EnGenius Unveils its First Wi-Fi 6 Outdoor Point-to-Point Client Bridge

[TheLostSwede]

EnGenius Technologies Inc., a leading provider of networking solutions for any sized businesses, today announced the launch of the ENH500-AX, a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 5 GHz 2x2 outdoor wireless point to point client bridge. This innovative new product takes advantage of the latest Wi-Fi technology to deliver high-density transmissions between buildings and large outdoor properties without needing the complexity or costs of fiber cables. The EnGenius Wi-Fi 6 outdoor bridge boasts Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and features that significantly improve throughput, efficiency, and accommodates 8k ultra-HD video and heavy multi-application traffic with extended bandwidth over greater distances.

The ENH500-AX "invisible wire" bridge comes with Qualcomm Quad-Core ARM Cortex A53s @ 2.0 GHz CPU and is a game-changer for businesses looking to connect multiple buildings or extend their networks to outdoor spaces without the expense of running fiber cables. Designed for peak performance in harsh climates, EnGenius Fit Wi-Fi 6 outdoor access points feature IP55-rated waterproof and dustproof enclosures ensuring they can withstand harsh outdoor environments.




The ENH500-AX bridge offers high 26 dBm output power and utilizes beamforming technology to optimize client antenna signal, reception, and reliability, while it can achieve longer ranges when paired with another Wi-Fi 6 bridge in a point-point/multi-point deployment. It comes equipped with high-gain 16 dBi directional antennas that emit a narrow signal beam to limit interference and ensure stable connectivity, high bandwidth, and speeds of up to 1200 Mbps for up to 5 miles.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Wi-Fi 6 technology for high-performance and efficient Wi-Fi in outdoor environments
• Beamforming optimizes antenna signal, reception, and reliability for clients
• 2x2 directional antennas to support up to 1,200 Mbps in 5 GHz
• High transmit power extends Wi-Fi to yard or building-to-building
• High gain integrated directional antenna extends wireless networks up to 5 miles point-to-point
• IP55-rated weatherproof & dustproof housing
• Simple, intuitive interface via EnWiFi app for local AP configuring & monitoring
• Flexible operation modes: access point, WDS access point, WDS station
• Remotely & centrally manage via EnGenius Private Cloud software
• Gigabit Ethernet PoE port supports flexible power options

"We are excited to introduce this cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology to the market and offer our customers a reliable and cost-effective solution for easily expanding their wireless networks," said Eddie Lee, Product Line Manager at EnGenius Technologies. The ENH500-AX is now shipping and available to order.

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[Chrispy_]

I've installed a few wireless bridges and been on site for longer-range laser links.

I can say with certainty that these don't look like they're rugged enough for outdoors - I'm not even convinced they're waterproof enough from the product images. Aren't semi-waterproof phones rated IP68 or similar?

 

[TheLostSwede]

I've installed a few wireless bridges and been on site for longer-range laser links.

I can say with certainty that these don't look like they're rugged enough for outdoors - I'm not even convinced they're waterproof enough from the product images. Aren't semi-waterproof phones rated IP68 or similar?

It's IP55 rated, which means it's dust protected and should cope with normal rain etc. as the 5 for wwater protection is water jets, so it should be possible to hose it down without any risk of ingress of water.
IP68 means dust tight, where the device is tested in vacuum apparently and the 8 is for immersion, which makes sense for a phone, but not an AP.

 

[Chrispy_]

It's IP55 rated, which means it's dust protected and should cope with normal rain etc. as the 5 for wwater protection is water jets, so it should be possible to hose it down without any risk of ingress of water.
IP68 means dust tight, where the device is tested in vacuum apparently and the 8 is for immersion, which makes sense for a phone, but not an AP.

Ah okay. The hardware I'm used to seeing for installs like those described and pictured are always gasket-sealed, that's all. To me, this looks like rugged indoor equipment.

 

[trsttte]

Ah okay. The hardware I'm used to seeing for installs like those described and pictured are always gasket-sealed, that's all. To me, this looks like rugged indoor equipment.

There's a cover for the ports that's not very noticeable. Unlikely anywhere close to a gasket sealing (or simple rubber o-ring) but good enough for common rain.

 

[Chrispy_]

There's a cover for the ports that's not very noticeable. Unlikely anywhere close to a gasket sealing (or simple rubber o-ring) but good enough for common rain.

Yeah, I saw that. Lack of gasket and unsealed holes for the 2nd ethernet cable means that condensation and corrosion are 100% guaranteed to happen outside.

Those steel ethernet port plates will rust, the reset hole likely means that insects can get in and/or condensation will form on the exposed PCB inside.

My best guess is that a fair percentage of these will fail outdoors within the warranty period, unless the internal PCB is spray-treated with an insulating polymer coat to prevent condensation corroding or shorting the PCB components.