Many people complain of poor coverage and weak signal strength when trying to connect to the Internet in remote or rural areas. This problem is greatly reduced with the advent of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) devices. These are a game-changer when it comes to creating seamless outdoor wireless connectivity. You can extend network coverage and ensure reliable internet access even in challenging environments. It can often be confusing how to choose the appropriate outdoor CPE device as this decision has a direct correlation with performance and stability. Read on as we take a closer look at the key features when selecting outdoor CPE devices.
1. Weather Resistance and Durability
The outdoor CPE device is going to be installed outside so different weather conditions such as rain, snow, heat and humidity will have a direct impact on your device. Manufacturers are well aware of the varying weather conditions and construct a device that is weatherproof. But as a buyer you must look for weatherproof enclosure (IP rating) as this feature ensures that the device is rated for outdoor use. Moreover talk to an expert and seek out outdoor CPE that is built with durable materials. Rest assured, it will not falter in performance while exposed to outdoor environments.2. Wireless Standards and Frequencies
The best rated outdoor CPE devices support one or all of the following wireless standards and frequencies – 802.11ac, 802.11n for extended connectivity. Given your specific needs i.e. interference and distance requirements you must look for a device that operates on frequencies such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.3. Antenna Gain and Configuration
CPE devices come with either an adjustable or detachable antennas which serve to fine-tune based on environmental factors. The higher the antenna gain, the longer the range and more reliable connection.4. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support
The Horizon Powered outdoor CPE installation requires Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability to reduce laying down a huge network of wires. The right device must support PoE standards (e.g., 802.3af/at) for both data transmission and power supply over a single Ethernet cable.5. Signal Strength and Sensitivity
If you are looking to install the CPE device in a remote location, the signal strength would matter a lot. Depending on how long the coverage will be, the device must be able to maintain stable connections especially in areas where there is a greater chance of obstacles and interference.6. Mounting Options and Flexibility
This is perhaps one of the most important features when buying an outdoor CPE device. The device must come with a mounting kit and brackets so that it can be easily installed on poles, walls. You will need to fine-tune the antenna for optimized signal coverage so an adjustable mounting hardware will help in this regard.7. Management and Monitoring Features
As the device will be installed in an outdoor location and will be the focal point of connectivity for manufacturing plants, stadiums, hospitals etc. The device that features -friendly management interfaces will be easy to configure, monitor and troubleshoot from a centralized location.8. Security Features
Security is an integral part of any wireless network. When it is deployed outdoors, it becomes even more important. The right CPE device must support modern encryption standards (e.g., WPA2/WPA3) and features like MAC address filtering, firewall capabilities, and VPN pass-through to safeguard data transmission and network integrity.9. Power Consumption and Efficiency
Some devices consume too much power and can turn out to be a financial burden. Before buying the outdoor CPE device, read the specifications and check how much voltage it will require to operate. Companies that are looking to stay energy efficient will have to ensure they will remain environmentally sustainable.Conclusion
These features will help you choose a robust and resilient CPE device that is reliable in the long-term and is easy to deploy given the varying weather conditions.
