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SonicWall 03-SSC-0463 SonicWave 681 Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band Indoor Access Point - 12 Internal Antennas - MU-MIMO - PoE - Ceiling Mountable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
The SonicWave 681 operates as a Power over Ethernet (PoE) Powered Device (PD), drawing up to 34W from a compatible PoE switch or injector, which simplifies installation by eliminating the need for a separate power outlet. Its single RJ-45 network port supports multiple Ethernet technologies including 5 Gigabit Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fast Ethernet, providing flexible uplink options depending on your network infrastructure.
Security is a core focus, with the access point supporting WPA3, WPA2, AES, and WPA2-ENT encryption standards to protect wireless traffic. It integrates with enterprise authentication systems via RADIUS and SSL protocols. Advanced wireless intrusion detection and prevention (WIDS/WIPS) capabilities enable real-time threat detection and remediation, including rogue access point and device detection to maintain network integrity.
Relevant factors for this section include Wireless LAN Standard, Bluetooth Standard, Network Band, Ethernet Technology. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The SonicWave 681 delivers several advantages for organizations upgrading their wireless infrastructure. Its Wi-Fi 6 foundation provides better power management through Target Wake Time (TWT), which extends battery life for connected IoT and mobile devices. The 12 internal antennas and beamforming technology work together to maximize coverage area and signal strength while minimizing dead zones.
High-Density Performance
With MU-MIMO technology, the access point communicates with multiple client devices simultaneously rather than sequentially, dramatically improving throughput in environments with many concurrent users.
- Efficient multi-user data transmission
- Reduces latency for real-time applications
- Optimizes airtime utilization
Enterprise Security Features
Beyond standard encryption, the SonicWave 681 includes sophisticated wireless threat protection that actively monitors for and responds to security threats within the wireless spectrum.
- WIDS for threat detection
- WIPS for active threat remediation
- Rogue AP and device detection
Deployment / Use Cases
The SonicWave 681 is specifically designed for indoor ceiling-mounted installations, making it ideal for deployment in commercial and institutional settings where aesthetics and centralized coverage are important. Its form factor and included mounting kit facilitate clean, professional installations in drop ceilings or on concrete surfaces.
This access point excels in environments requiring reliable, high-speed wireless connectivity for bandwidth-intensive applications. Educational institutions can leverage it for classroom technology and student devices, while healthcare facilities benefit from its secure connectivity for medical devices and staff mobility. Retail environments utilize its performance for point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and customer Wi-Fi, with the Bluetooth 5 capability enabling location-based services and asset tracking.
Office & Corporate Environments
Supports high-density workstations, video conferencing, cloud applications, and mobile workforce connectivity with enterprise-grade security and management.
Education & Campus Deployments
Delivers consistent coverage across classrooms, libraries, and common areas for student devices, interactive learning tools, and administrative systems.
Physical Profile
The SonicWave 681 features a compact, low-profile design measuring 8.39" (213 mm) square with a depth of just 1.54" (39 mm), allowing for discreet ceiling installation that blends with modern architectural elements. Weighing approximately 2.43 lb (1100 g), the access point is lightweight yet durable for secure mounting. Its internal antenna design eliminates external protrusions, maintaining a clean aesthetic while providing omnidirectional coverage. The unit is designed for standard ceiling tile installations with the included mounting kit, though it can also be wall-mounted with appropriate hardware.
- Width
- 8.39" (213 mm)
- Depth
- 1.54" (39 mm)
- Height
- 8.39" (213 mm)
- Weight
- 2.43 lb (1100 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate deployment of the wireless access point in a ceiling-mounted configuration.
Highlights
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology for increased throughput and reduced latency
- Dual-band operation on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands
- 12 internal antennas with beamforming technology
- Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) for efficient high-density client handling
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) powered device with 34W consumption
- Enterprise security with WPA3/WPA2 encryption and WIDS/WIPS
- Single RJ-45 port supporting 5 Gigabit, Gigabit, and Fast Ethernet
- USB 3.0 port for additional connectivity options
- Ceiling-mountable form factor with included mounting kit
- Bluetooth 5 for location services and IoT device management
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SonicWall Inc. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 03-SSC-0463 |
| Brand Name | SonicWall |
| Product Line | SonicWave |
| Product Series | 600 |
| Product Model | 681 |
| Product Name | SonicWave 681 Wireless Access Point |
| Product Type | Wireless Access Point |
| Technical Information | |
| Wireless LAN Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Bluetooth Standard | Bluetooth 5 |
| Network Band | Dual Band |
| Frequency Band | 2.40 GHz,5 GHz |
| Total Number of Antennas | 12 |
| Number of Internal Antennas | 12 |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor |
| MIMO Technology | Yes |
| MIMO Type | Multi User MIMO |
| Beamforming Technology | Yes |
| Data Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption Standard | WPA3,WPA2,AES,WPA2-ENT |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Ethernet Technology | 5 Gigabit Ethernet,Gigabit Ethernet,Fast Ethernet |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| PoE PD Port | Yes |
| USB | Yes |
| USB Standard | USB 3.0 |
| Management Port | Yes |
| Network & Communication | |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Communication Protocols | RADIUS,SSL |
| Power Description | |
| Power Consumption | 34 W |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Ceiling Mountable |
| Antenna Form Factor | Internal |
| Height | 8.39" (213 mm) |
| Width | 8.39" (213 mm) |
| Depth | 1.54" (39 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 2.43 lb (1100 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | SonicWave 681 Wireless Access Point Ceiling Mounting Kit |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | China Restriction of Hazardous Substances (China RoHS),Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
User Manual
FAQ
What Wi-Fi generation does the SonicWave 681 support?
The SonicWave 681 supports Wi-Fi 6, also known as IEEE 802.11ax. This latest wireless standard delivers significant improvements over previous generations, including higher data throughput, reduced latency, better performance in high-density environments, and improved power efficiency through features like Target Wake Time (TWT) that extends battery life for connected devices.
Does this access point support Power over Ethernet?
Yes, the SonicWave 681 includes a PoE PD (Powered Device) port that allows it to receive both power and data over a single Ethernet cable. This simplifies installation by eliminating the need for a separate power outlet near the mounting location. The access point consumes up to 34W and requires a compatible PoE switch or injector that can deliver sufficient power.
How many antennas does the SonicWave 681 have and are they internal or external?
The SonicWave 681 features 12 total antennas, all of which are internal. The internal antenna design provides a clean, low-profile appearance suitable for ceiling-mounted installations in professional environments. These antennas work with the access point's beamforming technology to direct wireless signals toward connected devices, improving coverage and reliability.
What security features are included with this wireless access point?
The SonicWave 681 includes comprehensive security features including WPA3, WPA2, AES, and WPA2-ENT encryption standards to protect wireless communications. It also features advanced wireless intrusion detection and prevention (WIDS/WIPS) capabilities that actively monitor for threats, detect rogue access points and devices, and provide remediation options to maintain network security integrity.
Can the SonicWave 681 be mounted on ceilings?
Yes, the SonicWave 681 is specifically designed for ceiling mounting and includes a ceiling mounting kit in the package. Its form factor is optimized for this installation method, with a low-profile design measuring 8.39" square and 1.54" deep. The access point can be installed in standard drop ceilings or on concrete surfaces using the provided hardware for professional, discreet deployment.
What Ethernet speeds does the SonicWave 681 support?
The SonicWave 681 features a single RJ-45 network port that supports multiple Ethernet technologies including 5 Gigabit Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fast Ethernet. This provides flexibility in uplink connectivity depending on your network infrastructure, allowing the access point to integrate seamlessly with existing switches while supporting future network upgrades to higher speeds.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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