What Is the ANT-5G-OMNI-OUT-N=?

The ​​ANT-5G-OMNI-OUT-N=​​ is a ​​5 GHz omnidirectional outdoor antenna​​ from Cisco’s Aironet portfolio, engineered to deliver 360° coverage in open or semi-open environments. Designed for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and backward-compatible with 802.11ac/n, it supports high-density deployments like stadiums, campuses, and smart city IoT networks. Its ruggedized build ensures reliability in harsh weather, making it a go-to solution for persistent outdoor connectivity.

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Frequency​​: ​​4.9–5.85 GHz​​ (supports 802.11a/n/ac/ax).
• ​​Gain​​: ​​5 dBi​​ for balanced coverage radius and vertical signal penetration.
• ​​Durability​​: ​​IP67-rated enclosure​​ with UV-resistant radome (-40°C to 70°C operation).
• ​​Mounting​​: Adjustable brackets for pole, wall, or mast installations.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Cisco Catalyst 9100ax, Aironet 4800, and ​​IR1101 rugged routers​​.

ANT-5G-OMNI-OUT-N= vs. Directional Antennas: Strategic Use Cases

​​Scenario 1​​: Deploy this antenna in ​​public plazas or parking lots​​ where 360° coverage is essential for guest Wi-Fi or surveillance systems. Directional antennas (e.g., AIR-ANT2588P4M-NS=) focus energy unnecessarily in such setups, creating coverage gaps.

​​Scenario 2​​: Its ​​5 dBi gain​​ ensures stable connections for devices up to ​​150 meters line-of-sight​​, outperforming lower-gain omnidirectional models (e.g., 2 dBi) in obstructed environments like urban parks.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​​Q: Can it support 2.4 GHz devices or Wi-Fi 6E’s 6 GHz band?​​
A: No. This antenna is ​​5 GHz exclusive​​. For multi-band needs, pair it with a 2.4 GHz antenna (e.g., ANT-2-4G2-O=) or Cisco’s tri-band access points.

​​Q: Is it suitable for hurricane-prone coastal areas?​​
A: The IP67 rating protects against rain and salt spray, but Cisco recommends reinforcing mounts with ​​stainless steel straps​​ for winds exceeding 75 mph.

​​Q: How many clients can it handle simultaneously?​​
A: Dependent on the access point, but its design supports ​​200–300 concurrent devices​​ in high-traffic areas like stadiums, assuming proper channel planning.

​​Q: Does it require a ground plane for optimal performance?​​
A: No. Unlike dipole antennas, its integrated ground plane simplifies installation on non-metallic surfaces (e.g., wooden poles).

Where to Purchase Genuine ANT-5G-OMNI-OUT-N= Units

Cisco’s supply-chain policies ensure compliance with global RF regulations. ​​Source authentic ANT-5G-OMNI-OUT-N= antennas at itmall.sale​​. Counterfeit units often lack proper shielding, risking signal leakage and compliance violations.

Field-Tested Insights

In a recent smart city project, this antenna’s omnidirectional pattern eliminated dead zones across a 10-acre park, supporting both visitor Wi-Fi and air quality sensors. However, its 5 dBi gain struggled with dense tree canopies—supplementing with ​​6 dBi sector antennas​​ bridged gaps. For urban deployments, align its polarization with client devices (e.g., smartphones) to minimize packet loss. While third-party antennas cost less upfront, their plastic radomes degraded within six months under direct sunlight, leading to costly replacements. In outdoor Wi-Fi, durability isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of ROI.