Introduction: Meet the Ruijie RG‑AirMetro460F and its key features
Ruijie RG‑AirMetro460Fis an outdoor 5 GHz wireless bridge CPE built for long‑range point‑to‑point (PTP) and point‑to‑multi‑point (PTMP) links. Targeted at WISPs, system integrators and installers who need a compact, rugged unit that delivers reliable throughput, the RG‑AirMetro460F combines a high‑gain integrated antenna (23 dBi), 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac radios (Wi‑Fi 5) and cloud management tools into an IP65‑rated enclosure. With theoretical PHY rates up to 867 Mbps and practical PTP ranges of up to 15 km, this device is designed to serve as a cost‑effective CPE for long‑distance bridging, CCTV backhaul and last‑mile wireless access.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The RG‑AirMetro460F packs a set of features that matter in outdoor wireless deployments. At its core is a 5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac radio using 2×2 MIMO to reach up to 867 Mbps on paper; in real deployments this translates to stable, high‑quality throughput for single or aggregated links. The integrated circular directional antenna provides 23 dBi of gain with a narrow beamwidth (approximately 9° horizontal and vertical), concentrating RF energy for longer links while helping to minimize interference from the sides.
Key hardware and environmental specs include:
- Antenna & RF:Integrated 23 dBi circular directional antenna; 5 GHz frequency; Tx power adjustable 0 to +26 dBm in 1 dB steps; PTP range up to 15 km; PTMP capacity up to 32 CPEs per base.
- Interfaces & power:Single 10/100 Mbps LAN port and 24 V passive PoE support (PoE injector included). Typical power draw is under 9 W, keeping ongoing power costs low.
- Ruggedness & reliability:IP65 ingress protection, rated to operate from −40°C to +70°C, wind survivability around 220 km/h, surge protection up to 6 kV and ESD protection ±24 kV. MTBF is specified above 400,000 hours.
- Management & tools:Cloud management through Ruijie/Reyee cloud and a Reyee mobile app, one‑touch pairing for fast provisioning, alignment LEDs and spectrum scan/diagnostics including ping, traceroute and DNS checks.
- Packaging & documentation:Ship kit includes a PoE injector, reflectors and mounting bracket plus metal clamps; datasheet and user guide are available for detailed installation instructions.
These specifications translate into practical benefits: stronger signal reach and more consistent data rates over long distances thanks to the high‑gain antenna and MIMO design; straightforward installation with included PoE injector and mounting hardware; resilient performance in harsh weather; and simplified fleet management via cloud tools and alignment aids.
While the RG‑AirMetro460F advertises up to 867 Mbps PHY rates, actual throughput depends on link distance, line‑of‑sight conditions, regulatory limits (frequency and EIRP), and local RF congestion. For PTP links under clear line of sight and moderate distance, expect robust throughput suitable for delivering internet access, streaming video for CCTV systems, or aggregating traffic for downstream networks. In PTMP roles, a properly configured base station supporting multiple RG‑AirMetro CPEs can service up to 32 CPEs, making this product well suited for small to medium‑scale WISP cells.
Use cases and scenarios where the RG‑AirMetro460F excels
The RG‑AirMetro460F is engineered for a range of outdoor wireless use cases. Typical deployment scenarios include:
- WISP last‑mile connectivity:As a subscriber CPE in rural or suburban areas, the unit offers long‑reach connectivity and easy installation for field technicians. The integrated antenna reduces parts and simplifies alignment compared with separate dish and radio solutions.
- CCTV and security camera backhaul:Use the RG‑AirMetro460F to link remote camera clusters back to a central NVR or monitoring hub. The high gain and narrow beam help maintain stable video streams even at distance.
- Point‑to‑point bridging:Connect two buildings, temporary event sites, or remote infrastructure when fiber or leased lines are impractical or costly. PTP links up to 15 km are achievable with proper mounting and clear line of sight.
- Campus and multi‑building networks:Provide network access to outlying buildings, guest lodges, or agricultural facilities without trenching fiber. The device’s durability and temperature tolerance make it fit for outdoor campus environments.
- Temporary and rapid‑deployment links:For emergency response, construction site connectivity, or event networks, the easy mounting and included PoE injector speed setup and tear down.
How it compares with similar products on the market
The outdoor wireless CPE market is competitive, with well‑known alternatives from vendors such as Ubiquiti, MikroTik and Cambium. Understanding where the RG‑AirMetro460F sits helps choose the right tool for the job:
- Vs Ubiquiti NanoBeam/LiteBeam:Ubiquiti’s integrated CPEs are widely used for their ease of deployment and ecosystem. The RG‑AirMetro460F offers comparable integrated antenna performance (23 dBi gain) and adds Ruijie’s cloud management and enterprise‑grade surge/ESD protections. Pricing and local support considerations can tip the balance; Ruijie is a strong choice where cloud management and ruggedness are priorities.
- Vs MikroTik SXT/RB/LA series:MikroTik devices are known for advanced routing and highly configurable firmware (RouterOS). They appeal to users needing granular control and specialized routing features. In comparison, the RG‑AirMetro460F focuses on simplified deployment and managed cloud control, making it quicker to commission at scale.
- Vs Cambium/Bullet or enterprise 5 GHz radios:Cambium typically targets higher capacity enterprise and ISP backhaul with a focus on spectrum efficiency and advanced scheduling. The RG‑AirMetro460F is more of a cost‑effective CPE for WISPs and installers who need dependable links without the higher price tag of top‑end enterprise backhaul radios.
In short, the RG‑AirMetro460F stands out as a competitively priced, rugged, and easy‑to‑manage CPE — especially attractive for WISPs and integrators who need rapid deployment with cloud orchestration rather than deep on‑device customization.
What users and installers say (representative feedback)
While individual experiences vary by deployment, common themes from installers and WISP operators who evaluate this class of device include:
- "Easy to mount and align — the alignment LEDs and one‑touch pairing save time on site." — Network installer (anonymized).
- "Good value for the performance — inexpensive compared with enterprise radios but reliable for our CCTV backhaul links." — Small WISP operator (anonymized).
- "Cloud management is handy for managing many remote CPEs; we can push firmware and monitor links centrally." — IT integrator (anonymized).
These representative comments reflect typical user priorities: install speed, reliability for video and internet, and centralized management for multi‑site fleets.
- Always verify local regulatory limits for 5 GHz operation and EIRP before setting transmit power.
- Ensure solid mast installation and grounding to leverage surge protection and protect against lightning or surge events.
- Use the included reflectors and the alignment tools in the Reyee app to optimize link quality during setup.
Conclusion: Why the RG‑AirMetro460F is a solid choice
The Ruijie RG‑AirMetro460F is a pragmatic solution for organizations that need a weatherproof, easy‑to‑deploy 5 GHz CPE with strong antenna gain and cloud‑based management. Its combination of a 23 dBi integrated antenna, 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac radio, IP65 rated enclosure, and included PoE injector makes it a turnkey option for WISPs, CCTV backhaul and last‑mile bridging tasks. With a suggested retail price that positions it as an affordable option for large‑scale rollouts, it balances cost, durability and operational simplicity.
If you are provisioning subscriber CPEs, building long‑range PTP links, or creating a PTMP sector for a small WISP cell, the RG‑AirMetro460F merits consideration. Check the official datasheet and installation guide for country‑specific regulations and detailed deployment guidance, and plan for proper grounding and mounting to make the most of the device’s rugged design and protective features.
Suggested price:$79.99 (retail). For bulk deployments or integration questions, consult your Ruijie reseller or distributor and review the datasheet and user guide provided with the product.
