COMFAST CF-EW85 Outdoor WiFi Router Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The COMFAST CF-EW85 is a high-power, dual-band AC1300 outdoor wireless access point (AP) designed for extensive outdoor WiFi coverage. Featuring a professional waterproof shell and three high-gain omnidirectional antennas, it ensures 360° signal coverage. This device is suitable for large outdoor environments such as plazas, resorts, scenic spots, and other crowded areas. It supports both Power over Ethernet (PoE) and DC power supply for flexible installation.

2. Key Features

• High-Speed Dual-Band WiFi: Offers a combined wireless speed of up to 1300Mbps (450Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5.8GHz) for stable and fast connections.
• Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Equipped with one 10/100/1000Mbps WAN RJ45 port and two 10/100 LAN RJ45 ports, breaking through wired bottlenecks.
• Powerful Signal Amplification: Features 5 high-gain independent signal amplification chips and 3 external 5dBi omnidirectional antennas for enhanced signal strength and coverage.
• Robust Qualcomm Chipset: Powered by a three-core Qualcomm chipset (QCA9563+QCA9886+QCA8337) for stable performance.
• Flexible Power Supply: Supports both Power over Ethernet (PoE, 802.3af/at standard up to 100 meters) and DC power supply.
• IP66 Weatherproof Design: Professional outdoor shell design with IP66 lightning protection ensures durability in harsh outdoor conditions.
• High-Density Access: Capable of supporting over 160 concurrent terminal devices, maintaining smooth network speed even with high user density.
• Adjustable Power: Allows flexible adjustment of AP power to reduce interference and improve wireless stability in high-density coverage areas.
• Built-in Watchdog Chip: Includes a watchdog chip for self-repair and automatic restart functions, minimizing maintenance costs and ensuring continuous operation.
• Unified Management: Facilitates centralized management for large-scale outdoor WiFi projects, saving engineering and maintenance costs.

3. Technical Specifications

4. Package Contents

The COMFAST CF-EW85 package includes:

• 1x COMFAST CF-EW85 Outdoor Access Point AP
• 2x Screws for mounting
• 1x PoE Power Supply (Injector)
• 1x Stainless Steel Cable Tie
• 1x User Manual

5. Setup and Installation

5.1. Power Supply Options

The CF-EW85 supports two power supply methods:

1. PoE (Power over Ethernet): Use the included PoE injector to supply power and data through a single Ethernet cable. This is ideal for outdoor installations where power outlets are not readily available.
2. DC Power Supply: Connect a compatible DC power adapter (not always included, check specific bundle) to the DC port.

5.2. Physical Installation

The CF-EW85 can be installed using either wall-mounting or pole-mounting methods. Choose the method that best suits your environment.

Wall-mounted Installation:

1. Mark the desired drilling points on the wall using the device as a template.
2. Drill holes and insert wall plugs if necessary.
3. Secure the device to the wall using the provided screws.

Pole Installation:

1. Attach the stainless steel cable tie through the designated slots on the device.
2. Wrap the cable tie around the pole and tighten it securely.

5.3. Network Connection

Connect the Ethernet cables to the appropriate ports (WAN/LAN) on the device. Ensure secure connections, especially for outdoor use.

6. Operating Modes

The COMFAST CF-EW85 supports multiple working modes to adapt to various network requirements:

• AP Mode (Access Point): In this mode, the device connects to an existing router via an Ethernet cable (often using a PoE adapter) and extends the wireless network coverage. It acts as a central hub for wireless clients.
• Router Mode: The device connects directly to a modem via an Ethernet cable (using a PoE adapter) and functions as the primary router for the network, providing both wired and wireless connectivity.
• Repeater Mode: The device wirelessly connects to an existing WiFi network and re-broadcasts the signal, extending the range of the current network without a wired connection to the main router. For optimal performance, place it within 3-5 meters of the main router.
• Bridge Mode: In bridge mode, the device connects wirelessly to an existing AP signal and provides wired network access through its LAN ports. This is useful for connecting wired devices to a wireless network.

7. Maintenance

• Weather Resistance: The CF-EW85 has an IP66 waterproof rating, making it resistant to dust and water jets. This design minimizes the need for frequent maintenance due to environmental factors.
• Self-Repair Function: A built-in watchdog chip enables the device to perform self-repair and automatic restarts in case of sudden failures, ensuring continuous operation and reducing manual intervention.
• Anti-Interference: The adjustable power feature allows you to optimize signal stability and reduce interference, contributing to a more reliable network.
• Cleaning: Periodically inspect the device for any accumulated dirt or debris, especially around the ports and antennas. Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners.

8. Troubleshooting

8.1. Limited WiFi Range

Issue: The WiFi signal does not reach the expected distance or is weak in certain areas.

Solution:

• Obstacles: The effective range of the WiFi signal (advertised up to 500M coverage, but typically 50-150M radius in open, unobstructed areas) can be significantly reduced by physical obstacles such as trees, walls, buildings, and vehicles. Try to install the antenna in a location with minimal obstructions.
• Antenna Alignment: Ensure the external antennas are positioned optimally for your desired coverage area.
• Interference: Adjust the AP power settings to mitigate interference from other wireless devices or networks.

8.2. Device Malfunction / Unresponsive

Issue: The device stops working or becomes unresponsive.

Solution:

• Automatic Repair: The built-in watchdog chip is designed to automatically self-repair and restart the device in case of sudden failures. Allow a few minutes for the device to attempt recovery.
• Power Cycle: Disconnect the power supply (PoE or DC) for a few seconds, then reconnect it to perform a manual restart.
• Reset Button: If the device remains unresponsive, use a pin to press and hold the RESET button for 5-10 seconds to restore factory default settings. Note that this will erase all custom configurations.

8.3. Network Speed Issues

Issue: Slow internet access or unstable network speed.

Solution:

• Gigabit Ports: Ensure all connected Ethernet cables and devices (router, modem, client devices) support Gigabit speeds to fully utilize the CF-EW85's Gigabit ports.
• User Density: While the CF-EW85 supports high user density (160+ devices), excessive simultaneous high-bandwidth usage might still impact performance.
• Mode Configuration: Verify that the device is configured in the appropriate operating mode (AP, Router, Repeater, Bridge) for your network setup.

9. User Tips

• Optimal Placement: For best signal strength and range, install the CF-EW85 in an elevated position with a clear line of sight to the areas you wish to cover. Minimize obstructions like trees and buildings.
• Power Choice: Utilize PoE for installations where power outlets are distant or inconvenient, simplifying cabling.
• Mode Selection: Carefully choose the operating mode (AP, Router, Repeater, Bridge) that best fits your specific network topology and needs. Refer to Section 6 for details.
• Weather Protection: Although the device is IP66 rated, ensuring proper sealing of cable glands and connections will further enhance its longevity in harsh weather.

10. Warranty and Support

This product comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. For any inquiries or technical assistance, please contact customer support. All emails will be answered within 24 hours.