WAVLINK AX3000 Outdoor WiFi 6 Access Point: features, specs and who it suits

The WAVLINK AX3000 (model 573HP3) is a weatherproof WiFi 6 access point built to be mounted outdoors. It is meant for places where an indoor router's signal fades out: a backyard, a workshop, a farm building or an RV park. Here is what its main specs mean and what to think about before mounting one.

What AX3000 and WiFi 6 mean

"AX3000" is a class label for the combined speed of both radio bands. WAVLINK lists up to 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band and 573Mbps on 2.4GHz. Those are theoretical link rates, and real throughput is typically lower, depending on distance, obstacles and the devices connecting.

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is designed to handle many devices at once. WAVLINK says the unit supports MU-MIMO and beamforming, and up to 256 connected devices. MU-MIMO lets an access point talk to several devices at the same time, and beamforming focuses the signal toward a device instead of spreading it evenly.

Directional antennas and range

The unit has four built-in 12dBi directional antennas: two for 2.4GHz and two for 5GHz. A directional antenna concentrates the signal in one direction, which usually gives more reach that way than an all-round antenna, at the cost of covering less of the area behind and beside it.

WAVLINK rates it for 300 m of directional coverage. It also quotes up to 3 km (1.9 miles) for point-to-point links, but only between paired units and tested in an open field without obstacles. Trees, buildings and hills reduce range considerably, so treat the 3 km figure as a best-case lab-style number from the brand. Aiming matters: the listing advises pointing the unit at the target area and adjusting its angle and direction to get a stronger signal.

Modes: mesh, AP, router and repeater

The access point can be switched between several modes, including Mesh, AP, Router and Repeater, with one-click switching, according to WAVLINK. In access point mode it extends an existing wired network. As a repeater it picks up an existing WiFi signal and rebroadcasts it, which is handy where running a cable is awkward. Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links need paired units.

Power over Ethernet and mounting

The unit is powered over its Ethernet cable (PoE), so one cable can carry both data and power and no outdoor socket is needed. WAVLINK says it supports 802.3af/at active PoE and passive PoE. The PoE converter is not waterproof, so it needs to stay indoors or in a dry enclosure. The brand recommends CAT5E cable or better, with a run of no more than 100 m (328 ft). It can be wall-mounted or pole-mounted.

Weather protection

WAVLINK classes the enclosure as IP67, which means it is dust-tight and can withstand temporary immersion in water. It also lists 15kV ESD protection and 6kV lightning protection, and says the unit keeps working in rain, snow, wind and thunderstorms. Surge protection and proper grounding are still worth planning for any outdoor cable run.

It measures 9.4 x 2.8 x 9.4 inches (about 24 x 7 x 24 cm) and weighs 2.4 lb (about 1.1 kg).

Who it suits

It suits people who need WiFi in an outbuilding, across a yard or along a property, and those linking two buildings with a wireless bridge. It is less relevant for a single-room home where an ordinary router already reaches everywhere.

What to check before you buy

• Line of sight: walls, trees and hills cut range, and the quoted distances assume clear space.
• Cabling: confirm you can run Ethernet cable of CAT5E or better, up to 100 m, to the mounting spot.
• Power source: check your PoE injector or switch matches 802.3af/at, or use the passive PoE option as described in the manual.
• Paired links: long point-to-point distances need two compatible units.
• Mounting: make sure you have a suitable wall or pole location, and keep the PoE converter dry.
• Network setup: check the setup steps for the mode you plan to use.

The short version

• A WiFi 6 outdoor access point rated AX3000, with up to 2402Mbps on 5GHz and 573Mbps on 2.4GHz.
• Four 12dBi directional antennas; 300 m directional coverage, with 3 km point-to-point in open-field tests between paired units.
• Mesh, AP, Router and Repeater modes; up to 256 devices.
• Powered by PoE (802.3af/at or passive), with IP67, 15kV ESD and 6kV lightning protection.
• Wall or pole mounting; 2.4 lb.

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