Step-by-Step Outdoor Access Point Installation Guide

Outdoor access points play a vital role in expanding your wireless network over larger distances, offering reliable and high-performance connectivity in areas such as campuses, parks, or outdoor event venues. By deploying these access points, you can reduce costs on infrastructure and wiring installations.

However, outdoor access point installation comes with its own set of challenges. The access points must be highly resistant to dust and water, typically needing an IP rating of at least IP65 to avoid permanent damage from water intrusion. Moreover, outdoor conditions can subject the devices to extreme temperatures, making it essential to select access points that can operate within a broad temperature range. Proper installation is key to ensuring that the AP withstands environmental conditions while delivering optimal performance. This article mainly provides you with the installation steps for the outdoor wireless access point, which mainly involves wall-mounting and pole-mounting methods. Before we begin, let's take a moment to explore the potential challenges you might face during outdoor deployments.

The 3 Main Challenges When Installing Outdoor Access Point

While outdoor access point installation is generally manageable, it does come with its set of challenges. Here is a summary of the most common issues encountered during installation:

• Lack of Power Supply: One of the main difficulties in outdoor deployments is ensuring a reliable power source. It's easy to forget that even wireless access points require a consistent power supply for optimal operation. However, power may not always be readily available, especially when extending networks to remote areas with no existing power or Internet connections. Unfortunately, access points can't function without a stable power supply, and setting up new electrical infrastructure can be costly. While battery-powered access points might seem like a solution, they can abruptly shut down once the power depletes.

• Lightning Strikes: Lightning poses a significant risk for outdoor network devices. Even if an outdoor access point isn't directly struck by lightning, nearby strikes can cause power surges that damage the equipment. Although lightning surges are relatively rare and environmentally dependent, they can result in prolonged network downtime, data loss, or even fire hazards. Even access points installed in sheltered locations aren't immune, as electromagnetic waves from lightning can travel through data lines and harm connected devices.

• Water Ingress: Water infiltration is another common issue in outdoor access point installation. Rainwater can severely disrupt a network if moisture enters the connection between the access point and the Ethernet cable. Many access points are not designed to withstand harsh weather, making extra protection necessary to ensure proper operation. Incorrect installation can lead to network failures, especially in mission-critical applications. Additionally, long-term exposure to moisture can degrade both cables and devices.

Comprehensive Guide for Outdoor Access Point Planning and Installation

Now that you're familiar with the challenges of outdoor deployments, it's time to proceed with the next steps.

Assess Coverage Areas and Bandwidth Requirements

The first and most crucial aspect of network design is determining the necessary coverage areas and bandwidth requirements for your outdoor deployment. Start by identifying the areas that need coverage, as not all access points have the same range. Some can cover up to 2000 square feet, while others may only handle around 300 square feet, so selecting the right AP based on your coverage needs is vital. Additionally, accurately assessing your bandwidth needs is essential to maintaining a functional network, as each deployment location has bandwidth limitations. Different devices may require varying amounts of bandwidth, so ensuring sufficient capacity is crucial. Before deploying the access point, determine how many devices will be connected to ensure adequate bandwidth for smooth operation.

Outdoor Access Point Installation Guide

1. Site Environment

• Do not install the equipment in environments with high temperatures, excessive dust, hazardous gases, flammable or explosive materials, susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (such as large radar stations, broadcasting stations, and substations), unstable voltage, high vibration, or strong noise.

• Do not install equipment in places prone to water accumulation, seepage, dripping, and condensation.

• The operating temperature should be from -40°C to +65°C.

• Ensure that both the power input terminal and the power supply terminal are well-earthed.

2. Material Preparation

Before starting the installation, please make sure that you have the following items:

3. The Process of Outdoor Access Point Installation

Wall-Mounting

• Use a marker pen to mark the location of the installation holes on the wall.

• Use an impact drill to drill holes in the wall according to the marked positions.

• Use a hammer to tap the expansion bolts vertically into the hole.

• Fix the bracket on the wall with four M6 screws.

• Fix the host bracket components on the back of the AP with four M5 screws.

• Insert the host bracket components into the bracket and screw it with two M6 screws.

• Power the AP with a PoE switch.

Pole-Mounting

• Fix the bracket on a pole with 2 anchor ears.

• Insert the host bracket components into the bracket and screw it with two M6 screws.

• Thread the Ethernet cable through waterproof joints in sequence.

• Power the AP with a PoE switch.

• Insert the crystal head into the ETH/PoE port and screw up the waterproof joints.

• Connect one end of the grounding cable to the grounding hole through the OT terminal and the other end to a proper ground site.

• Connect the grounding cable to the grounding hole.

4. Check and Debug

• Check if the AP and accessories are installed securely.

• Power it with a PoE switch and observe if it starts up.

• Connect the business port of the AP with an Ethernet cable and configure the IP address of the PC as "192.168.1.x" ("x" is any number from 2 to 254).

• Use a browser or CRT to log in to 192.168.1.1 and check if the device is running normally.

For more information on the installation process of outdoor wireless access points, click on the following video to view：

Conclusion

In conclusion, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your AP is securely installed and well-protected against environmental factors like extreme temperatures, moisture, and electromagnetic interference. With the right tools, materials, and careful attention to site conditions, you can set up your AP to deliver optimal wireless performance for outdoor spaces. If you encounter any installation challenges or need further guidance, feel free to contact FS experts. We're here to help you ensure a smooth and efficient outdoor access point installation.