.69 * 3.54 * 1.97in (L * W * H)
Item Weight: 278.4g / 9.82oz
Package Size: 31.5 * 9.5 * 7.5cm / 12.40 * 3.74 * 2.95in (L * W * H)
Package Weight: 557.1g / 1.23LB
Package list
1 * Wireless CPE Bridge
1 * Power Adapter
1 * Hoop
1 * User Manual
