NEWFAST 1200Mbps Outdoor Wireless Access Point, Dual-Band WiFi, IP66, 4 Modes

Getting the most from it

For a courtyard, lawn or outdoor seating area where the indoor WiFi signal does not reach reliably, this NEWFAST access point is designed to bring a wireless connection outdoors. Its IP66 weatherproof rating and four operating modes make it more suited to a fixed outdoor network setup than a basic indoor extender placed near a window.

It supports dual-band WiFi and can also be configured as a router, repeater or bridge. The listing gives a maximum rate of 867Mbps on 5GHz and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz, actual coverage and speeds at your chosen location are not specified.

Benefits

The four modes provide some flexibility when adding the unit to an existing network. Use access point mode to provide WiFi from a wired connection, repeater mode to relay a wireless signal, or bridge mode to connect network equipment across a wireless link. Router mode is also available. The right choice depends on how your current network is set up, so it is worth identifying the intended mode before installation.

For a practical example, a security camera or computer in an outdoor area could connect over WiFi, while the access point is positioned to serve that space. The product also lists gaming consoles as compatible devices. NEWFAST states support for up to 76 connected devices, although that figure is not a guarantee of a particular speed when many devices are active at once.

Power can be supplied using active or passive PoE, with support for 100m stated in the listing, a PoE converter adapter is included. This can suit installations where running a separate power connection to the access point is inconvenient. The package also includes two 5dBi antennas and a quick guide. A UK plug is specified, so check that the supplied power arrangement suits your installation in Ireland.

It makes sense if you need an outdoor-rated unit with more than one network mode, rather than a simple indoor repeater. The IP66 rating is the clearest reason to consider it for an exposed outdoor location. Not the best choice if you need a stated coverage distance before positioning it: the supplied details do not give one, and the advertised wireless rates should not be treated as guaranteed real-world speeds.

Key specifications

• Brand: NEWFAST
• Type: Outdoor wireless access point
• Wireless standard: 802.11ac, also lists 802.11a/b/g/n
• Advertised wireless rates: 867Mbps at 5GHz, 300Mbps at 2.4GHz
• Modes: AP, router, repeater and bridge
• Weather protection: IP66
• WAN/LAN ports: 3 x 1000Mbps
• PoE: Active and passive, support for 100m stated
• Listed device capacity: Up to 76 devices
• Compatible devices: Gaming console, personal computer and security camera
• What’s included: Access point, PoE converter adapter, quick guide and two 5dBi antennas
• Plug: UK

Is it worth it?

This is a purpose-built option for extending network access into an outdoor space, with weather protection, PoE support and several ways to fit it into a network. Those features are more relevant here than choosing a standard indoor extender and hoping it works through exterior walls. The trade-off is that the product details do not state a coverage range, so placement will matter and the listed maximum rates alone cannot tell you how well it will serve a particular garden or courtyard. Choose it when outdoor use and flexible network modes are the priority, for an indoor-only setup, a simpler access point may be all you need.