The WiFi Expansion Kit is designed to help libraries test, plan, and experiment with wireless expansion options both indoors and outdoors. This kit provides everything needed to explore long-distance point-to-point (PtP) networking, mesh WiFi coverage, spectrum awareness, and portable network deployment—even in areas with no power.

Libraries can use this kit to:

• Test expanding WiFi to outdoor spaces, annex buildings, or parking lots.

• Evaluate line-of-sight wireless links using PtP radios.

• Analyze the local RF environment to decide whether traditional WiFi, 5 GHz, TV White Space, or other options are viable.

• Deploy a temporary field network during events, outreach, or emergency situations.

• Experiment with mesh WiFi nodes to understand coverage, throughput, and reliability.

• Explore centralized network management.

The kit includes all cables, PoE power supplies, mounting hardware, tripods, extension poles, and power sources needed for realistic field testing.

Kit Contents

Wireless Analysis

• 1 x RF Explorer WSUB1G+ Digital Spectrum Analyzer (for analyzing RF activity, interference, and signal strength)

Point-to-Point Networking

• 2 x Ubiquiti NanoBeam 5AC Gen 2 (long-range 5 GHz PtP radios capable of multi-mile links (line-of-sight required))

• 2 x Rockville 21" Extension Poles (pre-mounted with NanoBeam radios, Flex switches, & PoE adapters for instant deployment)

• 2 x Auray SS-25S Height-Adjustable Tripod Stands (mounts the radios at optimal height, extension poles slip on tripods)

Network Infrastructure

• 4 × UniFi UAP-AC-Mesh Access Points (indoor/outdoor mesh or point coverage testing)

• 1 x UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 (central management of UniFi equipment)

• 2 × UniFi USW-Flex 5-Port PoE Switches (power APs and provide networking on both ends of PtP connection)

• 2 × UniFi PoE++ (60W) Adapters (to power the Flex switches)

• Cat6 Cables (100 ft long cables for APs and transmitting pole for long-distance field deployment, short cables for local connections)

Power

• 1 x EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station (768 Wh) (Powers remote equipment including NanoBeams, Flex switches, and APs)

Network Diagram

You can see example network workflows here and a diagram here to gain a better understanding of how to use the NanoBeam for events or as an alternative to a hardline.

Recommended Use Cases

• Providing WiFi for outdoor programs, festivals, or parking lots

• Creating a temporary branch or pop-up library network

• Connecting buildings on the same campus without trenching conduit

• Testing wireless expansion before committing to long-term infrastructure

• Establishing emergency backup communication links during outages

• Assessing local RF noise and interference before installing new WiFi equipment

Return Checklist

Packing this kit can be a bit challenging because you will need to keep everything connected to simplify use for the next person. As you break things down to fit int he box, remember to keep all cables plugged in (but make sure there isn't pressure on the connections in storage), and place the devices carefully in the case. The battery can be completely broken down with no cables left plugged in (and should be shut off). The kit is designed to remain partially assembled, this is one of the reasons all hardware is mounted to the extension poles. Before packing the kit:

• Both NanoBeams (keep mounted to extension pole)

• Four PoE Injectors (keep mounted to extension pole)

• Both Rockville extension poles (devices should remain attached)

• Two Auray "speaker" stands (remove extension pole and collapse)

• Short & long Cat6 cables (keep them plugged in to their devices)

• EcoFlow battery pack (unplug all cables from this device)

• All adapters and accessories

• All items cleaned and dry

• Post-use survey completed