Outdoor Wireless Bridge Kit, 5 GHz 802.11ac, 12 dBi, DS-3WF02-5AC/D

Introduction to the DS-3WF02-5AC/D and its key features

The DS-3WF02-5AC/D is an outdoor wireless bridge kit designed to deliver reliable point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links in the 5 GHz band. Packaged as a matched pair, the kit is built around IEEE 802.11a/n/ac (2×2 MIMO) radio technology and includes integrated 12 dBi directional antennas. With a theoretical air-interface throughput of up to 867 Mbps and a practical line-of-sight reach in the kilometre range (up to ~5 km under ideal conditions), this kit is positioned as an affordable, compact option for surveillance backhauls, remote site connectivity and short-to-medium distance wireless backbone links.

Key highlightsinclude 5 GHz operation for reduced interference compared with crowded 2.4 GHz bands, a built-in directional antenna with roughly 35° horizontal and vertical beamwidth for focused links, IP55-rated housings for outdoor deployment, and standard PoE support for simplified installation. The kit typically ships with two bridge units, two PoE injectors and mounting hardware for quick field setup.

Detailed description of specifications and benefits

• Standard:IEEE 802.11a/n/ac (2×2 MIMO) — a modern Wi‑Fi standard that balances throughput and spectral efficiency.
• Max throughput:≤ 867 Mbps (air interface). This is the theoretical PHY rate; expect lower real-world TCP/UDP throughput depending on environment, configuration and interference.
• Frequency bands:5150–5250, 5250–5350, 5470–5725, 5725–5850 MHz (region dependent). Operating only in 5 GHz helps avoid heavy 2.4 GHz congestion.
• Max range:Up to ~5 km in ideal clear-line-of-sight conditions — suitable for many campus, park and rural links.
• Transmit power:Up to ~22 dBm depending on regulatory limits in your region.
• Antenna:Built-in 12 dBi 2×2 MIMO directional antenna with about 35° H / 35° V beamwidth — provides focused energy for point-to-point links while remaining compact and easy to mount.

• Ethernet ports:Typically 2 × 10/100 RJ‑45 (variant dependent) to connect cameras, switches or local equipment.
• PoE:Supports 802.3af/at as well as passive PoE modes depending on appliance mode (AP/CPE) and SKU — check the datasheet for the unit you purchase.
• Power consumption:Low typical consumption (around 2.4–2.7 W) with maximum figures in the 3.6–4.5 W range — efficient for remote installations powered from solar or UPS systems.

• Ingress rating:IP55 — protected against dust ingress sufficient for outdoor use and against low-pressure water jets. Suitable for many outdoor installations but not for long-term submersion.
• Operating temperature:Typically rated from about -30 °C to +65/70 °C — able to tolerate a wide range of climates.
• Dimensions & weight:Compact footprint (approx. 90.8 × 187.9 × 57.9 mm; ~0.26–0.31 kg per unit) makes the units easy to mount on poles or walls.
• Mounting:Pole-mountable hardware is included so installers can align and secure the units quickly.

• Management:Web interface plus compatibility with iVMS and HCP for centralized control where applicable.
• Advanced features:TDMA, IFM, IPM, DFS and TPC support for spectrum management, automated channel selection and transmit power control — useful in crowded environments or where regulatory DFS is required.
• Kit contents:Typical kits include two bridge units, two PoE injectors, mounting hardware and network cables — confirm exact SKU contents for your region before purchase.

Benefits derived from the specifications

• Reliable 5 GHz links:Operating in the 5 GHz band reduces interference and can produce more stable backhaul performance than many 2.4 GHz solutions, especially in urban and suburban deployments.
• Good balance of gain and beamwidth:The 12 dBi antenna provides enough gain for medium-range links while a ~35° beamwidth simplifies alignment compared with very narrow dish antennas.
• Low power and straightforward deployment:Support for standard PoE and low power draw make these units easy to power from existing network infrastructure, PoE switches or small solar systems at remote sites.
• Compact, rugged design:Small form factor and IP55 rating make the kit easy to mount and maintain in most outdoor environments without large mounting structures.

Use cases and scenarios where the product excels

The DS-3WF02-5AC/D is a versatile bridge kit that fits a number of practical network roles:

• Surveillance backbone links:Connect remote camera clusters or link a remote camera pole back to an NVR or central switch without trenching fibre. The built-in PoE passthrough options and local RJ‑45 ports make it convenient for CCTV installations.
• Campus and municipal networks:Link buildings across a campus, park or small municipal area where fibre is not available or cost‑prohibitive. The matched-pair design simplifies provisioning.
• Remote site connectivity:Provide basic Internet or LAN connectivity for remote cabins, construction sites or agricultural facilities where short-to-medium range links suffice.
• Temporary or event networks:Rapidly deploy a temporary backhaul for outdoor events, fairs or construction projects where fast setup, polarity and compact equipment are priorities.
• ISP last-mile & micro‑backhaul (small deployments):Small ISPs or community networks can use low-cost bridge kits to stitch networks together across short spans where licensed microwave is not required.

For any of these scenarios, line-of-sight and proper alignment are critical. Vegetation, buildings and heavy rain will reduce achievable range and throughput. Professional installation is recommended for links approaching the maximum range to ensure optimal alignment and regulatory compliance.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

When evaluating the DS-3WF02-5AC/D against competing solutions, consider the following trade-offs:

• Integrated directional antenna vs. external dishes:The 12 dBi integrated antenna strikes a middle ground. Compared to ultra-high-gain dish antennas, it is easier to mount and align but wont achieve the extreme distances of large dishes. For links under a few kilometres the integrated 12 dBi is often the more practical choice.
• Throughput:The 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac design with up to 867 Mbps PHY rate is comparable to many affordable 5 GHz bridge kits. Enterprise-class backhaul radios using proprietary OFDMA/TDMA or licensed bands can deliver higher and more stable throughput in congested environments but at substantially higher cost.
• Price and value:With suggested pricing around the lower-mid market segment, the DS-3WF02-5AC/D is positioned as a cost-effective kit. It competes well on price against branded consumer-grade bridges while offering professional features like DFS/TPC and iVMS/HCP management compatibility.
• Ruggedness and features:IP55 and a compact enclosure make it suitable for many outdoor uses, but if you need IP67-rated gear for harsh coastal environments or extended warranty and SLAs from vendors, higher-tier products or models will be more appropriate.

Customer feedback and reviews

Public aggregated feedback for units like this typically reflects a few recurring themes:

• Positive:Installers and systems integrators commonly praise the kit for its straightforward pairing, compact size, integrated antenna convenience and competitive price point. The 5 GHz operation and support for DFS/TPC are seen as practical advantages in busy RF environments.
• Constructive criticism:Some users note that real-world throughput is considerably lower than the 867 Mbps PHY number — typical of all Wi‑Fi-based bridges — and that achieving the upper-range distances requires excellent line-of-sight and careful alignment. A few mention that specific SKU power/PoE behaviour and management feature sets vary, so it is important to verify the regional datasheet.
• Recommendations from the field:For best results in surveillance and backbone links, pair these units with professional alignment tools and confirm local regulatory limits (DFS/Tx power) before final installation.

Conclusion: Why the DS-3WF02-5AC/D is a compelling choice

The DS-3WF02-5AC/D 5 GHz wireless bridge kit offers a practical mix of performance, affordability and ease of deployment. Its integrated 12 dBi 2×2 MIMO antenna, matched two-unit packaging and PoE support make it a convenient option for surveillance backbones, campus connectivity and short-to-medium range wireless backhauls where cost and simplicity matter.

While it wont replace high-end licensed microwave or very high-gain directional systems for ultra-long or mission-critical links, it delivers a strong value proposition for many everyday outdoor networking tasks. If your project requires a compact, economical 5 GHz bridge with professional features like DFS, TPC and centralized management compatibility, the DS-3WF02-5AC/D is worth evaluating — just be mindful of line-of-sight requirements, regional regulatory settings and confirming the exact PoE/port behaviour for your SKU.

Always verify regulatory compliance, SKU contents and warranty terms with your supplier prior to purchase, and consider professional installation for links near the limits of range or throughput to ensure reliable long-term operation.