Out in my backyard I have a gazebo with an electrical plug, and several years ago I ran outdoor Ethernet cable to it for internet access. However, I've been using el cheapo third party access points out there, cuz it's outside and it's infrequently used. In my house, it's an all Apple AirPort Extreme pseudo-mesh network and Apple devices roam between units automatically on it. However, since the one outside is not an Apple device, my devices don't always auto-switch to it, so sometimes I have to manually select it in the settings which is annoying.
I've recently completed fleshing out my home WiFi with 6th gen 802.11ac AirPort Extreme units and thus had an extra leftover 5th gen 802.11n AE unit which I decided to put outside to complete the WiFi network. However, I wasn't keen on spending CAD$40 to get a plastic mount from eBay shipped to me. That's more than what these AE units sometimes cost on the used market. No thanks.
I was trying to figure out how to mount the AE using a box or shelf or hooks or straps, but then had a epiphany. I could mount it so that it's held up by its top cover, using some left over parts I had in my junk cupboard. The key were some flat brackets I had bought to fix my fence, which slide right into the ridge between the top cover main body, and I had exactly three left which worked out well. Here is the flat bracket on edge, along with screws with washers to act as standoffs.
These were mounted to a piece of wood at a height that would exactly match the ridge/slot in the AE.
I installed one bracket, put the AE in place, and then used the AE as the guide to install the second bracket. And then with the two brackets installed, I put the AE in place again to install the third bracket, for an exact fit. No measuring needed.
With this setup, the AE fits snugly but I can slide the AE in or out at will.
Also, mounted this way, the ports are not blocked.
Installed in the gazebo:
Here is the completed result:
The mount is pretty rough around the edges, but the good news it's ultra strong and I suspect it will last a very long time, maybe longer than the gazebo itself.
BTW, it's about -6C (-21F) right now and the AE is working fine. This AE will eventually be encrusted with dead bugs and webs, so I'll probably pick up another one if I can find one cheap on eBay or Kijiji.
I've recently completed fleshing out my home WiFi with 6th gen 802.11ac AirPort Extreme units and thus had an extra leftover 5th gen 802.11n AE unit which I decided to put outside to complete the WiFi network. However, I wasn't keen on spending CAD$40 to get a plastic mount from eBay shipped to me. That's more than what these AE units sometimes cost on the used market. No thanks.
I was trying to figure out how to mount the AE using a box or shelf or hooks or straps, but then had a epiphany. I could mount it so that it's held up by its top cover, using some left over parts I had in my junk cupboard. The key were some flat brackets I had bought to fix my fence, which slide right into the ridge between the top cover main body, and I had exactly three left which worked out well. Here is the flat bracket on edge, along with screws with washers to act as standoffs.
These were mounted to a piece of wood at a height that would exactly match the ridge/slot in the AE.
I installed one bracket, put the AE in place, and then used the AE as the guide to install the second bracket. And then with the two brackets installed, I put the AE in place again to install the third bracket, for an exact fit. No measuring needed.
With this setup, the AE fits snugly but I can slide the AE in or out at will.
Also, mounted this way, the ports are not blocked.
Installed in the gazebo:
Here is the completed result:
The mount is pretty rough around the edges, but the good news it's ultra strong and I suspect it will last a very long time, maybe longer than the gazebo itself.
BTW, it's about -6C (-21F) right now and the AE is working fine. This AE will eventually be encrusted with dead bugs and webs, so I'll probably pick up another one if I can find one cheap on eBay or Kijiji.
