Buying guides
Planning an outdoor wireless link: a practical checklist
What to survey and confirm before buying outdoor CPE or point-to-point wireless equipment.
Outdoor wireless equipment is only part of a reliable link. The installation, line of sight, power and network design matter just as much as the radio specification.
Start with a physical survey
Confirm clear line of sight between the proposed mounting points. Trees, buildings and future construction can obstruct a link. Consider mounting height, access for installation, lightning exposure and cable routes.
Record the distance and environment
Document the approximate distance, the fresnel zone clearance and the local interference environment. A manufacturer’s advertised range is not a guarantee for your site.
Match the radio and antenna
Check frequency band, antenna gain and pattern, radio standard and Ethernet/PoE requirements. Directional links and coverage links have different design goals. Do not assume that a higher gain antenna is always better.
Plan power and protection
Confirm the PoE standard, injector or switch requirements, surge protection and grounding approach. Outdoor installations should follow local electrical safety practice and manufacturer guidance.
Design the network end-to-end
Check that the router, switch and mounting hardware can support the link. Plan IP addressing, management access, firmware updates and monitoring before deployment.
Buy the verified model
Models and revisions change. Confirm the exact part number and datasheet. Browse outdoor CPE or point-to-point antennas, or send your site details through the quotation form.