TP-Link EAP772-Outdoor: Tough on the Outside, Questionable on the Inside
TP-Link has just unveiled its latest Wi-Fi 7 access point, the EAP772-Outdoor, designed to endure extreme conditions with an impressive IP68 rating, allowing it to withstand full water immersion. This rugged access point boasts some eye-catching specs: tri-band wireless speeds that reach up to 9.3Gbps, support for over 380 connected devices, and 2.5Gbps Power over Ethernet (PoE) for easy integration. However, the claim of underwater survivability certainly raises some eyebrows, especially given the limitations of Wi-Fi signals in water.
Understanding the IP68 Rating
Equipped with two 4 dBi antennas for the 2.4GHz band and a pair of 6 dBi antennas for both the 5GHz and 6GHz bands, the EAP772 offers maximum theoretical speeds of 688Mbps, 2.88Gbps, and 5.76Gbps, respectively. With an effective coverage area of approximately 300 square meters and a five-year warranty, it’s clearly geared toward heavy-duty use. Still, the notion of underwater Wi-Fi is a stretch.
Wi-Fi, especially on higher frequencies, struggles to transmit through water effectively; radio waves are absorbed quickly, limiting practical communication to just a few feet. This leads to questions about how well the LAN port will hold up if submerged, and what real-world applications this capability serves.
The Limitations of Underwater Wireless
If we explore the idea of using Wi-Fi underwater, the practical applications seem limited. While divers might desire wireless communication to avoid relying on hand signals, the existing technologies like Aqua-Fi already target this need using light or acoustic waves, bypassing traditional Wi-Fi altogether. Moreover, TP-Link hasn’t indicated any compatibility with such systems nor suggested that the EAP772-Outdoor is suited for submerged deployment beyond surviving a dip in the water.
This brings us to the pivotal question: why amplify the importance of waterproof capabilities? For outdoor setups where exposure to rain, dust, and extreme heat is a concern, weatherproofing is undoubtedly valuable. But full immersion? Unless the unit ends up accidentally submerged or is installed in flood-prone locations, it seems unnecessary.
Who Is This Router For?
For those in search of a reliable outdoor Wi-Fi solution, the EAP772-Outdoor might just fit the bill. It’s designed with enterprise clients in mind, particularly those who need robust equipment for open-air environments. However, for home or office users simply looking to establish a mobile hotspot or switch, this access point may come across as over-engineered.
The TP-Link EAP772 is set to retail for about $565 when it launches in June 2025. While it holds strong potential for specific use cases, its emphasis on underwater durability invites skepticism regarding its practicality in everyday scenarios.
