ᐅ Outdoor WiFi Access Point – Where and How to Install the UniFi FlexHD?
Created on: 13 Apr 2021 15:49
B
BananaJoe
Hello everyone,
I have another question regarding the installation of an access point, this time for the garden. Since we don’t have an eave, the access point would be fully exposed to sun, wind, and weather—but according to the Unifi FlexHD datasheet, that shouldn’t be a problem (-30 to +70 degrees Celsius (–22 to +158 degrees Fahrenheit)), right?
Would the gable be a suitable mounting location? Or would it be better a bit lower, for example, centered between the two upper floor windows? And what is the best way to run the cable outside? If I run the cable through the wall to the outside, would I still be able to attach an RJ45 connector? I’ve seen that cable suppliers offer RJ45 connectors for Cat 7 cable, but I haven’t found any without strain relief (which UniFi recommends for outdoor installation). So I was wondering if it would make sense to install a keystone jack inside and then run a patch cable through the wall?
If there is an even better or simpler option, I’m open to all suggestions!
Thank you very much!
I have another question regarding the installation of an access point, this time for the garden. Since we don’t have an eave, the access point would be fully exposed to sun, wind, and weather—but according to the Unifi FlexHD datasheet, that shouldn’t be a problem (-30 to +70 degrees Celsius (–22 to +158 degrees Fahrenheit)), right?
Would the gable be a suitable mounting location? Or would it be better a bit lower, for example, centered between the two upper floor windows? And what is the best way to run the cable outside? If I run the cable through the wall to the outside, would I still be able to attach an RJ45 connector? I’ve seen that cable suppliers offer RJ45 connectors for Cat 7 cable, but I haven’t found any without strain relief (which UniFi recommends for outdoor installation). So I was wondering if it would make sense to install a keystone jack inside and then run a patch cable through the wall?
If there is an even better or simpler option, I’m open to all suggestions!
Thank you very much!
rick2018 schrieb:
Among other things, we also installed Flex HDs outside. They work great.
In terms of height, I would recommend placing it at the ceiling between the ground floor and the first floor.
Run the cable through the wall, then use a keystone jack plus a patch cable.
Wrap the keystone with insulating tape or heat shrink tubing.
Depending on the wall/facade construction, hide everything inside a junction box. The access point can then be mounted on the cover.
Using a flat patch cable makes the installation easier.
The Flex HD has a very small bracket (with two small screws). The patch cable goes through the bracket, and the access point is then snapped on. It can be a bit tricky with a patch cable that has strain relief... @rick2018
May I pick this up again, please? I’ve had a FlexHD lying around for some time now. On the terrace, at about 2.50m (8 feet) height, I have a cable coming out of the facade. I’ve ordered a keystone module, heat shrink tubing, and a short, flat CAT cable. I’d like to install everything on the wall as neatly as possible. I’ll have to accept having a piece of fairly rigid cable plus patch cable on the wall, though. I’m not really happy about that.
I’ve been looking for a suitable, stable, and not too ugly surface-mounted junction box to hide the cable and keystone module in. Ideally, it would fit over the wall outlet for the cable. That way, I could screw the Flex onto the box and only have the patch cable visible going from the box to the Flex.
Have you come across anything useful for this? Or anyone else here?
rick2018 schrieb:
@Tarnari I can’t really help you with that. I haven’t had such problems with my ventilated facade. But several camera manufacturers do offer such mounting boxes.
Depending on the wall structure, you might be able to install the box and then paint or plaster over it. The wall is made only of stone and plaster. It will probably be difficult to install anything.
But the tip about the cameras is good. Strangely, I hadn’t even thought of that, even though we have similar devices on our facade ourselves. Thanks 🙂
By the way, we are now installing two FlexHD units outdoors on a pipe attached in parallel to the antenna mast, which extends beyond the dish. This will also cover the seating areas at the front of the property. Close to the house (in the radio shadow of the roof and balcony), the terrace is served by a UAP Pro from inside the house.
I will probably be able to hide the installation cable and patch cable waterproof inside this pipe (under a cap). Nevertheless, I ordered 1 meter (3 feet) of Cellpack heat shrink tubing with adhesive to connect the Keystone module and patch cable waterproof. I don’t want to have to climb onto the roof regularly 😀
There is still space on the (adjustable) pipe for a weather station, which might be installed next year.
I will probably be able to hide the installation cable and patch cable waterproof inside this pipe (under a cap). Nevertheless, I ordered 1 meter (3 feet) of Cellpack heat shrink tubing with adhesive to connect the Keystone module and patch cable waterproof. I don’t want to have to climb onto the roof regularly 😀
There is still space on the (adjustable) pipe for a weather station, which might be installed next year.
Umm, our plot isn’t very large 😉 So “far” was the wrong term. The straight-line distance (literally) is 20m (65 feet). That should still work fine with 5GHz, right? Hopefully, I can report back by the end of August. As a backup plan, we could later install outdoor access points at the parking spots. Those would be only 10m (33 feet) from the terrace.
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