Introduction: Ruijie RG-EST350G at a glance
The Ruijie RG-EST350G Outdoor 5 GHz Wireless Bridge Kit is a purpose-built solution for outdoor point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTMP) backhaul links. Marketed as a pre-paired, plug-and-play kit, it combines an 802.11ac (Wave2) dual‑stream 2×2 radio with a high‑gain integrated 16 dBi directional antenna and three Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit. With an advertised working range of up to ~5 km line‑of‑sight, multiple power options, and an IP‑rated outdoor enclosure, the RG-EST350G is aimed at CCTV backhaul, inter-building connectivity, campus links and temporary event networks where a reliable outdoor wireless backhaul is required.
Key features
- 5 GHz 802.11ac (Wave2) 2×2 MIMO— up to 867 Mbps PHY rate on the 5 GHz radio for robust throughput.
- Integrated 16 dBi antenna— a focused directional element (H ≈ 31°, V ≈ 14°) for longer-range, narrow-beam links.
- Pre‑paired kit— factory pairing and automatic TDMA/SON features simplify alignment and deployment.
- Multiple Gigabit ports— 3× 10/100/1000BASE-T ports per unit for PoE power and multiple device connections such as cameras or switches.
- Flexible power— supports 12 V DC, passive PoE and certain SKUs support 802.3af/at (confirm your SKU).
- Outdoor hardened— IP54–IP55 rated enclosure (varies by region) and a wide operating temperature range (−30 °C to +65 °C).
- Warranty & price— typically offered with a 2‑year warranty. Suggested retail price around $179.99 (cost price $138.00 for reference; check local reseller pricing).
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the RG-EST350G’s specifications helps explain why it performs well in outdoor backhaul roles:
The device is a 5 GHz Wave2 2×2 system, delivering dual spatial streams and a theoretical maximum PHY rate of up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. While real-world throughput will be lower due to protocol overhead, environmental conditions and interference, the Wave2 feature set (including better modulation and implementation) allows more efficient spectrum use than older 802.11n gear.
An integrated 16 dBi directional antenna provides a relatively narrow horizontal beam (≈ 31°) and a tight vertical beam (≈ 14°), concentrating RF power for longer line‑of‑sight links. This antenna geometry suits mid‑range links — the product is positioned for deployments up to ~5 km under open LOS conditions. The integrated design avoids separate antenna cabling and simplifies mounting and alignment.
Three Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit provide flexibility to connect multiple devices at the far end — for example, multiple cameras or a local PoE switch. Power options include 12 V DC, passive PoE and (on some SKUs) 802.3af/at support. Because reseller listings vary, confirm which PoE standard is provided with the unit you buy. This flexibility means the unit can integrate into many existing outdoor power and switch setups.
With an outdoor‑rated enclosure and broad operating temperature range, the RG-EST350G is built to run in challenging climates. IP ratings vary by region and listing (IP54–IP55 reported), so installers should verify the exact spec for their SKU. For permanent outdoor installations, appropriate lightning and surge protection is strongly recommended — some resellers list 4 kV surge protection options, but always check the official datasheet and use proper earthing practices during installation.
Ruijie designs this model for fast deployment: factory pre‑paired units, TDMA scheduling and SON (self‑organizing network) features simplify alignment and reduce the time required to establish a stable PTP link. For PTMP scenarios, one‑touch pairing helps add multiple remote nodes quickly.
Use cases and scenarios where the RG-EST350G excels
- CCTV backhaul— A common deployment is aggregating multiple IP cameras over a single wireless link to a central NVR or monitoring point. The integrated antenna and multiple GigE ports let installers connect several cameras without extra switches at the remote site.
- Building‑to‑building connectivity— For campuses, small business centers or government sites where fiber is impractical or costly, the RG-EST350G can bridge networks between buildings up to a few kilometres apart.
- Campus and municipal links— Schools, campuses and municipal departments can use the kit for data, VoIP and light CCTV traffic between sites, leveraging the 5 GHz band to minimize interference with local Wi‑Fi.
- Temporary event networks— Events and temporary installations that need quick, cable‑free backhaul (e.g., concerts, sports events, field sites) benefit from pre‑paired kits and fast alignment.
- Remote device aggregation— Telemetry gateways, remote sensors and other IoT aggregators that need bandwidth and PoE for local devices can be served by the three GigE ports.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the RG-EST350G versus alternatives, consider radio platform, antenna design, port count and ease of deployment.
Many consumer outdoor access points and CPE devices use 5 GHz radios and separate antennas. The RG-EST350G stands out for its pre‑paired PTP focus, integrated high‑gain directional antenna and multiple GigE ports — features that consumer units often lack. Consumer models might be cheaper but typically require more manual configuration and may offer fewer enterprise‑grade management features.
High‑end PTP systems (including some proprietary microwave links and higher‑gain airFiber class devices) can offer greater range, much higher throughput and lower latency, often at a premium price. The RG-EST350G targets mid‑range links with a balanced cost/performance profile — it’s attractive where fiber or licensed microwave is impractical or too expensive.
Competitors such as offerings from mainstream wireless vendors (for example, Ubiquiti, TP‑Link and Cambium’s lower‑tier products) provide similar 5 GHz bridge kits. Differences come down to antenna gain, integrated port options, management features and price. The RG-EST350G’s pre‑paired convenience, tri‑GigE ports and Ruijie’s management ecosystem are distinguishing factors for many installers.
Customer feedback and reviews
Available public reviews for this type of product typically highlight a few recurring themes. Positive feedback tends to praise simple installation (pre‑paired kits), stable links when line of sight is good, and the convenience of multiple GigE ports and PoE support. Installers often appreciate the compact, integrated design that reduces cabling and alignment complexity.
Common criticisms or caveats include: ensuring you get the correct SKU (single unit vs pre‑paired kit), verifying which PoE standard is included, and remembering that environmental factors — trees, buildings and weather — will affect achievable distance and throughput. Buyers also note that for truly long‑range or high‑capacity needs, higher‑end dedicated PTP systems may be more appropriate despite higher cost.
Installation notes and safety considerations
- Confirm whether your purchase includes a 2‑unit pre‑paired kit or a single transceiver; listings vary.
- Check which PoE method and injector are included for your SKU before deployment — some units support passive PoE and others support 802.3af/at.
- Use proper lightning/surge protection and earthing for outdoor deployments; consult local electrical codes and the datasheet for surge protection details.
- Verify CE/UKCA and any local approvals with your supplier to ensure regulatory compliance.
Conclusion: Is the RG-EST350G the right choice?
The Ruijie RG-EST350G is a capable mid‑range outdoor wireless bridge kit that balances performance, convenience and cost. With an integrated 16 dBi antenna, Wave2 2×2 radio, three Gigabit Ethernet ports and pre‑paired plug‑and‑play operation, it’s well suited to CCTV backhaul, building‑to‑building links, campus deployments and temporary networks. At a suggested price near $179.99 (with a reported cost price of $138.00 for channel partners), it offers a competitive entry point for organizations needing reliable wireless backhaul without the complexity or higher cost of enterprise microwave or licensed links.
As with any outdoor wireless product, success depends on planning: confirm SKU contents and PoE options, ensure clear line of sight, and use proper surge protection and earthing. When deployed with these considerations in mind, the RG-EST350G can be a straightforward and effective solution for many outdoor connectivity needs, backed by a two‑year warranty and the practical features installers expect from a purpose‑built bridge kit.
