Introduction to the Ruijie RG‑EST100‑E and its key features
Ruijie RG‑EST100‑E — Outdoor 2.4 GHz 2×2 PTP Bridge (pre‑paired kit)is a compact, weatherproof point‑to‑point wireless bridge designed for fast deployment of short‑range data links and CCTV connectivity. Supplied as a pre‑paired two‑unit kit, the RG‑EST100‑E offers up to 300 Mbps PHY throughput on the 2.4 GHz band using a single‑radio 2×2 MIMO design. Its rugged IP55 enclosure, integrated directional 8 dBi antennas, and support for basic PoE/12 V output make it an attractive option for installers and systems integrators seeking a straightforward, reliable link between two outdoor locations.
- Pre‑paired 2‑unit kit for quick, out‑of‑the‑box deployment.
- 2.4 GHz single‑band (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) using 2×2 dual‑stream MIMO up to 300 Mbps.
- Directional 8 dBi antennas (~70° beam) with adjustable transmit power up to 20 dBm.
- Rugged weatherproof design (IP55) and wide operating temperature range (−30°C to +60°C).
- Management via Ruijie Cloud, Eweb or MACC; WDS one‑click bridging and standard security (WPA/WPA2 or bridging keys).
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the RG‑EST100‑E begins with its core specifications and how each contributes to reliable outdoor bridging for CCTV and low‑latency data backhaul applications. Below we break down the main specification areas and explain the tangible benefits for installation and operation.
- Radio / standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.400–2.483 GHz). The established 2.4 GHz band provides robust propagation characteristics—better through foliage and non‑line‑of‑sight conditions—than many higher‑frequency alternatives.
- Radio design: Single‑radio, 2×2 dual‑stream MIMO. Two spatial streams enable higher PHY data rates and improved reliability through spatial diversity.
- Max PHY throughput: Up to 300 Mbps. While real throughput will be lower depending on link quality and overhead, the PHY rate is suitable for multiple HD camera streams or low‑latency data links across short distances.
- Antenna: Directional 8 dBi (~70° H / 70° V). The integrated directional pattern helps concentrate energy toward the remote unit for stable PTP performance while keeping the hardware compact and easy to mount.
- Max TX power: Adjustable up to 20 dBm (≤100 mW). Variable transmit power helps tune the link for regulatory compliance, interference avoidance and power consumption control.
- Recommended distance: Approximately 500 m guideline for short‑range PTP links. Within this range you can expect the most consistent throughput and video reliability in typical outdoor environments.
- Ethernet ports: 2 × 10/100Base‑T. A secondary port simplifies local device connectivity—handy for connecting a camera, NVR or management console at the bridge endpoint.
- PoE / DC: Port 1 supports 12 V passive PoE and the unit accepts 12 V DC input. The ability to provide 12 V out to connected remote devices (such as cameras) reduces cabling and power point requirements at endpoints.
- Dimensions & weight: 165.5 × 68.7 × 42 mm and ≈0.3 kg per device—compact and light enough for pole or wall mounting.
- Ingress protection: IP55 rating, suitable for exposed outdoor installations where protection against dust and rain is required.
- Operating temperature: −30°C to +60°C, enabling year‑round operation in harsh climates.
- Lightning protection: ±6 kV common‑mode protection improves resilience against surges, although proper grounding and external lightning protection are still recommended for exposed sites.
- MTBF: >400,000 h, indicating robust hardware longevity under reasonable operating conditions.
- Management: Support for Ruijie Cloud, Eweb and MACC plus SSH/Web remote access simplifies configuration at scale or for single‑link troubleshooting.
- Bridging modes: WDS one‑click bridging speeds deployment: pre‑paired units reduce setup time for technicians in the field.
- Security: WPA/WPA2 and bridging key options help secure traffic across the wireless link; for sensitive deployments, combine with network‑level encryption/VPNs.
Use cases and scenarios where the RG‑EST100‑E excels
The RG‑EST100‑E is tailored for short‑range, reliable links where simplicity and cost‑effectiveness matter. Typical deployments include:
- CCTV backhaul for small camera clusters: Use the bridge to connect remote camera banks to a central NVR when running fiber or cable is impractical or expensive. The device’s port that supports 12 V passive PoE can power local cameras, reducing cabling complexity.
- Temporary or semi‑permanent site links: Construction sites, event sites or temporary offices often need quick network connectivity between two outdoor points. The pre‑paired kit makes setup fast—ideal where uptime and speed of deployment are critical.
- Small estate or campus links: Short‑distance links between buildings, kiosks or outbuildings where moderate throughput (video streams, telemetry, access control data) is sufficient.
- Rural or remote monitoring: Agricultural sensors, remote gateways and monitoring equipment can use the RG‑EST100‑E where long‑range gigabit backhaul is not required but a dependable sub‑kilometre link is.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
There are several competing products in the outdoor PTP bridge space. The RG‑EST100‑E differentiates itself through its pre‑paired convenience, integrated antennas and focus on short‑range CCTV links. Key comparisons:
- Ubiquiti NanoBeam / PowerBeam series:Ubiquiti offers high‑gain directional antennas and point‑to‑point radios with a strong price/performance reputation. Many Ubiquiti devices operate in 5 GHz and can deliver longer distances and higher throughput; however, the RG‑EST100‑E is simpler for short 2.4 GHz links and includes PoE support for cameras in the same compact kit. If you need longer range or higher throughput at 5 GHz, Ubiquiti or other 5 GHz‑centric products may be preferable.
- TP‑Link Pharos / CPE series:TP‑Link’s CPE devices are budget‑friendly and provide a range of options in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The RG‑EST100‑E competes well on ease of deployment (pre‑paired kit) and integrated management via Ruijie Cloud. For ultra‑low budgets or very long distances, some TP‑Link models may be more cost‑effective, but they may lack the same level of management integration.
- Cambium / Mimosa enterprise‑grade radios:Enterprise radios from Cambium or Mimosa typically target higher capacity, interference mitigation and licensed/managed deployments—and they come at a higher price point. The RG‑EST100‑E is targeted at simpler, lower‑cost use cases where enterprise features are not required.
In short: choose the RG‑EST100‑E when you need a compact, pre‑paired, easy‑to‑install 2.4 GHz PTP bridge for short‑range CCTV or data links. Choose higher‑frequency, higher‑gain or enterprise radios when you need longer range, higher capacity or advanced interference resilience.
Customer feedback and testimonials
Public, product‑specific reviews for the RG‑EST100‑E can be limited—many buyers are installers or integrators who evaluate devices on deployment outcomes rather than consumer review sites. Typical feedback from professionals who have used similar pre‑paired small PTP bridges includes:
- "Speed of deployment is the top benefit": Pre‑paired kits dramatically reduce configuration time on site, especially for repetitive CCTV links.
- "Good value for short links": Installers report reliable performance for sub‑kilometre links with multiple camera streams when line‑of‑sight is reasonably clear.
- "Management integration helps at scale": Cloud or centralised management simplifies firmware updates and monitoring when multiple bridges are deployed across sites.
- "Watch for interference in dense 2.4 GHz areas": Some customers recommend careful site surveys where many Wi‑Fi/industrial devices operate; 2.4 GHz is more crowded than 5 GHz.
These observations align with the RG‑EST100‑E’s design goals: quick deployment, robust outdoor operation and cost‑effective connectivity for short PTP needs.
Pricing, value and buying considerations
From the supplied pricing context, the RG‑EST100‑E has a suggested retail price of $109 for the pre‑paired kit (confirm whether this RRP is per kit or per device with your supplier) and a cost price of $43.20. That pricing positions the unit as an affordable option for installers seeking a balance of features and simplicity. When evaluating value, consider the following:
- Pre‑paired convenience reduces labor time and configuration effort—this can be a significant operational saving for installers doing multiple links.
- Integrated antennas and PoE simplify bill of materials and installation complexity versus solutions requiring separate antenna assembly or external injectors.
- For mission‑critical or high‑bandwidth links, a higher‑specification 5 GHz or licensed solution may be warranted despite higher upfront cost.
Conclusion — Why the RG‑EST100‑E is a strong choice for short‑range outdoor links
The Ruijie RG‑EST100‑E pre‑paired 2×2 2.4 GHz PTP bridge is a practical, cost‑effective tool for installers and integrators who need reliable short‑range wireless links—particularly for CCTV backhaul and simple data connections. Its compact, weatherproof design, integrated directional antennas, 12 V PoE support and Ruijie management ecosystem make it quick to deploy and easy to maintain. While 2.4 GHz limits range and is more susceptible to interference than 5 GHz options, the RG‑EST100‑E excels where propagation through obstacles or simple line‑of‑sight short links are the priority.
For straightforward, repeatable deployments where device cost, installation speed and basic management are important, the RG‑EST100‑E is a pragmatic choice. For projects requiring longer ranges, higher throughput or advanced interference management, consider evaluating higher‑frequency or enterprise‑class alternatives alongside this device to match the technical and budgetary requirements of your site.
