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The EnGenius EOC655 outside bridge options two Wi-Fi 6 radios providing a mixed throughput of two Gbps.
Specification
CPU: Twin-core Qualcomm ARM CPU
RAM: 1GB
Storage: 8GB NAND
Radios: Two 2×2 5GHz Wi-Fi 6, One 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for administration
Wi-fi throughput: Theoretical 2Gbps
Ports: 1Gb Ethernet with PoE, 2.5Gb Ethernet with proprietary PoE
Weight: 1.84 kg
Dimensions: 26.7 cm x 22.7 cm x 8.2 cm
Energy Consumption: 21W most consumption, 15W with one shopper linked
MSRP: $999
The manufacturer-specified vary of 10km is below ultimate situations. In actuality, a dependable hyperlink is achieved at 1km or much less. Its IP67 score delivers dependable operation below harsh outside situations, and with twin GbE ports, it may possibly prolong the attain of a distant location with wired Ethernet to over 100 meters. AES-256 encryption boosts safety, and elective help for FIPS-140-2 compliance ensures dependable and safe communication.
The built-in GPS allows correct gadget location and community mapping, making it important for asset monitoring and seamless community integration.
Internet-based monitoring and administration by means of the unified cloud service and cellular app permit auto-provisioning and large-scale deployments. The EOC655 consumes 21W, making it ultimate for distant areas the place vitality provide is restricted, similar to a photo voltaic farm. A dual-core A53 CPU, supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of eMMC, offers premium options similar to high quality of service and VLAN help.
The EOC655 prices $999 per unit and doesn’t embody an exterior antenna. The identical unit, geared up with two 18dBi antennas, prices $1100 and may cowl as much as 10 km. The EOC655 may be bundled with a good higher antenna, offering as much as 10km of vary at greater throughput for $1300.
EnGenius EOC655: Design
The EnGenius wi-fi bridge ships with one accent field containing the mounting package, Ethernet wires, and a PoE adapter. A metallic ring secures the unit to a outside publish with screws. The white plastic enclosure lacks a warmth dissipator and can develop into heat over time. Two Ethernet connectors hyperlink the field to the community whereas two N-type feminine connectors permit the addition of exterior antennas to spice up the bridge’s vary. The field measures 27 cm x 23 cm x 82 mm and weighs 1.84kg.
Internally, the EOC655 is predicated on a Qualcomm chipset. The processor is a Twin-Core 1GHz ARM CPU supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of flash reminiscence. The 2 Ethernet ports can connect with 2.5 Gb and 1 Gb networks, supporting speeds as little as 10 Mbps. The connectors have a plastic enclosure that surrounds the Ethernet cable, stopping water from coming into the bridge.
The 2 Ethernet ports perform as PoE ports, however they differ barely in operation. The two.5 Gb port helps a proprietary model of PoE that’s appropriate solely with the equipped adapter. The 1Gb port helps the common 48V PoE and may be linked to a normal PoE change. To facilitate set up, the bridge options extra {hardware}, together with a GPS module and Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2-radio structure permits the usage of each inside and exterior antennas. The utmost energy for transmission is ready to 27 dBm, which is greater than that of client merchandise. The C18 mannequin has built-in antennas with good points of three.5 dBi at 2.4 GHz and eight dBi at 5 GHz. The second radio makes use of an N-type connector for the 5 GHz band. The bottom model of the bridge drops the 5GHz inside antenna, leading to each radios working by means of N-type connectors.
EnGenius EOC655: In Use
At the very least two models are wanted to start out the setup. A base unit connects to the wired community that wants extension. A second EOC655 is a subscriber and associates with the bottom over Wi-Fi 6. There isn’t a visible indicator to indicate if issues are working nicely. If a PoE change is out there, connecting the bottom unit will probably happen by means of the 1G port, because the quicker 2.5G port is just appropriate with the proprietary energy provide.
The setup is completely accomplished by means of the Engenius SkyConnect cellular app, accessible on Android and iOS. It’s irritating that an extra app is required for this course of, as Engenius’s different merchandise, together with entry factors, make the most of the extra acquainted Cloud-To-Go platform. As soon as powered, the bottom unit emits a administration SSID and waits for distant models to answer. The EOC655 helps as much as 16 subscriber stations, working in a star configuration. As such, including stations received’t essentially improve the community’s vary.
Integrating a GPS module and a devoted 2.4 GHz radio for administration simplifies the set up course of. The GPS offers real-time unit location and an correct time supply for the embedded NTP server. The two.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth channels forestall downtime throughout Wi-Fi 6 radios configuration and firmware updates. Lastly, a built-in compass offers extra assist when no GPS sign is current.
EnGenius EOC655: Competitors
The EOC655 bridge is an progressive product that mixes varied applied sciences, together with Bluetooth and GPS, below a single roof. For that reason, it’s difficult to discover a appropriate competitor.
The Zyxel WAX655E provides many options just like these of the EnGenius, and it’s quicker, boasting a 4×4 radio structure. The WAX655E lacks the comfort supplied by the GPS module, making set up harder. The Zyxel product doesn’t have a second Ethernet port, which prevents the community from being prolonged additional with out an Ethernet change.
EnGenius EOC655: Closing Verdict
The EOC655 meets the necessities when long-range Wi-Fi is required. It isn’t a router or an access point; it’s fairly ineffective by itself. It shines when two or extra are utilized in a mesh configuration to increase the attain past one kilometer. And it does it nicely. The set up is clean, because of options similar to geolocation through GPS and setup through Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The throughput isn’t the most effective, however it will likely be dependable over bigger distances.
We appreciated that you could possibly set up exterior antennas, which provide higher acquire than embedded ones. Nevertheless, the shortage of visible cues on the unit makes working with the cellular app a necessity.
Purchase the EOC655 if you wish to prolong the attain of your community with out sacrificing reliability.
Don’t purchase the EOC655 if you need the most effective throughput accessible.