WAVLINK N300 Outdoor Access Point: features, specs and who it suits

The WAVLINK N300 is a weatherproof wireless access point built to be mounted outdoors. It carries a Wi-Fi signal to places a normal indoor router can't reach well, such as a garage, barn, workshop or yard. It is powered over the Ethernet cable, so it can be installed where there is no power outlet nearby.

What N300 and 64 devices mean

N300 is a Wi-Fi 4 class label, with a top speed of up to 300 Mbps according to WAVLINK. That is a theoretical wireless link rate. Real throughput is usually lower and is shared between everyone connected. WAVLINK says the unit supports up to 64 devices, which suits cameras, phones and a handful of laptops better than heavy streaming by many people at once.

Directional antennas

The unit has two embedded 11 dBi directional MIMO antennas. A directional antenna focuses signal into a narrower beam instead of spreading it in every direction, which typically gives longer reach along the chosen line but weaker coverage behind and to the sides. WAVLINK contrasts this with omnidirectional antennas. In practice that means you aim the panel at the area you want to cover or at a second unit.

Range

WAVLINK states a maximum wireless distance of 5,000 ft (1.5 km) in point-to-point (PtP) or point-to-multipoint (PtMP) setups, measured in an obstacle-free environment. Trees, walls and buildings reduce that, which is why it advises keeping obstructions to a minimum.

Operating modes

The product offers AP, router and repeater modes. As an access point it adds Wi-Fi to an existing wired network. As a repeater it extends a signal it picks up. As a router it can share a connection on its own. The right mode depends on whether a cable already runs to the spot.

Weather protection

The housing has an IP65 protection class, meaning it is dust-tight and protected against water jets. WAVLINK lists an operating range of -22°F to 158°F (about -30°C to 70°C), plus lightning protection of 15 kV ESD and 4 kV. These features help it cope with outdoor conditions, though correct grounding and sealing of cable entries still matter.

Passive PoE power

The unit uses 24V passive Power over Ethernet. One cable carries both data and power, so only the PoE injector end needs an outlet. Passive PoE isn't the same as the 802.3af/at standard, so it should be used with the matching injector rather than a standard PoE switch unless the manual says otherwise.

Who it suits

It suits people extending a network to outbuildings, linking two buildings across a yard, or covering an outdoor area, as well as small camera setups.

What to check before you buy

• Line of sight: for longer links, check the path between the two points.
• Power: confirm you have the right 24V passive PoE injector and how long the Ethernet run is.
• Wi-Fi band: N300 is a single-band, lower-speed standard, so check it meets the speeds you need.
• Mounting: check the bracket, pole or wall fixing, and plan the antenna direction.
• What's in the box: check which injector and fittings come with it.
• Local rules: radio power and outdoor installation rules vary by region.

The short version

• Outdoor N300 access point with AP, router and repeater modes.
• Two 11 dBi directional antennas; up to 5,000 ft in clear conditions, per WAVLINK.
• IP65 housing, -22°F to 158°F range and lightning protection.
• Powered by 24V passive PoE over one Ethernet cable.
• Supports up to 64 devices at up to 300 Mbps.

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