Question:

What are some alternatives to Unifi Rocket AC + Omnidirectional antenna for providing outdoor WiFi to regular users?

I am looking for a radio and antenna combination that can offer WiFi coverage for a large outdoor area (about an acre) for guests. I have previously used Unifi Rocket M2 + Omnidirectional antenna, but I found out that Unifi Rocket AC does not support regular WiFi users (AirMax cannot be disabled). I need a solution that is compatible with standard WiFi protocols and devices. What are some reliable and affordable options that I can consider? How can I search for them online?

Answer:

If you are looking for a way to provide WiFi coverage for a large outdoor area, such as a park, a campground, or a farm, you might have considered using Unifi Rocket AC + Omnidirectional antenna. This is a popular combination of a radio and an antenna that can deliver high-performance wireless networking over long distances. However, there is a catch: Unifi Rocket AC only works with AirMax devices, which are proprietary to Unifi and not compatible with standard WiFi protocols and devices. This means that regular WiFi users, such as guests with smartphones, laptops, or tablets, cannot connect to the network created by Unifi Rocket AC. This can be a major drawback if you want to offer WiFi access to a wide range of users and devices.

Fortunately, there are some alternatives to Unifi Rocket AC + Omnidirectional antenna that can provide outdoor WiFi to regular users. These alternatives are based on different technologies and brands, but they share some common features: they support standard WiFi protocols (such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax), they have high-gain omnidirectional antennas that can cover a large area, and they are weatherproof and durable. Here are some examples of these alternatives:

• TP-Link CPE610 + TL-ANT2415D: TP-Link CPE610 is a 5GHz 300Mbps outdoor wireless access point that supports 802.11n WiFi protocol. It has a built-in 23dBi directional antenna that can provide long-range wireless transmission. TL-ANT2415D is a 2.4GHz 15dBi outdoor omnidirectional antenna that can be connected to the CPE610 via a coaxial cable. This combination can create a dual-band WiFi network that can cover up to 1.86 miles (3 km) in radius. The CPE610 and the TL-ANT2415D are both designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments and have IP65-rated protection. The total cost of this combination is about $150.
• MikroTik BaseBox 5 + mANT 15s: MikroTik BaseBox 5 is a 5GHz wireless device that supports 802.11ac WiFi protocol. It has a miniPCI-e slot that can accommodate various wireless cards. mANT 15s is a 5GHz 120-degree 15dBi sector antenna that can be attached to the BaseBox 5. This combination can create a high-speed WiFi network that can cover up to 0.62 miles (1 km) in radius. The BaseBox 5 and the mANT 15s are both made of metal and have IP66-rated protection. The total cost of this combination is about $200.
• EnGenius ENH1350EXT + EAG-2408: EnGenius ENH1350EXT is a dual-band wireless access point that supports 802.11ax WiFi protocol. It has two detachable RP-SMA connectors that can connect to external antennas. EAG-2408 is a 2.4GHz 8dBi outdoor omnidirectional antenna that can be connected to the ENH1350EXT. This combination can create a WiFi 6 network that can cover up to 0.31 miles (0.5 km) in radius. The ENH1350EXT and the EAG-2408 are both weatherproof and have IP55-rated protection. The total cost of this combination is about $250.

These

are just some of the possible alternatives to Unifi Rocket AC + Omnidirectional antenna for providing outdoor WiFi to regular users. There are many other options available in the market, depending on your budget, preferences, and requirements. To search for them online, you can use keywords such as “outdoor WiFi access point”, “outdoor WiFi antenna”, “omnidirectional WiFi antenna”, or “long-range WiFi”. You can also compare the specifications, features, reviews, and prices of different products on websites such as Amazon, Newegg, or eBay. You can also consult with experts or professionals who have experience in installing and configuring outdoor WiFi networks. By doing some research and planning, you can find the best solution for your outdoor WiFi needs.