Earlier advice has convinced me that pairing my MAX BR1 Pro 5G with an Antenna Max and using the eSim functionality is the best way to go is the best way to go for my sailing boat.
Planning further, with the router now installed 10m up the mast, I now also need a AP One AX Lite access point, is that correct, would it work without?
If I need an AP One AX Lite, can it connect directly to the BR1, or is it an absolute must to have a switch in between.
Apart from the financial cost, I’m keen not to incur the 20w power cost of a switch, which is quite a bit of power for a small boat, I believe the BR1 itself is only 8w and 14.5w for the AX Lite. I could switch the network on/off as necessary to save battery power, but if I can keep the network power usage down low enough, I’m hoping I can get away without on/off switching on/off all the time.
If I have to have a switch between the router & switch, the Peplink 8 Port Rugged Industrial-Grade PoE+ SD Switch looks overkill for my needs, it would only have the AP connected, is there a different switch that is less costly and/or consumes less power?
On the plus side the switch does give POE, saving the cost of a an injector and would make for an overall a tidier solution, in respect of cables an components.
These can run on 12v but power the PoE Access Points.
Also consider that most Peplink APs do run 12v natively via barrrel plugs. pepwave_ap_one_ax_lite_datasheet.pdf
The AP One AX Lite run on 12v via barrel plug (not included in the box).
You would not need a Switch, PoE or otherwise to make this setup work - but considering you might want to connect an MFD or other items via cable you could install a simple (unmanaged) Netgear 5- or 8-Port switch which also run on 12v. Gigabit Unmanaged Switch Series - GS105 | NETGEAR
Don’t forget that you could also power the BR1 with PoE from down below.
So, run 2x data cables from mast base to the Antenna Max - one for PoE up with a breakout from LAN and 12v to power the Peplink BR1 Pro 5G (and use as a WAN input for potential Starlink later) and one for LAN down for the AP. But don’t forget the Peplink AP can run 12v natively via the barrel plug.
Just remember if you pull long cables for 12v to increase the gauge accordingly - or else you’ll run into issue with low voltage, especially once you start running on batteries.
PoE is a safer bet to be honest, but you decide what you’re most comfortable with.
As for availability in UK, you’re best to find a local Peplink reseller and ask them.
Jonathan is US based, and I am APAC - so hard for us to tell about UK/EU release.
