
Outdoor access point (AP) What is an outdoor access point (AP)?
Outdoor access points (APs) are networking devices that provide wireless local area network (WLAN) connectivity in a form factor that protects against challenging environmental conditions—from outdoor public venues to oil rigs. Outdoor APs offer weatherproof and temperature ratings for challenging environments, with some models supporting Hazardous Locations certifications. Advanced models may also provide Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Zigbee wireless connectivity for support of IoT devices.

- Outdoor access points explained
- What are key components of outdoor access points?
- What is the IEEE 802.11 standard for outdoor wireless access points?
- Benefits of outdoor access points
Outdoor access points explained
Wi‑Fi access points provide network access connectivity using radio technology rather than wired network cabling. This eliminates the cost and complexity of installing dedicated wired network cabling to users and devices and allows users and devices to remain wirelessly connected when mobile. To address the ubiquitous need for wireless connectivity, APs have been designed to provide Wi‑Fi for users and IoT devices across a range of environments and locations: indoors, remote, outdoors, and hazardous environments. Advances in Wi‑Fi standards (802.11) have evolved to address the growth in mobility and IoT, bandwidth demands of applications, and business requirements for high-performance, always-on, and secure wireless.
Outdoor access points support higher power levels, have purpose-built antennas, and rely on dedicated radios to connect client and IoT devices over a WLAN to provide full coverage in any weather. Most also include radios to support IoT, including low- or high-powered Bluetooth and Zigbee. Unlike indoor access points, they are waterproof and temperature hardened to better support challenging industrial IoT and manufacturing environments.
Outdoor access point use cases
Application | Challenges solved |
---|---|
Manufacturing | Electrical noise, emissions, and immunity |
Power substation | Specialized communication networks |
Transportation | Shock, vibration, power interruptions |
Traffic control system | Specialized traffic control networks |
Refrigerated warehouse | Low temperature, humidity |
Smart city | High and low temperatures and humidity |
Ships | Small mounting footprints, power surges |
Video surveillance | Camera power (PoE), wide temperature operation |
Agriculture | Voltage dips and ripples, remote management |
Campus | Transition between indoor and outdoor spaces |