The WiFi Expansion Kit allows libraries to test multiple wireless expansion strategies, including mesh networking, point-to-point (PtP) long-distance links, outdoor coverage, and remote site connectivity. This page explains how all components work together, provides best-practice configuration steps, and includes diagrammatic layouts to make deployment easier.
The kit contains four major subsystems:
UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 – Manages and monitors all UniFi devices
UniFi USW-Flex PoE Switches (x2) – Provide PoE+ to APs and NanoBeams
PoE++ (60W) Adapters (x2) – Provide power to the Flex switches when AC power is available
Ubiquiti NanoBeam 5AC Gen2 (x2) – Creates a high-speed point-to-point bridge between two locations
Ubiquiti UAP-AC-M Mesh Access Points (x4) – Provide local wireless service at the “remote” side of the PtP bridge
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro – Powers remote-side equipment where AC power is unavailable
Auray SS-25S Tripod Stands (x2) – Hold NanoBeams and switches
Rockville Extension Poles (x2) – Provide extra height; the full assembly slides directly onto tripods
[Library Building Network]
│
▼
[PoE Switch] → [NanoBeam A] ))) 5 GHz Wireless Bridge ((( [NanoBeam B]
│
[Flex Switch]
┌─────────────────┴──────────────────┐
│ │ │
[Mesh AP 1] [Mesh AP 2] [Mesh AP 3]
In short:
The NanoBeams create a wireless “backhaul,” delivering network connectivity to a remote area where the Flex switch powers multiple mesh APs, expanding WiFi coverage.
Below are the three standard configurations libraries will use when testing.
Use when testing if remote connectivity is even possible.
[Library Router/Switch] → [NanoBeam A] )))) (((([NanoBeam B] → [Laptop / Test Device]
Checking viability of outdoor WiFi in a park
Verifying if line-of-sight exists between buildings
Testing bandwidth for future projects
Most common testing setup.
[Library LAN]
│
[PoE Adapter → Flex Switch] → [Cloud Key Gen2] ← manages all APs, switches, NanoBeams
│
[NanoBeam A]
│
))))) 5 GHz Bridge (((((
│
[NanoBeam B]
│
[Flex Switch (PoE) - Powered By EcoFlow Power Station]
┌───────┬────────┬────────┐
│ │ │ │
[AP1] [AP2] [AP3] [AP4]
Pop-up outdoor WiFi in downtown areas
Connectivity for events, festivals, or parking lots
Temporary network during building construction or outages
Expand the bases and poles of the Auray Tripods. Tighten the knobs to lock it in place (keep the base wide for best stability).
Slide the Rockville Extension Pole (with all gear already mounted) into the Auray tripod.
Ensure:
Clear line-of-sight between units
No trees, walls, or metal objects in the path
Tripods are stable and weighted if windy
Use AC power → PoE++ adapter → USW-Flex switch → Cloud Key Gen2
│ → (same Flex switch)
Use AC power → USW-Flex switch → PoE+ adapter → NanoBeam A
EcoFlow → PoE++ adapter → Flex Switch → NanoBeam B + Mesh APs
EcoFlow Runtime Estimates (varies by devices used):
NanoBeam only: 6–9 hours
NanoBeam + 2 APs: 4–6 hours
Full setup (4 APs): 3–4 hours
Use the included:
100 ft Cat6 cables for long distances
6 ft Cat6 cables for near-device connections
All APs must connect to the PoE-out ports on the Flex Switch.
Point devices roughly at each other
Use the NanoBeam’s signal strength app/tools
Adjust angle slowly until:
Signal ≥ –60 dBm
Quality ≥ 80%
Mark the tripod feet with tape if testing multiple areas.
Connect APs to Flex switch
Place them:
Spread out
20–100 ft apart
8–12 ft high ideally
AP LEDs should turn solid white (ready) or blue (active clients)
Connect Cloud Key to LAN
Visit: https://unifi.ui.com
Adopt:
Flex switches
APs
NanoBeams (if running in management mode)
Set SSID name & password
Enable “Wireless Uplink” if using APs wirelessly
REMOTE EVENT AREA
AP1 AP2 AP3 AP4
\ | | /
\ | | /
[Flex Switch + EcoFlow]
│
[NanoBeam B]
| ))))) ((((( |
[NanoBeam A]
│
[Library Network]
[Library LAN] → [NanoBeam A] )))) (((([NanoBeam B] → AP1 + AP2
Building A → NanoBeam A )))) ((( NanoBeam B → Building B WiFi
Problem
Likely Cause
Fix
Slow connection
NanoBeam misaligned
Re-aim until signal improves
APs not powering
Wrong port
Use PoE-OUT ports only
No remote link
Obstructed line-of-sight
Move tripod or raise height
Devices cycling power
Insufficient EcoFlow battery
Recharge or reduce AP count
Interference spikes
Nearby WISPs, 5GHz congestion
Change NanoBeam channel