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The EnGenius EWS850-FIT (once EWS850AP) is a standalone outdoor Wireless Wi-Fi 6 access point (WAP) and differs significantly from the previous cloud-based ECW230. And that's a good thing.
EnGenius announced the EWS850AP in early 2020 and started shipping in February 2021. In early โNovember 2022, the company launched a new EnGenius FIT product line and made a new variant of the access point called EWS850-FIT that shares the same hardware and cost.
By mid-2023, the EWS850-FIT is the only variant availableโthe EWS850AP is discontinued. But either will give you the same experience as a standalone AP. The only difference the new variant has is the FitXpress cloud management option. Other than that, the two share the same setup of settings, features, and real-world performance.
This Wi-Fi 6 access point has everything to work right out of the box, is much more affordable, and was faster in my testing. It's also a rugged device that can handle the elements and, most importantly, doesn't require a login account with the vendor to work.
On the downside, it has relatively subdued Wi-Fi specs. Still, at the street price of around $315, it's well worth the investment as one of a few options for those needing to blanket a large outdoor area with reliable Wi-Fi.
Dong's note: I originally published this review on February 3, 2021, after in-depth hands-on testing of the original EWS850AP. I updated it on October 6, 2023, with the real-world experience of the new EWS850-FIT variant.
EnGenius EWS850-FIT: A simple and effective approach to outdoor Wi-Fi coverage
Unlike many other PoE access points, including the EnGenius ECW230, which often don't include a power adapter or a PoE injector, the EnGenious EWS850-FIT comes with a pleasant surprise: There's an injector inside the box.
You won't have any issue getting this new access point up and running, at least in terms of hardware parts.
Convenient but bulky design, lots of amounting options, weatherproof
The AP doesn't have an AC portโthe only way to power it is via Power over Ethernet. And that's fineโyou'd need to use a network cable with an access point, anyway.
Supporting all existing PoE standards, the EnGenious EWS850-FIT will work with any PoE switch. But for best performance, you want to use one that supports 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig standard.
But it's OK if you don't have such a switch. The access point has everything you'd need out of the box: the passive (proprietary) 38-watt Gigabit PoE injector. You'll also find accessories for any mounting surfaceโa fence, a wall, or even a pole.
The EWS850-FIT is bulky, as you'll see in the photos below. It comes with four detachable antennas, two on top and two on the bottom. When assembled, the antennas make the whole package even bulkier.
On top of that, the AP is also heavy, at 3.96 lbs (1.8kg), thanks to the metal housing. Keep that in mind when finding a mounting place.
To make up for physical size, the AP is P67-compliant. It can handle any weather.
EnGenius EWS850-FIT: Hardware specifications
The EnGenius EWS850-FIT features dual-stream (2x2) Wi-Fi 6 without supporting the 160MHz channel width.
As a result, its 5GHz band caps at 1201Mbps when working with a Wi-Fi 6 client or 867Mbps with a Wi-Fi 5 one. On the 2.4Hz band, it has a ceiling speed of 576Mbps.
| EnGenius Fit Wi-Fi 6 2ร2 Outdoor Wireless Access Point | |
|---|---|
| Models | EWS850-FIT |
| Standards | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Roaming | 802.11k & 802.11r |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz |
| Channel Widths | 20/40/80MHz |
| Streams | 2 x 2 |
| 2.4 GHz Data Rate | 574Mbps (Wi-Fi 6), 300Mbps (Wi-Fi 4) |
| 5 GHz Data Rate | 1201Mbps (Wi-Fi 6), 867Mbps (Wi-Fi 5) |
| 2.4GHz RF Output Power | 23 dBm |
| 5GHz RF Output Power | 23 dBm |
| 1024QAM Support | Yes |
| SSIDs | 8 (4 on each band) |
| Wi-Fi Security | WPA3/WPA2 Enterprise/PSK |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 x 2.5Gbps BASE-T RJ-45 Port |
| Power-over-Ethernet | IEEE 802.11af/at/11e, Passive 48V to 54V PoE injector (included) |
| Power Consumption | 12.6W |
| External Antenna | 2x 5 dBi @ 2.4 GHz, 2x 5 dBi @ 5 GHz |
| Dimensions (without antennas) | 9.2 x 11.18 x 5.67 in (234 x 284 x 144 mm) |
| Weight | 3.96 lbs. (1.8kg) |
| Ruggedness | P67-rated |
| CPU | Qualcomm Quad-Core 1.8GHz CPU ARM Cortex A53s |
| Operation Modes | Access Point, Client Bridge, Mesh, WDS |
| Local Management | Yes (via a web user interface) default login: admin/admin |
| Cloud Management | Yes (optional, via FitEXpess) |
| BSS Coloring | Yes |
| MU-MIMO / OFDMA | Yes (Uplink and Downlink) |
| US Retail Cost (at review) | $313.80 |
The access point comes with eight virtual SSIDs (Wi-Fi network names), four for each band. You can customize each with lots of options. In other words, it's excellent for segmenting their networks.
EnGenius EWS850-FIT: Detail photos
The straightforward setup process, helpful mobile app, and convenient web interface
Setting up the EnGenius EWS850-FIT typifies that of any PoE access point.
Hardware setup
- Mount the AP using the included accessories. Pick a place as close to the center of the area you want to blanket with Wi-Fi as possible.
- Connect a network cable (CAT5e or higher grade) to its only port. (Note: This port, on the AP's underside, is recessed for weatherproofing purposes, making it a bit hard to remove the cable. That said, make sure you use a cable of the desired length the first time around.)
- Connect the other end of the network cable to the PoE port to the PoE switch or the included injector. In the latter case, connect the injector's 2nd network port to an existing network, such as a router, and then plug it into power.
And that's its mission accomplished. Now, you need to set up the AP's Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi setup
This part can be done via the EWS850-FIT's local web interface, just like you do any standard Wi-Fi router. Out of the box, the AP has an open "Management SSID"โa Wi-Fi networkโshown on the label on its backsideโthat you can use for the setup process.
The only tricky part is accessing this interface. That's because, like all APs, the EnGenius EWS850-FIT gets an IP address from the network's router, so this address varies depending on the existing network. That said, you'll first need to find out what it is via the existing router's web interface, as I detailed in this post on IP addresses.
After that, enter the IP address on a browser of a network computer, and you'll be able to access the AP's interfaceโthe default login credential is admin for both the username and passwordโto configure its Wi-Fi and other network settings.
Alternatively, and probably the easiest, you can opt for the FitXpress cloud-based management. In this case, you can use the FitXpress mobile app to add the online account using its QR code on the back. Like all cloud management solutions, FitXpress requires a login account with EnGenius to work.
EnGenius and your privacy
Generally, using the hardware via a vendor-connected account means inherent privacy risks. Depending on the hardware, EnGenius's login account is often an option and not required.
Here's EnGenius's Privacy Policy.
Online privacy and security are a matter of degree. Different companies handle their users' data differently.
However, the web user interface is generally the way to go if you only need a single Wi-Fi access point. And it worked well in my trial.
Lots of Wi-Fi and network options, no web portal for guest sign-in
Like all business APs, the EnGenius EWS850-FIT has many options to customize each of its eight Wi-Fi networks. These include band steering, client isolation, VLAN, limiting each band's download/upload speed, etc.
There are also all available options regarding wireless security and authentication methods. When multiple units are in use, you can also make them work together as a meshโmore on that in my take on the EnGenius FIT family.
But the EnGenius EWS850-FIT doesn't have everything. For example, I was disappointed that when working as a standalone AP, it has no option for a guest Wi-Fi web portal where a client must agree to specific terms before getting connected. Additionally, it doesn't support WPA or older Wi-Fi security. That means many Wi-Fi 5 and all Wi-Fi 4 and older devices won't be able to work with it unless you keep the SSID open.
EnGenius EWS850-FIT: Reliable performance
I've used the original EWS850AP in an outdoor setting since its review in February 2021, and the AP is still working well today. There's no reason not to expect the new EWS850-FIT variant, essentially the same, to deliver the same level of reliability.
Still, I tested the new AP for over a week, mostly indoors, and was happy with it. The new EWS850-FIT had the same range and performance as the original variant, which was about the same as a high-end Wi-Fi 6 router, like the Asus RT-AX86U. Outdoors, its range was much better. I was able to get a good connection from about 150 feet away. So, you can expect it to cover about 5,000 ft2 (465 m2) of open space, such as a park or a playground. But your mileage may vary.
As for throughput speeds, the numbers were as expected for a 2x2 broadcaster without supporting the 160MHz channel width. It's worth noting that the APs (both the old and new versions) have a 2.5Gbps port, but I tested them with their included Gigabit injector. In the case of the EWS850-FIT, I also tried with an EnGenius FIT PoE switch, also Gigabit.
Considering the max ceiling Wi-Fi speed of 1200Mbps, chances are it won't produce any higher numbers when used with a Multi-Gig switch or injector.
EnGenius EWS850-FIT (formerly EWS850AP) Access Point's Rating
Pros
Reliable performance, excellent coverage, fast 2.5 Gbps PoE+ network port with included injector
Full web interface that's responsive and comprehensive; helpful FitXpress cloud-based management
Includes all parts and accessories to work right out of the box; IP67 weatherproof
Cons
Midling Wi-Fi 6 specs with no 160 MHz channel width support
Bulky, no separate power port
Conclusion
The EnGenius EWS850-FITโas well as the original EWS850AP if you can still find oneโis a straightforward outdoor Wi-Fi 6 access point that gets the job done.
The fact that it now belongs to the new EnGenius FIT family means you can use it as part of a robust mesh system to reliably blanket a large property in both indoor and outdoor settings. And that makes it a unique piece of hardware.
If you're looking for a Wi-Fi solution for a large outdoor area, like a small park, a motel, or a huge backyard, one (or a few units) of these EnGenius EWS850-FIT APs will make an excellent investment. Give it a try!
Hi Dong,
Love your site and community. Your thoroughness is always appreciated.
I wanted to share my personal experience with the EWS850 as I’ve had it in use in the backyard for 2.5 years and everything was flawless – that is until a recent rain storm. Living in Toronto, we get all four seasons and relatively normal amounts of snow and rain, hot and cold temperatures and good variations in humidity. The device was able to endure all of it.
In the last 2 weeks, the force of the rain was so excessive, that the antennae on top of the unit were slightly pushed to the side, and a decent amount of water was able to get inside, which caused the unit to power off.
Once I noticed that the unit was off, I took it inside, opened it up, used a hair dryer to remove all moisture from the board and metal shielding, and was able to get it working again. After closing the housing, I used commercial silicon to caulk the antennae on top and bottom as well as the metal shielding, so that no new external water will get in, and any environmental moisture will be evaporated from the internal heat of the device.
So even with a literal torrential downpour, this unit is back out there giving us excellent signal in the backyard.
Thanks for sharing, Ozzie. Cheers!
Hi Dong, any update on a recommended outdoor POE access point. The Engenius EWS850 is discontinued/
Thanks
Stanley
The FIT is not. Other than that, there are not a lot of outdoor PoE APs, Stanley. But you can get any that’s available. Good luck! ๐
Hey there!
Iโm trying to set up a security camera at our barn which is approximately 1000 feet away from our house thus not in range of our indoor router.
We have a strong DSL internet connection. There are some trees about midway between the house and the barn, but itโs not terribly thick. We cannot see the barn from the house.
Is this a good option for us?
Thanks so much!
1000 feet is far, Christi. Generally, PoE limits the cable length to 300 feet. After that, you still have another 700 feet to cover, and that’s too far for the Wi-Fi signal to be reliable if it can even reach the camera at all (unlikely). Your only solution is to run a long network cable from the house to the barn and use a regular (non-PoE) access point there — you need a power socket at the place. Alternatively, you can use a cellular hotspot there, like this one, if there’s reception.
If you can clear a line of sight between the source and destination, there are some line of sight bridges, like Ubiquiti Nano beam (https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-NBE-5AC-GEN-Dedicated-Management/cp/B07NGHC8RC/)
Hi Dong, I have a question on the two types of outdoor APs. EWS850AP vs WAX610Y. Unless I am mistaken, both are spec’d similarly and outdoor rated although EWS850 has slightly better IP ratings and WAX610Y has POE+ – DO you recommend one over the other. My requirement is to use the AP outdoors and the wifi transmit is about 150-200 feet radius from the AP location
I haven’t reviewed the WAX610Y, Rama, but the EW850 is excellent. That doesn’t mean it can handle your requirement in terms of coverage, though. That depends on the environment and there’s only one way to find out.
Hi Dong,
On your recommendation we purchased the ASUS RT-AX86U router and ZenWiFi hubs. We need to extend the range on our property to our generator (~150 feet away from the house) and entrance gate (~300 feet away). We cannot economically run ethernet cable to these locations.
What do you recommend for a high-quality outdoor extender? Is it enough to have one which is 150 feet away which would also reach to the 300 foot location? Or do we need two units?
Thank you…
Sorry, one more question:
– Will this outdoor extender slow down our existing network?
Generally, there’s no good outdoor extender, Matt. This access point is your best bet.
I’ve worked with dozens of EnGenius products in the past. For Mathew’s proposed application, I recommended implementing a bridge setup using a pair of ENH500v3‘s or EnStationAC (with PoE Pass Through). You can essentially beam your internet signal via 5Ghz to your remote location, up to 5 miles away direct line of site. These devices are all rated for outdoor climates, IP55.
Thanks for the input, Cal. I added the Amazon links for the products you mentioned.
Hi Dong,
Thanks for all the great articles and reviews! I am far from being a tech genius but your articles are clear and informative. I’ve been looking for an outdoor and indoor coverage solution for my home in the mountains that is situated on a large rectangular lot (100’x450′). The house is 2,700 sq.ft., two story. I was originally thinking of installing the Asus AX XT8 for the house and putting a satellite unit outside in a weatherproof enclosure. However, it looks like the EnGenius EWS850AP is a better solution for the exterior. Would the AX XT8 be a good match or do you recommend a different mesh system or router for the interior?
Thanks,
Mike
Yes, this AP is excellent for the outdoor, Mike. Since it’s PoE, you’ll need to run a network cable to it. And in this case, having a tri-band router is not necessary. I’d recommend a dual-band one, like the RT-AX86U. More Asus options in this post.
Thanks Dong. Yes, I will run direct burial Cat6e between the two. Will the RT-AX86U be enough to cover a 2,700 sq.ft house? (I will probably try just this first.) If not, what do you recommend to add to build an AIMesh?
Mike
Check out this post, Mike. https://dongknows.com/best-aimesh-routers-and-combos/
Hi Dong
I have an Ax86u in my brick house. But Iโd like WiFi outside too. Iโve tried another 86u near the back yard exterior wall and it created interference issues inside the house (but coverage outside was good).
What AP would you recommend to use outside with an Ax86u inside? Would this one be good?
And would you keep the SSID the same or different?
Thanks!
Same SSID, Shawn. As for which hardware, check out the RP-AX56. (By the way, I assume you know what an AP is.)
Thanks Dong. But I donโt believe a RP-AX56 can go outdoors.
For outdoor placement, this AP is the only Wi-Fi 6 choice for now. You can place the RP-AX56 by the edge of your home, under a roof.
I found 1024 Concurrent users can handle.
How about Surge protection? or what is the best way to survive at thundering?
Check out this post on PoE, Rais. https://dongknows.com/whats-poe-and-why-power-over-ethernet-is-cool/
I have more queries. Does it support IpV6? For cloud management does it need Sky Key? Thanks in advanced.
Check the manual or the vendor for that, Rais. Also, heres the post on IP address. It depends on your router. https://dongknows.com/ipv4-vs-ipv6-lan-wan-ip-address/
How Many Concurrent users supported?
That’s a matter of bandwidth and it also depends on the router, Rais. This one is just a Wi-Fi broadcaster. More on that and a lot more this post about the router.