Outdoor-rated Ethernet to Wi-Fi (without breaking the bank)

[silekonn]

Hello SNB,

The goal:
Is anyone aware of an outdoor-grade ethernet to wi-fi 'adapter,' a low-cost IPX-rated device that connects to existing wi-fi and shares that to an ethernet port?

The problem:
An ethernet-only device was connected via a long category 5e run. The device does not have wi-fi drivers. The cable is now faulty.

Landscape:
Connectivity via existing wi-fi is the intent. An access point is available, a mere 50 feet away. Replacing the device, or access point, are not an option.

Detail:
Locate an ethernet to wi-fi device. Some manufacturers use the term 'bridge' or 'bridge mode.' An example of working products that accomplish the task are Netgear's extender/repeaters, e. g. EX2700, a wall wart with an ethernet port.

Some investigation:
While high hopes Ubiquiti or maybe Microtik(?) would have a product, Ubiquiti users were fairly certain the functionality was killed off a few generations ago and the alternative was purchase $200 mesh routers or a pair of access points. Microtik, for what little they would 'divulge, settled on the functionality being finicky or unstable for single-device, or again requiring a pair. Zyxel may have options (Zyxel NWA55AXE WiFi 6 Lite Access Point at $110 ?).

Any assistance is appreciated. TIA

 

[RobJack]

No idea if this is outdoor rated, but it should be a simple matter to purchase an outdoor ABS plastic box used to protect extension cord connections from the elements. These can be found at at any of the big box DIY stores, such as the big blue, or big orange. Here's a device that gets its power via a USB connection.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09174B9DN/?tag=snbforums-20

 

[Piotrek]

Some manufacturers use the term 'bridge' or 'bridge mode.'

Asus calls it Media Bridge, others Wireless Bridge.
However, I do not know such cheap devices for outdoor installation.
You may need to build your own water and temp shield.

An access point is available, a mere 50 feet away.

It's definitely easier to use a Ethernet cable at a distance of 50 feet.

 

[drinkingbird]

Hello SNB,

The goal:
Is anyone aware of an outdoor-grade ethernet to wi-fi 'adapter,' a low-cost IPX-rated device that connects to existing wi-fi and shares that to an ethernet port?

The problem:
An ethernet-only device was connected via a long category 5e run. The device does not have wi-fi drivers. The cable is now faulty.

Landscape:
Connectivity via existing wi-fi is the intent. An access point is available, a mere 50 feet away. Replacing the device, or access point, are not an option.

Detail:
Locate an ethernet to wi-fi device. Some manufacturers use the term 'bridge' or 'bridge mode.' An example of working products that accomplish the task are Netgear's extender/repeaters, e. g. EX2700, a wall wart with an ethernet port.

Some investigation:
While high hopes Ubiquiti or maybe Microtik(?) would have a product, Ubiquiti users were fairly certain the functionality was killed off a few generations ago and the alternative was purchase $200 mesh routers or a pair of access points. Microtik, for what little they would 'divulge, settled on the functionality being finicky or unstable for single-device, or again requiring a pair. Zyxel may have options (Zyxel NWA55AXE WiFi 6 Lite Access Point at $110 ?).

Any assistance is appreciated. TIA

I have an old Ubiquiti UAP-Outdoor+ (2.4ghz 802.11N) which definitely supports wireless backhaul and has 2 ethernet ports that it bridges in. I would assume the newer (but discontinued and still pretty expensive used) AC version would be the same.

Have a look at this one - looks like you can use a single one to connect to existing wifi:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P4JKQGK/?tag=snbforums-20

5ghz N version is $10 more. The AC version is a bit overkill for what you're looking to do (but looks pretty cool).

TP link has several outdoor APs too, double check the features but most likely many will have bridge or repeater mode with the ethernet port active in the network.