Is it possible to use two NWA55AXE outdoor access points as a wireless bridge.

LukeArchbold

Hi all,

We have a client who is trying to install solar panels at his premises.

The internet connection is in the primary building the building where the panels will be mounted is about 45 meters away.

The solar controller needs an internet connection we were wondering if it is possible to use two of the NWA55AXE outdoor WAPs to create a wireless bridge between the two buildings.

Would they require direct LOS?

has anyone attempted this kind of setup before and did it work out well if so.

Zyxel_Tina

Hi @LukeArchbold,

Yes, it is possible to use two NWA55AXE outdoor access points to create a wireless bridge over 45 meters. The NWA55AXE supports this functionality through Nebula Smart Mesh or Wireless Distribution System (WDS) in standalone mode.

For a 45-meter distance, direct LOS between the two APs is highly recommended for optimal and stable performance. Obstructions like trees can significantly degrade signal strength. A signal strength of at least -65 dBm is recommended for a good connection.

Here’s how you can set it up:

Using Nebula Smart Mesh (Cloud-Managed):

1. Ensure both NWA55AXE devices are added to the same Nebula site and have the latest firmware.
2. Before installing the APs outdoors, please first connect both APs to your main network. This step is to allow them to synchronize the latest settings and complete the necessary "preparation" for establishing the wireless bridge.
3. In Nebula, go to Configure > Access points > AP & port settings > General setting and enable "Smart mesh."
4. On each NWA55AXE's AP information page (Device > Access points), enable "Wireless bridge."
5. Once configured and updated, you can move the Repeater AP to its desired wireless location. It will automatically establish a mesh link.
6. The Repeater AP's LAN port will provide the internet connection for your solar controller.

Using WDS (Standalone Mode):

1. Designate one NWA55AXE as the "Root AP" and the other as the "Repeater AP."
2. Connect both APs to a switch and assign them static IP addresses.
3. Create a WDS Profile on both APs under CONFIGURATION > Object > WDS Profile > WDS. The WDS SSID and Pre-Shared Key must be identical.
4. On the Root AP, go to CONFIGURATION > Wireless > AP Management > WLAN Setting, set "Radio 1 OP Mode" to "Root AP," and select your WDS profile.
5. On the Repeater AP, set "Radio 1 OP Mode" to "Repeater," and select the same WDS profile.
6. After initial setup, remove the Ethernet cable from the Repeater AP and place it at the solar panel building.

For detailed information on the two setup approaches mentioned above, please refer to the following articles:

• [Nebula] How to extend wireless coverage by configure smart mesh? — Zyxel Community
• Establishing a Reliable WDS Connection on Standalone APs — Zyxel Community

Zyxel_Tina

Hi @LukeArchbold,

Yes, it is possible to use two NWA55AXE outdoor access points to create a wireless bridge over 45 meters. The NWA55AXE supports this functionality through Nebula Smart Mesh or Wireless Distribution System (WDS) in standalone mode.

For a 45-meter distance, direct LOS between the two APs is highly recommended for optimal and stable performance. Obstructions like trees can significantly degrade signal strength. A signal strength of at least -65 dBm is recommended for a good connection.

Here’s how you can set it up:

Using Nebula Smart Mesh (Cloud-Managed):

1. Ensure both NWA55AXE devices are added to the same Nebula site and have the latest firmware.
2. Before installing the APs outdoors, please first connect both APs to your main network. This step is to allow them to synchronize the latest settings and complete the necessary "preparation" for establishing the wireless bridge.
3. In Nebula, go to Configure > Access points > AP & port settings > General setting and enable "Smart mesh."
4. On each NWA55AXE's AP information page (Device > Access points), enable "Wireless bridge."
5. Once configured and updated, you can move the Repeater AP to its desired wireless location. It will automatically establish a mesh link.
6. The Repeater AP's LAN port will provide the internet connection for your solar controller.

Using WDS (Standalone Mode):

1. Designate one NWA55AXE as the "Root AP" and the other as the "Repeater AP."
2. Connect both APs to a switch and assign them static IP addresses.
3. Create a WDS Profile on both APs under CONFIGURATION > Object > WDS Profile > WDS. The WDS SSID and Pre-Shared Key must be identical.
4. On the Root AP, go to CONFIGURATION > Wireless > AP Management > WLAN Setting, set "Radio 1 OP Mode" to "Root AP," and select your WDS profile.
5. On the Repeater AP, set "Radio 1 OP Mode" to "Repeater," and select the same WDS profile.
6. After initial setup, remove the Ethernet cable from the Repeater AP and place it at the solar panel building.

For detailed information on the two setup approaches mentioned above, please refer to the following articles:

• [Nebula] How to extend wireless coverage by configure smart mesh? — Zyxel Community
• Establishing a Reliable WDS Connection on Standalone APs — Zyxel Community