WAVLINK WN573HX3 AX3000 Outdoor WiFi 6 Access Point: specs and who it suits

The WAVLINK WN573HX3 is a weatherproof WiFi 6 access point and range extender designed to be mounted outdoors. It carries a home or farm network out to places the indoor router can't reach, such as a yard, workshop, campsite or RV pitch, and it can be powered through the same Ethernet cable that carries the data.

What AX3000 means

AX3000 is a combined speed label. WAVLINK gives the maximum rates as 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 573 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, across two bands at once. These are theoretical link rates; real-world throughput is lower and depends on distance, walls, interference and the devices connecting. The 5 GHz band is faster over a shorter distance, while 2.4 GHz travels farther and passes through obstacles better.

Range and antennas

The unit has four detachable 8dBi omni-directional fibreglass antennas plus two built-in high-power amplifiers. WAVLINK says this gives coverage of 200 to 300 metres in radius. Omni-directional antennas spread signal in a flat circle around the unit, so mounting height and a clear line of sight matter greatly. The brand's text mentions both 128 connections and 256 devices, so check the manual for the figure that applies. One gigabit Ethernet port connects it to the network.

Built for weather

WAVLINK lists an IP67 enclosure, 15kV ESD protection and 6kV lightning protection, and says it works in rain, snow, wind and thunderstorms. The stated operating range is -20 to 50 °C (-4 to 122 °F) with 10 to 90% non-condensing humidity. IP67 normally means dust-tight and able to survive temporary immersion, but the cable entries and connectors still need to be sealed properly. The PoE converter is not waterproof, so it belongs indoors or in a sheltered box.

Power over Ethernet

The access point accepts 802.3af/at active PoE as well as passive PoE. In practice this means a single Ethernet cable can supply both data and power, which is useful where no outlet exists. WAVLINK recommends CAT5E or better cable and a run no longer than 100 m (328 ft).

Operating modes and wireless features

It can run in Mesh, AP, Router, Repeater and AP+Repeater modes. As an access point, it turns a wired connection into wireless coverage. In mesh mode, devices see one network name and password. WAVLINK also lists seamless roaming, band steering, MU-MIMO and beamforming, and security with WPA2-PSK and WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode. It is stated to work with Starlink, routers, modems and other extenders.

Who it suits

It suits rural properties, outbuildings, RV parks, campsites and large yards where an indoor router's signal fades. It also fits anyone who already has a cable run to an outbuilding. WAVLINK offers phone and email support and says it aims to reply within eight hours.

What to check before you buy

• Power source: confirm your PoE injector or switch supports the standard you need, and plan a sheltered spot for the converter.
• Cable run: stay within 100 m and use CAT5E or better.
• Mounting: check the mounting hardware, height and clear line of sight.
• Your network: decide whether it will act as access point, repeater or mesh node, and check compatibility with your router.
• Client devices: older gear may only use 2.4 GHz and will not see the faster speeds.
• Rules: follow the manual on grounding and any local regulations for outdoor transmitters.

The short version

• Outdoor WiFi 6 access point and extender, AX3000 (2402 + 573 Mbps maximums).
• Four 8dBi detachable antennas; WAVLINK cites 200 to 300 m radius.
• IP67 enclosure, ESD and lightning protection, -20 to 50 °C operation.
• 802.3af/at and passive PoE; cable up to 100 m.
• Mesh, AP, Router, Repeater and AP+Repeater modes; WPA3-capable.

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