Replace Cellular Data with Outdoor Wi-Fi Coverage
Industrial facilities, logistics yards, and warehouse operations depend on tablets, scanners, and spotter trucks to keep daily tasks running smoothly. But when every device relies on a cellular data plan, monthly costs can skyrocket.
More and more companies are choosing to replace cellular data service with private outdoor Wi-Fi networks — owned, managed, and secured in-house. At GNS Wireless, we specialize in designing these large-area networks that cover entire yards, loading zones, and staging areas with reliable, enterprise-grade connectivity.
The Challenge: Reliable Wi-Fi Across a Large Yard
Many facilities have strong indoor Wi-Fi that stops at the warehouse walls. Beyond that, coverage fades — leaving field teams and mobile devices dependent on cellular. The challenge is to extend the corporate network outdoors, across acres of open lot, while maintaining performance inside steel-frame structures and vehicle cabs.
To achieve this, a facility needs:
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Seamless coverage from the control center to every work zone
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Low-latency connections for tablets, scanners, and IoT devices
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Signal penetration through steel-strand or insulated buildings
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Scalability for additional access points and expansion zones
The GNS Wireless Solution: Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) Backbone + Remote Outdoor Access Points
Instead of installing multiple isolated links, the most efficient way to blanket a large yard with Wi-Fi is to use a point-to-multipoint (PtMP) wireless system.
A single PtMP base station located near your network core delivers connectivity to multiple subscriber radios mounted on poles throughout the property. Each subscriber radio feeds a remote outdoor access point, creating localized coverage zones that overlap for seamless roaming.
PtMP Wireless Backbone (5 GHz or 60 GHz)
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60 GHz Gigabit Links: Ideal for clean line-of-sight, interference-free backhaul between your MCC or network core and remote AP locations.
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5 GHz Industrial Links: Perfect for longer or partially obstructed paths, offering excellent range and reliability even around steel structures or trailers.
Recommended hardware:
Remote Outdoor Access Points
Each PtMP subscriber radio connects to a Wi-Fi 6 outdoor access point mounted nearby — typically on existing light poles or building corners. Together, these APs form a mesh-like coverage pattern across the entire yard.
Key Features:
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Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) for modern handhelds and vehicle devices
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802.11 k/v/r fast-roaming support for seamless handoff between zones
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VLAN segmentation for corporate, operations, and guest access
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IP67-rated housings built to withstand weather and vibration
Why a PtMP Approach Works Best
For sprawling facilities and logistics operations, PtMP architecture offers the best balance of performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
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Centralized Backhaul: One base radio feeds multiple zones, minimizing wiring and simplifying network management.
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Reduced Infrastructure Cost: Fewer bridge pairs mean lower equipment and installation costs compared to multiple PtP links.
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Seamless Roaming: Devices move freely across access point zones without losing connection.
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Scalable Expansion: Adding coverage is as simple as mounting another subscriber and access point.
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Lower Latency & Higher Throughput: 60 GHz and 5 GHz technologies deliver gigabit-class performance across large properties.
Coverage Design
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Base Station: Mounted near the network core or MCC with clear line-of-sight to yard poles.
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Subscriber Radios: Installed on strategic poles throughout the property, each providing backhaul to one or two outdoor APs.
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Access Points: Positioned for overlapping coverage across loading docks, drive lanes, and staging areas.
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Power & Protection: Each pole equipped with PoE power, NEMA enclosure, and surge suppression for reliability.
The result is a unified outdoor network that extends your existing LAN — without trenching, fiber pulls, or recurring cellular fees.
Results: Lower Costs and Higher Control
By transitioning from cellular to a private Wi-Fi infrastructure, organizations typically achieve:
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Immediate cost savings on monthly data plans
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Centralized IT management and stronger data security
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Improved reliability for yard management and logistics software
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Scalable growth for new lots, poles, or connected devices
Ready to Eliminate Cellular Costs?
If your facility operates across a large outdoor yard or multi-building campus, GNS Wireless can design a custom PtMP Wi-Fi system that keeps every device connected — without paying a carrier every month.
📞 Call (877) 209-5152 or visit gnswireless.com