Eero Launches Outdoor 7 Wi-Fi Access Point: A Game-Changer for Outdoor Internet

In a significant move to enhance outdoor connectivity, Eero, the mesh Wi-Fi pioneer owned by Amazon, has unveiled its latest innovation—the Eero Outdoor 7. This new dual-band access point includes support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 7 frequencies, ensuring robust internet access for modern outdoor needs. Priced starting at $349.99, the device promises exceptional outdoor performance, boasting up to 15,000 square feet of coverage and impressive speeds of up to 2.1 Gbps. This capability positions it as a reliable solution for streaming movies, managing security cameras, or maintaining Wi-Fi accessibility in remote areas like a garden shed.

As our dependency on digital connectivity grows, having no Wi-Fi coverage in outdoor spaces has become a pressing concern for consumers. Nick Weaver, Eero’s CEO, emphasized in a recent interview with The Verge that the demand for an outdoor-specific device to expand their Wi-Fi mesh network has been a recurring request from customers since the company’s inception. “We’ve consistently heard our users ask, ‘I have numerous devices outside; do you have a product to support them?’” Weaver noted, highlighting the shift towards multifunctional outdoor spaces.

The Eero Outdoor 7 is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, with an impressive IP66 rating, which signifies its ability to endure heavy rain and extreme temperatures. Weaver explained that the device underwent rigorous testing in diverse environments, including the intense heat of Arizona, a commercial refrigerator, coastal beaches, and even tunnels subjected to winds reaching 100 mph. It can operate in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit, offering a new level of reliability for outdoor internet use.

Installation of the Outdoor 7 is designed to be straightforward, with options for wall mounting on various surfaces, including stucco, vinyl, wood, or fiber cement. Additionally, it can be wrapped around poles to enhance flexibility during setup. Featuring only a single port—a 2.5GbE port that supports Power over Ethernet—this design prioritizes waterproofing while ensuring stable connectivity. Users also have the option for a 30W Outdoor PoE Plus power adapter, which connects to an outdoor AC outlet, allowing seamless linking to an existing Eero network, with the adapter bundle priced at $399.99.

Although Eero’s indoor offerings, such as the Eero Max 7, utilize a tri-band setup to incorporate the 6 GHz frequency band, the Outdoor 7 focuses solely on the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. Weaver clarified that outdoor conditions present challenges for the use of 6 GHz, which can compromise user experience. However, the Outdoor 7’s capabilities are optimized to deliver fast, robust service that supports multiple outdoor devices.

Point-to-point connectivity is another noteworthy feature of the Eero Outdoor 7, allowing two devices placed in a direct line of sight to extend the network coverage to outbuildings like garages or tool sheds. Users can expect connectivity speeds of hundreds of megabits per second, even at distances of up to half a mile away, which significantly enhances usability for various outdoor applications.

Given the increasing number of devices that require Wi-Fi—ranging from outdoor entertainment systems to security systems—having a reliable outdoor access point has become indispensable. Applications for outdoor Wi-Fi include smart sprinklers, pool pumps, gate controllers, and even connected vehicles needing updates. “There’s a growing acceptance of being able to work or enjoy leisure activities in outdoor spaces, which is driving the need for reliable connectivity,” Weaver explained.

The Eero Outdoor 7 also acts as a smart home hub, supporting technologies like Thread, Zigbee, and Matter, making it a versatile addition to any smart home ecosystem. Although the Outdoor 7 comes with a higher price point compared to other outdoor options on the market—such as TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 6 access point—its unique combination of Wi-Fi 7 technology, IP66 rating, and extensive coverage represents a standout offering in the consumer market.

Set to launch on November 13, 2024, the Eero Outdoor 7 will be available for purchase through eero.com, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers. With these advanced features and robust specifications, the Eero Outdoor 7 could redefine how we think about Wi-Fi in outdoor environments, catering to our ever-growing need for connectivity in every aspect of our lives.