Outdoor connectivity demands hardware that can do it all, route data, manage backhaul, and broadcast high-power Wi-Fi while surviving rain, heat, and lightning. BEC Technologies’ RidgeWave 4700A | RidgeWave 4700AZ | RidgeWave 7000 R26-W answer that challenge with fully integrated outdoor hotspot routers that combine the intelligence of a router and the reach of a high-gain access point inside a single IP-rated enclosure.
These devices aren’t simply access points; they are complete outdoor network nodes. Each unit integrates routing intelligence, wireless backhaul, and dual-band Wi-Fi to create a self-contained broadband solution for campuses, municipalities, industrial yards, marinas, and any environment where uptime and reliability are non-negotiable.
AG Antenna provides engineered antenna and cabling solutions designed to extend the reach and optimize the performance of these outdoor hotspot systems.
Integrated Hotspot Routers: The Modern Outdoor Network Core
The term outdoor hotspot has evolved. Today’s deployments require hardware that not only provides Wi-Fi access but also manages traffic, security, and connectivity autonomously. The BEC 4700A, 4700AZ, and 7000 R26-W bring these capabilities together by embedding both the router and Wi-Fi subsystem in a single enclosure, eliminating the need for separate devices or indoor network controllers.
BEC 4700A: Dual-Band Foundation for Outdoor Wi-Fi Networks
Key Features
- Dual-band concurrent Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz 802.11ac Wave 2 with MU-MIMO and beamforming
- Gigabit Ethernet WAN: Ideal for wired or fiber-fed installations
- IP68-rated enclosure: Complete environmental sealing against dust, water, and UV exposure
- Surge and ESD protection: Built for outdoor electrical transients
- Power over Ethernet (802.3at): Single-cable installation with remote reboot capability
- Hotspot and management tools: Captive portal, VLAN isolation, QoS, and multi-SSID support
Use Case
The 4700A excels in locations where Ethernet backhaul is available but extended Wi-Fi coverage is required outdoors, such as university campuses, stadiums, or smart-lighting networks. With external N-type connectors, engineers can pair it with AG Antenna omni or sector antennas for coverage shaping and extended range.
BEC 4700AZ: Integrated LTE Hotspot Router for Autonomous Connectivity
Key Features
- Embedded LTE/LTE-A modem: Supports multi-band operation and carrier aggregation
- Automatic failover: Seamless switching between LTE and Gigabit Ethernet WAN
- Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi: Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz access with high PHY throughput
- Integrated SX-series cellular antenna array
- PoE power input: Simplifies installation and minimizes environmental exposure
- IP67/IP68 enclosure: Engineered for harsh outdoor environments
Use Case
The 4700AZ is ideal for deployments without reliable wired connectivity, such as parks, marinas, temporary events, or mobile operations. With its internal LTE backhaul and automatic failover logic, the 4700AZ can maintain broadband service independently, providing continuous network uptime even in remote or rugged conditions.
BEC 7000 R26-W: High-Power Wi-Fi 6 and Dual WAN Edge for Demanding Outdoor Networks
The BEC RidgeWave 7000 R26-W represents the latest evolution of the RidgeWave series, integrating Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and dual WAN capability in a hardened outdoor enclosure. It is purpose-built for broadband access, public safety, and industrial IoT applications where both wireless range and edge intelligence are critical.
Key Features
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 4×4 MU-MIMO and OFDMA for ultra-efficient multi-user throughput
- Dual WAN support: Integrated LTE-Advanced Pro CAT 12 modem plus Gigabit Ethernet WAN
- Multi-carrier support with carrier aggregation and fallback logic
- Integrated high-gain cellular antenna system
- Rugged IP68 enclosure with extended –40 °C to +60 °C operating range
- PoE++ (802.3bt) for long-distance power delivery and simplified outdoor installation
- BECentral Cloud management for configuration, monitoring, and remote firmware updates
Use Case
The 7000 R26-W is designed for carrier-class outdoor broadband, remote edge networks, and smart-city deployments. It provides a single platform capable of routing, Wi-Fi 6 access, and LTE backhaul without external controllers. In dense RF environments, Wi-Fi 6 efficiency ensures higher concurrency and improved spectral performance.
Technical Comparison: 4700A vs 4700AZ vs 7000 R26-W
|
Feature |
BEC 4700A |
BEC 4700AZ |
BEC 7000 R26-W |
|
Backhaul |
Gigabit Ethernet |
Embedded LTE/LTE-A + Ethernet |
LTE-Advanced Pro + Gigabit Ethernet |
|
Wi-Fi |
Dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 |
Dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 |
Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
|
LTE Modem |
External/optional |
Integrated |
Integrated CAT 12 multi-carrier |
|
Failover |
Ethernet-based |
LTE ↔ Ethernet automatic |
LTE ↔ Ethernet automatic |
|
Enclosure |
IP68 |
IP67/IP68 |
IP68 |
|
Antennas |
External N-type Wi-Fi |
External N-type Wi-Fi + Integrated LTE array |
Integrated cellular + external Wi-Fi 6 connectors |
|
Power |
PoE (802.3at) |
PoE (802.3at) |
PoE++ (802.3bt) |
|
Target Use |
Wired/fiber backhaul |
Wireless/LTE backhaul |
Dual WAN high-capacity edge |
|
Management |
Local + cloud |
Local + cloud |
Local + cloud (BECentral Pro) |
The R26-W builds upon the 4700 series by incorporating Wi-Fi 6, LTE-A Pro, and higher power delivery through PoE++. This makes it suitable for data-intensive, multi-user outdoor deployments that demand maximum throughput and minimal latency.
Deployment Engineering and RF Design Considerations
Antenna Configuration
- Use high-gain omnidirectional antennas for wide public zones or sector antennas for directional coverage
- The 7000 R26-W supports both internal cellular antennas and external Wi-Fi 6 connectors
- Minimize coaxial losses using AGA-series low-loss cables (AGA240, AGA400)
Power and Grounding
- Utilize shielded PoE cabling with surge suppression and proper grounding at both device and injector
- Follow outdoor grounding and bonding best practices to protect from ESD and lightning
Network Architecture
- Implement VLAN segmentation for public/private separation
- Use LTE failover or dual WAN load-balancing for redundant uptime
- Enable remote monitoring and configuration through BECentral Cloud
Security
- WPA3 encryption, client isolation, and per-SSID traffic control
- Firmware hardening and secure management interface via HTTPS and SNMPv3
Choosing the Right Model
|
Scenario |
Recommended Model |
|
Site has existing wired/fiber backhaul |
BEC 4700A |
|
Remote or temporary site with no wired access |
BEC 4700AZ |
|
LTE primary with Ethernet failover |
BEC 4700AZ |
|
Wi-Fi hotspot on existing campus infrastructure |
BEC 4700A |
|
Dual WAN deployment with Wi-Fi 6 coverage and high-user density |
BEC 7000 R26-W |
The 4700A and 4700AZ remain ideal for standard outdoor Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, while the 7000 R26-W expands capabilities for modern Wi-Fi 6 and multi-WAN applications where throughput, latency, and capacity are key metrics.
AG Antenna Integration Solutions
AG Antenna engineers design and supply high-performance external antennas, weather-sealed cabling, and mounting assemblies tailored for the BEC RidgeWave-series. From omni and sector Wi-Fi arrays to precision AGA-series low-loss cables, AG Antenna ensures that your outdoor hotspot deployment achieves optimal range, throughput, and durability.
- See Best Selling antenna solutions for BEC RidgeWave 4700A Outdoor Routers with Carrier-Grade Wi-Fi Hotspot
- See Best Selling antenna solutions for BEC RidgeWave 4700AZ Outdoor Routers with Carrier-Grade Wi-Fi Hotspot
- See Best Selling antenna solutions for BEC RidgeWave 7000 R26-W Outdoor Routers with Carrier-Grade Wi-Fi Hotspot
We also provide custom-finished cable assemblies and antenna system surge protection and mounting hardware options for streamlined installation in any outdoor environment.
Bringing It All Together
The BEC 4700A | 4700AZ | 7000 R26-W redefine outdoor connectivity by combining router intelligence, LTE backhaul, and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi into a single, sealed, high-performance enclosure. When paired with AG Antenna’s optimized antenna systems and RF cabling, they become the backbone of reliable outdoor broadband, whether serving a campus, marina, or mission-critical public network.
AG Antenna delivers the engineering expertise and compatible solutions to extend the performance of your BEC RidgeWave-series hotspot deployment.
Visit AGAntenna to learn more about compatible antenna solutions and outdoor network integration.